Do Active Duty Military Members Need a Fishing License in Illinois?

Active duty military members in Illinois are eligible for various benefits and exemptions when it comes to fishing licenses and fees. In recognition of their service, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offers waivers and discounts for Illinois residents who have served abroad or been mobilized by the President of the United States.

Free Sport Fishing and Hunting Licenses

Illinois resident military members who have served abroad or been mobilized are eligible for free sport fishing and hunting licenses for the duration of their service. This includes a current Combined Sportsman’s License and Habitat Stamp, as well as one statewide archery deer permit upon verification if currently available. If requested, a free firearm deer permit for the county of choice (and the archery deer permit if not available at the time of verification) will be mailed to the applicant when available.

To be eligible, military members must apply within two years after their return from abroad or release from mobilization, provide verification of dates of service abroad or mobilization, and provide a photo identification card. They can apply in person at the IDNR Springfield Headquarters Office.

Free Camping

In addition to free sport fishing and hunting licenses, eligible Illinois resident military members are also entitled to free camping, with no camping fee except for applicable utility fees and rent-a-tent or cabin fees. The Armed Forces Special Pass (camping), issued to eligible military members, shall become effective on the date of application and shall expire on the same month and day in the year the entitlement expires.

Military members are eligible for free sport fishing, hunting, and camping for one year for each year served and for one year for each portion of a year served.

Exemptions for Non-Resident Military Members

While Illinois resident military members are eligible for various fee waivers and discounts, non-resident military members are not eligible for no-fee hunting, fishing, or camping.

However, a person on active duty in the Armed Forces, who entered the service from Illinois and is an Illinois resident, may fish without a license while on ordinary or emergency leave.

Disabled Veterans Exemptions

Fishing and hunting licenses are not required for disabled veterans, regardless of state of residency, who are receiving 10% or greater service-connected compensation or total disability pension benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To receive this exemption, disabled veterans must possess and present an affidavit issued by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs while participating in these activities.

To apply for the Disability Affidavit for Illinois Hunting and Fishing Privilege card, disabled veterans must contact their local Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Service Office and provide validation of service and benefit, including a DD214 and current verification of VA compensation or pension.

Veteran Discounts

In recognition of the services of Illinois resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have served abroad or been mobilized by the President of the United States, the IDNR will issue veterans a current fishing license, sportsmen’s combination license, or hunting license at one-half the current fee.

After the initial issuance of one-half price licenses, eligible veterans may obtain one-half price licenses in subsequent years through the IDNR website or over the counter from any of the IDNR’s direct license agents.

Non-resident veterans are not eligible for reduced fee hunting or fishing licenses.