Indiana offers reduced-fee and free hunting and fishing licenses to certain military veterans and disabled veterans who are residents of the state. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) provides these benefits to honor and support those who have served our country.
Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Indiana Resident Veterans
Indiana resident veterans can purchase a reduced-fee hunting and fishing license for just $2.75 per year or $27.50 for a 10-year license. To be eligible, applicants must:
Have at least a 0% VA Rated Disability
Have an honorable discharge
Provide proof of VA-rated disability (VA Award Letter)
Provide proof of honorable discharge (DD-214)
Veterans can apply for the reduced-fee license by visiting the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, contacting their local DNR office, or reaching out to their County Veteran Service Officer for assistance. The application process involves submitting the completed form along with the required supporting documents to the DNR Customer Service Center in Indianapolis.
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Indiana Resident Disabled Veterans
Indiana residents who have served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability are eligible for a free Disabled American Veterans (DAV) license to fish or hunt small game. The DAV license covers small game hunting and fishing, excluding any stamps. Veterans can purchase a 10-year DAV license for $27.50.
To apply for the free DAV license, veterans must:
Fill out the application form available from their County Veteran Service Officer or online
Include their USDVA File number
Send the application, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the DNR Customer Service Center
Once the certified application is received, veterans can use it to purchase their first DAV license either by mail through the DNR customer service center or by taking it to a DNR property
In future years, veterans can use their certified application or previous license to purchase licenses online or at any retailer, eliminating any delays.
Other Fishing License Exemptions in Indiana
In addition to the reduced-fee and free licenses for veterans, Indiana also offers fishing license exemptions for:
Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943
Residents and nonresidents under age 18
Residents who are legally blind
Residents of state-owned mental rehabilitation facilities
Residents of licensed health care facilities participating in supervised fishing activities
Residents with developmental disabilities
Fishing in private ponds
Resident owners or lessees of Indiana farmland
Nonresident active duty service members stationed in Indiana can also purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident prices.
Indiana’s reduced-fee and free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans demonstrate the state’s commitment to supporting those who have served our country. By offering these benefits, Indiana aims to make outdoor recreational activities more accessible and affordable for its veteran residents.