In the great state of Texas, veterans who have served our country honorably are eligible for special discounts and benefits when it comes to fishing and hunting licenses. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers a Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package that provides a comprehensive set of licenses and endorsements at no cost to qualifying veterans.
Eligibility Requirements for Texas Veterans
To be eligible for the free Disabled Veteran Super Combo Package, a veteran must be a resident or non-resident of Texas and have a disability rating of 50% or more, as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The disability must be the result of the loss of use of a foot or leg, or the veteran must be receiving compensation from the U.S. government for the disability.
When applying for the license package, veterans must provide official proof of their disability, such as a document issued by the VA or a Texas Driver License with a “Disabled Veteran” designation. This proof must state the rate of disability and be issued within the last 12 months.
What’s Included in the Disabled Veteran Super Combo Package?
The Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package includes a comprehensive set of licenses and endorsements, including:
Resident hunting license
Resident fishing license
Archery endorsement
Freshwater fishing endorsement
Saltwater fishing endorsement with a red drum tag
Upland game bird endorsement
Migratory game bird endorsement
The only item not included in the package is the Federal Duck Stamp, which is required for waterfowl hunting.
Benefits of the Disabled Veteran Super Combo Package
For Texas residents who hunt and fish in both freshwater and saltwater, the Super Combo package can save them up to $18 compared to purchasing the licenses and endorsements separately. This significant savings is just one of the ways Texas honors and supports its veterans.
In addition to the free Super Combo package, Texas also offers free admission to state parks for veterans with a 60% or greater service-connected disability. This is part of the state’s free access program, which is designed to thank veterans for their service and support of the country and state.
Comparison to Other States
Texas is one of 25 states that offer free fishing licenses to veterans. The eligibility requirements vary by state, with some limiting the discount to veterans with higher disability ratings or only offering it to active-duty military personnel.
The average cost of a fishing license for veterans across the United States is $9.26. Texas stands out as one of the most generous states when it comes to supporting its veterans through discounted or free fishing and hunting licenses.
In conclusion, Texas veterans who meet the eligibility requirements can take advantage of the Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package, which provides a comprehensive set of licenses and endorsements at no cost. This is just one of the many ways Texas honors and supports its veterans in 2024 and beyond.