Georgia offers several benefits for veterans when it comes to hunting and fishing licenses. Active-duty military members who are stationed in Georgia may purchase a resident hunting license, even if they are not Georgia residents. However, the main focus of this article will be on the free One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License available to Georgia resident veterans.
One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License
The free One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License is available for Georgia resident military veterans who served on active Federal duty for 90 or more days and were honorably discharged on July 1, 2024 or later. This license is valid for one year from the date of issue and may only be obtained once.
To be eligible for this license, veterans must provide a copy of their DD Form 214 and a completed application from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. They must also provide a copy of their current Georgia driver’s license or official Georgia ID card.
The One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License is a full privilege sportsman’s license that includes all state-paid recreational hunting and fishing privileges. This means it covers hunting, big game, the Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp, salt and freshwater fishing, and mountain trout licenses.
However, there are some additional licenses or permits that may be needed, depending on what is being hunted or fished. These include:
The free annual state harvest record (deer and turkey)
The free annual Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp
The free annual state SIP License for salt water fishing
The federal duck stamp
These additional licenses must be renewed each year and can be obtained anywhere Georgia licenses are sold, including online, by phone, or at a license agent.
Discounted Lifetime Licenses for Veterans
After the One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License expires, veterans may apply for a discounted full privilege veterans lifetime license. Honorably discharged resident veterans may purchase a Georgia Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License at a 20% discount (ages 16 – 49).
Veterans may also purchase a Senior Discount Lifetime License beginning at age 60, or an Older Adult Lifetime License at age 50.
Disability Licenses for Veterans
Georgia also offers discounted disability hunting and fishing licenses for residents, including veterans. Veterans with a permanent and total disability rating from the VA (or another government agency) for a physical or mental impairment are eligible for a 3-year disability sportsman’s license at a steep discount from the regular license cost.
Persons are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing three-year disability license types, rather than annual types, as it saves money and doesn’t require yearly paperwork.
Veterans disabled for mental impairment may obtain a discounted disability fishing license.
Free Lifetime Fishing License for the Totally Blind
Georgia residents who are totally blind with no light perception are eligible for a free lifetime honorary fishing license.
Free Lifetime Licenses for Seniors
Georgia residents born before July 1, 1952 are eligible for a free senior lifetime sportsman’s license. Seniors born on July 1, 1952 or after may purchase low-cost lifetime or annual licenses.
In conclusion, Georgia offers several benefits for veterans when it comes to hunting and fishing licenses. The free One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License is available for Georgia resident veterans who served on active duty for 90 or more days and were honorably discharged in 2024 or later. Veterans may also purchase discounted lifetime licenses and disability licenses. Additionally, totally blind residents and seniors may be eligible for free lifetime fishing licenses.