Do Active Duty Military Need a Fishing License in North Carolina in 2024?

As we approach the end of June 2024, many active duty military personnel are preparing for their summer leave. For those stationed outside of North Carolina who call the Tar Heel State home, the question arises: do they need a fishing license when visiting to enjoy some time off?

North Carolina Fishing License Requirements

In general, anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina’s public waters. This includes both inland and coastal waters. Licenses can be purchased for a specific number of days, annually, or even for a lifetime.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, particularly for active duty military personnel who are residents of North Carolina.

Exemption for North Carolina Residents on Military Leave

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, a resident of North Carolina who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces serving outside the state, or a North Carolina resident who is on full-time military duty outside the state in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, is exempt from hunting, inland, and coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in North Carolina for 30 days or less.

To take advantage of this exemption, the service member must carry their military ID card and a copy of the official document confirming they are on leave from a duty station outside of North Carolina.

It’s important to note that even though a license is not required, individuals exempt from fishing license requirements must still adhere to designated seasons and limits.

Lifetime Disabled Veteran Licenses

In addition to the leave exemption, North Carolina offers lifetime disabled veteran licenses for those who qualify.

To be eligible, the veteran must be a North Carolina resident and have a 50% or greater disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The licenses range in price from $10 to $110, depending on the type of license.

Applications for these licenses must be certified by the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to ensure eligibility.

Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Exemption

As of October 1, 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation allowing veterans to fish in Mountain Heritage Trout Waters for free.

Typically, anyone 16 or older must purchase a three-day license or use a valid inland fishing license to fish these waters. However, the new law exempts both resident and nonresident veterans who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans fishing in Mountain Heritage Trout Waters under this exemption must carry their DD214 (or equivalent) as proof of their service and honorable discharge.

Nonresident Military Personnel and Dependents

Nonresident U.S. Armed Forces service members stationed in North Carolina, their spouse, and dependents under 18 living with them are considered residents of North Carolina for the purpose of purchasing licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

This means they can purchase licenses at resident prices.

Additionally, nonresident service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed outside North Carolina are considered residents of North Carolina and can purchase short-term and annual hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at resident prices.