In Michigan, veterans with 100% disability or full-time active-duty military personnel can obtain free hunting and fishing licenses not obtained through a lottery in 2024. This policy, which has been in place since March 1, 2013, aims to make outdoor activities more accessible to those who have served their country.
Eligibility Requirements for Free Licenses
To be eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses, Michigan residents must meet one of the following criteria:
Have been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100-percent rate, for a disability other than blindness
Be rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable
Veterans who meet these requirements must provide proof of eligibility at the time of license purchase and carry this proof when using any license obtained under this legislation.
How to Obtain Free Licenses
Free hunting and fishing licenses for eligible veterans in Michigan are available through the following methods:
Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
On the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App
At a License Agent (find the list at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents)
At a DNR Customer Service Center (find the one closest to you)
These licenses become available for sale at the same time as regularly priced items throughout the year, depending on the sporting season openers and leftover or over-the-counter quantities.
Senior Discount for Legally Blind Anglers
While veterans with 100% disability can obtain free fishing licenses, legally blind anglers who are not disabled veterans can still receive their fishing licenses at the senior rates in Michigan.
To prove eligibility for the senior discount, a Michigan resident who is declared legally blind may need to provide documentation, such as a physician’s statement or a letter from the Michigan Commission for the Blind.
Importance of Outdoor Recreation for Veterans
Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing can provide significant benefits for veterans, especially those struggling with mental health issues or the transition to civilian life. Many veterans have found solace and healing in nature, and organizations like Outdoor Driven in Bay City, Michigan, are dedicated to taking veterans on hunting and fishing trips to help them cope with the challenges they face.
Andrew Comtois, a veteran who launched Outdoor Driven, says the outdoors saved his life after he hit rock bottom following his military service. He believes that getting veterans outside provides “free therapy in nature” and helps them find peace and healing.
Similarly, Sean Chase, another veteran, says that fishing helps him escape the constant sense of danger he experiences due to his military experiences. He explains that when he’s waist-deep in a river, he’s not thinking about being blown up or shot at, but rather enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans in Michigan are a testament to the state’s commitment to supporting those who have served their country. By making outdoor recreation more accessible, Michigan is helping veterans find the peace, healing, and therapy they need to overcome the challenges they face.