As a veteran, you may be eligible for reduced-fee sport fishing and hunting licenses in California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers these benefits to both resident and nonresident disabled veterans who have been honorably discharged and have a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability.
Eligibility Requirements for Reduced-Fee Licenses
To qualify for a reduced-fee sport fishing or hunting license, you must meet the following criteria:
Be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
Have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Provide documentation of your eligibility, such as a letter from the VA or a copy of a previous year’s California Disabled Veterans Hunting or Fishing License
If you are a recovering service member undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness related to your military service, you may also be eligible for a reduced-fee hunting license.
How to Apply for a Reduced-Fee License
To apply for a reduced-fee sport fishing or hunting license, follow these steps:
Send a photocopy of your identification (driver’s license and GO ID number) and documentation of eligibility to the CDFW License and Revenue Branch by mail, fax, or secure document upload.
Include a letter from the VA documenting your eligibility as a disabled veteran or a letter from your commanding officer or military medical doctor verifying your eligibility as a recovering service member.
Provide your telephone number and email address (optional, but may expedite issuance).
For hunting licenses only, provide proof of hunter education (unless you purchased a California hunting license after 2011).
Once your eligibility has been verified, you will receive notification and be able to purchase a low-cost disabled veteran or recovering service member sport fishing or hunting license anywhere licenses are sold.
Cost of Reduced-Fee Licenses
The cost of reduced-fee sport fishing and hunting licenses for disabled veterans or recovering service members in 2024 is $9.46 when purchased at a CDFW license agent.
Additional Opportunities for Veterans
Throughout the year, many California-based nonprofit organizations and groups offer special hunting and fishing opportunities for veterans. These opportunities are not endorsed by CDFW, but a list of organizations and groups offering programs can be found on the CDFW’s Recruit, Retain, Reactivate webpage under both the Hunting and Fishing tabs.
In addition, CDFW may participate in events such as the Assembly District 13 Veterans Stand Down event in Stockton, California, where staff will be available to answer questions regarding reduced-fee licenses, job opportunities, and other hunting and angling-related topics.
For more information on reduced-fee fishing licenses, visit the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing#44521417-free–reduced-fee. For information on reduced-fee hunting licenses, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Hunting#994193-reduced-fee.
Fishing and hunting regulations and more information about licenses are available on the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations.
To learn more about becoming a hunter or angler, or for additional resources regarding hunting and angling, visit the CDFW’s Recruit, Retain, Reactivate webpage at wildlife.ca.gov/R3.