In Alabama, veterans with a disability rating of 20% or higher from the U.S. Veterans Administration are eligible for discounted fishing licenses in 2024. According to Title 9-11-53.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, these veterans can purchase annual freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses at a reduced rate.
Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation Annual Freshwater Fishing License
The Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation Annual Freshwater Fishing License allows qualifying resident disabled military veterans to fish in the public freshwaters of Alabama. The license purchase includes the privileges of the Wildlife Heritage License, which allows fishing in freshwater statewide with hook and line from the bank, fishing in Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) operated Public Fishing Lakes (daily lake permits required), hunting small game (except waterfowl) on WFF Wildlife Management Areas (WMA map/permit required), and shooting on WFF managed shooting ranges.
To qualify for this license, the applicant must show certification from the U.S. Veterans Administration showing a disability of 20% or more. The license costs $3.50, and all applicants must first present their driver’s license.
Resident Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled U.S. Military Veterans
Effective beginning with the license year commencing on September 1, 2021, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources began issuing resident lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to disabled U.S. military veterans subject to certain fees, qualifications, and conditions.
For the lifetime disabled military veteran’s appreciation hunting license, veterans who are certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration as 40% or more physically disabled and who meet the residency requirements of Section 9-11-44 can purchase the license for $60 if under 50 years old, or $30 if 50 years old or older.
Veterans who are certified as 100% service-connected permanently and totally disabled can purchase the lifetime resident 100% disabled military veteran’s appreciation hunting license for $45 if under 50 years old, or $25 if 50 years old or older.
For the lifetime disabled military veteran’s appreciation freshwater fishing license, veterans meeting the disability and residency requirements of Section 9-11-53 can purchase the license for $45 if under 50 years old, or $25 if 50 years old or older.
The lifetime disabled military veteran’s appreciation saltwater fishing license costs $45 if under 50 years old, or $25 if 50 years old or older. The department may also offer a combination lifetime license for hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing to disabled military veterans for a total of the applicable license fees.
Other Veteran Fishing Benefits in Alabama
In addition to the discounted fishing licenses, Alabama offers several other benefits for veterans and their families related to fishing and hunting:
- The Alabama legislature has approved hunting white-tailed deer and feral swine with the aid of bait. All hunters, including license-exempt hunters, who wish to hunt with the aid of bait must purchase a required bait privilege license. Hunting with the aid of bait is prohibited on public lands (WMAs included).
- The Alabama Parks for Patriots Program offers free admission to Alabama State Parks for resident veterans and active duty service members. Nonresident service members and veterans are authorized free admission only on state and federal holidays.
To take advantage of these benefits, veterans must provide proof of their disability rating and residency status. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources oversees the administration of these licenses and benefits.
In conclusion, Alabama offers significant discounts and benefits for disabled veterans when it comes to fishing licenses and access to state parks. These programs aim to support and honor the service and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. military.