Exemptions
Free & Discounted Hunting Licenses by State
Find out if you qualify for free or reduced-cost licenses as a senior, youth, veteran, military member, or disabled hunter.
Overview
Who Qualifies for Free or Discounted Hunting Licenses?
Many states across the US offer free or discounted hunting licenses to specific groups. The most common exemption categories include:
Youth (Under 16)
Seniors (65+)
Veterans
Active Military
Disabled
Landowners
Other
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of all available exemptions and discounts.
By State
Hunting License Exemptions by State
Click any state for complete details on qualifications and how to apply.
Alabama
Youth (Under 16) Free (residents) Resident youth under 16 hunt free without license; non-residents need youth license
Seniors (65+) Free / $35 lifetime Residents 65+ exempt from license; $35 lifetime available at age 64
Veterans $3.60 100% service-connected: $3.60 all-game license; one of cheapest in the US
Veterans $17.70 50%+ service-connected: half-price all-game license
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in AL pay resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property AL resident landowners hunt own property free; still need WMA license for public land
Other Resident pricing NR students 17-23 enrolled in AL colleges get resident All Game $34.35
Alaska
Youth (Under 16) Free (res) / $20 (NR) Resident youth hunt free; non-resident youth $20; must be accompanied by licensed adult
Seniors (65+) $10 Reduced license for AK residents 60+
Veterans $5 Significantly reduced fee for disabled veterans with 50%+ rating
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in AK pay $45 resident rate regardless of home of record
Other Priority seasons Alaska residents have subsistence use priority on federal lands under ANILCA; longer seasons, higher limits
Other $5 Residents qualifying under state income guidelines; includes general hunting
Arizona
Youth (Under 16) $5 combo Full hunting + fishing combo for $5 regardless of residency; big game draw eligible
Other Free Free lifetime license for residents 70+ who've held AZ licenses 25+ consecutive years
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Reduced-fee licenses for Arizona residents 70+
Veterans Free license 100% service-connected disability; free license and reduced tag fees
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Arizona pay resident license fees
Youth (Under 16) Free with supervision Children under 10 may hunt small game with a licensed adult at no cost; cannot apply for big game draws
Arkansas
Youth (Under 16) Free No license needed for residents under 16; must be accompanied by licensed adult
Seniors (65+) $3.50 Deeply discounted annual license with full Sportsman's privileges
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free hunting and fishing licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in AR may purchase at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property Resident landowners don't need a license on their own land
California
Youth (Under 16) $16.46 Reduced-fee junior license; must be supervised by licensed adult 18+; big game tags at full price since 2025
Seniors (65+) Reduced fee available California residents 65+ may qualify for reduced-fee licenses through specific programs
Veterans $10.29 / $9.79 50%+ service-connected disability; $10.29 from agents, $9.79 at CDFW offices; must be prequalified
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in California may purchase at resident rates
Other Exempt on tribal lands Federally recognized tribal members may hunt on tribal lands under tribal laws
Landowners No license exemption All hunters must have a valid hunting license regardless of land ownership in California
Colorado
Youth (Under 16) $2.50 qualifying license Deeply discounted qualifying licenses ($2.50) and big game tags ($20.30 res / $130.07 NR); must be accompanied by licensed adult
Seniors (65+) $7.25 small game Reduced-fee small game license; exempt from Habitat Stamp; preference points maintained free
Veterans Reduced fees Colorado residents with 60%+ service-connected disability qualify for reduced-fee licenses; some species free
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Colorado may purchase at resident license rates
Landowners Landowner preference Qualifying landowners (160+ acres) may receive vouchers for specific GMUs; can transfer to guests
Disabled Reduced fees Persons with permanent disabilities may qualify for reduced fees and special provisions
Connecticut
Youth (Under 16) Free No license required; must hunt with licensed adult within arm's reach
Youth (Under 16) 50% off stamps/permits Junior hunting license; half-price on stamps and permits
Youth (Under 16) 50% off licenses Half-price firearms hunting license ($10)
Seniors (65+) Free Free annual firearms and trapping license; must renew annually
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in CT pay resident rates
Landowners Free deer + turkey Free Landowner Deer Permit and Game Bird Stamp for hunting own property
Delaware
Youth (Under 16) Free No license needed; must hunt with licensed adult within arm's reach
Youth (Under 16) $5 res / $50 NR Junior hunting with adult supervision
Seniors (65+) Free Free hunting license + free waterfowl stamp for DE residents 65+
Veterans Free Disabled veterans with documentation receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in DE pay resident rates $39.50
Landowners No license on own land DE resident landowners may hunt own property without license; tags still needed
Florida
Youth (Under 16) Free No license required for youth under 16 (resident or non-resident); must be supervised by licensed adult 18+
Seniors (65+) Free Free hunting and fishing license for Florida residents 65 and older
Other $13.50 Residents 64+ can buy Silver Sportsman's license with hunting, fishing, and all season permits included
Other Free Free hunting/fishing license for Florida residents with qualifying permanent disabilities; apply at MyFWC.com/ADA
Veterans Free Gold Sportsman's 100% permanently disabled veterans receive free Gold Sportsman's license
Active Military Exempt on leave Active duty military stationed in Florida are exempt from license requirement while on leave for 30 days or fewer
Landowners Exempt on own property Florida resident landowners can hunt on their own property without a license
Georgia
Youth (Under 16) Free Georgia residents under 16 hunt free; NR youth also free; must be accompanied by licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Free (lifetime) GA residents 65+ receive free honorary hunting and fishing license for life; just show valid GA ID
Veterans Free GA resident disabled veterans at ANY percentage receive free honorary licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in GA may purchase at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own land GA resident landowners hunt own property free; Big Game license still required for deer/turkey
Youth (Under 16) Free, no license No license required; must be accompanied and within arm's reach of licensed adult
Hawaii
Youth (Under 16) Free No license needed; must hunt with licensed adult; youth hunts on some species free
Seniors (65+) Free Hawaii residents 65+ receive free hunting licenses
Veterans Free Disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in HI pay resident $10 rate
Other Access priority Native Hawaiian subsistence hunting traditions recognized; access to certain public lands
Idaho
Youth (Under 16) Reduced fees Junior tags at approximately half price
Seniors (65+) Reduced tags Senior residents get reduced-fee deer and elk tags
Veterans $5 license + reduced tags DAV license $5 with deeply discounted tags ($10.75 deer, $16.50 elk)
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Idaho hunt at resident rates
Illinois
Youth (Under 16) $7.50 Reduced youth license; landowner youth may hunt free on family land
Seniors (65+) $5.75 Reduced-fee license; 75+ exempt from Habitat Stamp
Veterans Free 100% service-connected disability; free hunting/fishing license
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Illinois hunt at resident rates
Landowners Free deer/turkey permits Qualified resident landowners (40+ acres) receive free deer and fall turkey permits
Landowners Special eligibility Non-resident landowners of qualifying IL property may apply for special deer/turkey permits
Indiana
Youth (Under 16) $12 consolidated Youth Consolidated license ($12) covers ALL hunting/trapping including deer and turkey — exceptional value
Youth (Under 16) $39/$91 NR youth deer $39 (same as resident); NR youth deer bundle $91; NR youth turkey $32 (same as resident)
Seniors (65+) Reduced Indiana residents 64+ qualify for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses
Veterans Free 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Indiana hunt at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own land Indiana residents hunting on their own property are exempt from license requirements for many species
Iowa
Youth (Under 16) Free with adult Youth under 16 can hunt under supervision of licensed adult at no cost
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Iowa residents 65+ pay reduced license fees
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free hunting licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Iowa hunt at resident rates
Landowners Free deer/turkey tags Resident landowners with 80+ acres receive free deer and turkey tags
Kansas
Youth (Under 16) No license needed (res) Kansas residents under 16 do not need a hunting license
Seniors (65+) Free No license required for Kansas residents 75+
Veterans Free Kansas residents who are disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Military stationed in KS hunt at resident rates
Landowners Hunt-Own-Land permits Resident/NR landowners get discounted Hunt-Own-Land deer permits ($87.50 NR)
Kentucky
Youth (Under 16) Free No license or permits required; must hunt with licensed adult within arm's reach
Youth (Under 16) $6 / $30 Sportsman Youth annual $6 (basic) or Youth Sportsman $30 (all-inclusive); NR youth $10
Seniors (65+) $12 / $180 lifetime Senior Sportsman $12 annual or $180 one-time lifetime; all permits included
Veterans Free KY residents with 100% service-connected disability receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in KY pay resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own land KY resident landowners hunt own property without license; deer permit still required
Louisiana
Youth (Under 16) Free with adult Children under 16 can hunt with a licensed adult at no cost; youth license ($5) for deer/turkey
Seniors (65+) Free Louisiana residents 60+ receive a free Senior Hunting/Fishing license
Veterans Free Louisiana residents with 100% service-connected disability get free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Louisiana hunt at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property Louisiana landowners may hunt on their own property without a license
Maine
Youth (Under 16) Free Must hunt with licensed adult within arm's reach
Youth (Under 16) $7 license Junior hunting; must hunt with adult
Seniors (65+) Free lifetime Free combination hunting + fishing; no renewal needed
Veterans Free 100% service-connected: free licenses + permits
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in ME pay resident rates
Landowners Sunday hunting on own land Private landowners can hunt Sundays on own land (post-2022 law)
Maryland
Youth (Under 16) $10.50 license Junior hunting; youth hunting days offer free license
Seniors (65+) $5 license Residents 65+ pay just $5; may purchase in calendar year turning 65
Veterans Free Service-connected disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in MD pay resident rates
Landowners Free on own land MD resident landowners hunt own property without license; still need harvest reporting
Other No hunter ed needed $15 res / $40 NR; hunt with licensed mentor for up to 2 years
Massachusetts
Youth (Under 16) $6.50 license Minor hunting license; adult supervision required
Seniors (65+) 50% off ($20) Half-price hunting; combo $37.50
Seniors (65+) Free lifetime Free lifetime hunting + fishing for MA residents 70+
Veterans Free Disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in MA pay resident rates
Other Free Free license for legally blind or paraplegic MA residents
Michigan
Youth (Under 16) Free with mentor Children under 10 can hunt small game with a licensed adult mentor; no license required
Youth (Under 16) $7.50 base Discounted base license; deer and turkey tags also discounted
Seniors (65+) Discounted Michigan residents 65+ may qualify for reduced-fee licenses
Veterans Free or reduced 100% disabled veterans receive free licenses; partial disability qualifies for discounts
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Michigan hunt at resident rates
Minnesota
Youth (Under 16) Free deer tag Free deer license for youth 10-12; must hunt with licensed adult
Youth (Under 16) $5 deer Deeply discounted deer license for youth 13-17
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Minnesota residents 65+ receive discounted licenses
Veterans Free Disabled veterans receive free hunting and fishing licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Minnesota hunt at resident rates
Mississippi
Youth (Under 16) Free No license required for youth under 16; must be with licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Free lifetime Mississippi residents 65+ get a free lifetime hunting and fishing license
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free hunting and fishing licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Mississippi hunt at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property Resident landowners may hunt on their own property without a license
Missouri
Youth (Under 16) Half price Youth permits are deeply discounted ($9.75 deer, $9.75 turkey)
Seniors (65+) Free small game Missouri residents 65+ get a free small game permit
Veterans Free 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive free permits
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Missouri hunt at resident rates
Landowners Free deer/turkey Missouri resident landowners hunt deer and turkey free on own land
Montana
Youth (Under 16) Free Hunt big game with licensed adult within arm's reach; no hunter ed needed
Youth (Under 16) Reduced fees Conservation $4, deer $8, elk $10; discounted sportsman available
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Conservation $4, deer $8, elk $10; reduced sportsman rates
Disabled Free or reduced MT residents 60%+ disability: free conservation + reduced species licenses
Veterans Free MT resident disabled veterans receive free licenses at specific disability ratings
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Montana purchase at resident rates
Nebraska
Youth (Under 16) Free small game Free small game permit; $8 deer; $8.50 turkey
Seniors (65+) Reduced Reduced permit fees for NE residents 65+
Veterans Reduced Reduced fees for disabled veterans
Landowners $20 deer / $18.50 turkey Reduced landowner deer and turkey permits
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NE pay resident rates
Nevada
Youth (Under 16) $15 combo Youth combo hunting + fishing regardless of residency
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Reduced license fees for Nevada residents 65+
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans get free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NV hunt at resident rates
New Hampshire
Youth (Under 16) Free license No license needed but must purchase species permits (deer $26, turkey $16, bear $16); hunt with adult
Seniors (65+) Free permanent Free permanent hunting license — never needs renewal; NH residents only
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans get free licenses + permits
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NH pay resident rates
Landowners Hunt own land NH landowners may hunt on own property; still need license and tags
New Jersey
Youth (Under 16) Free Free youth hunting license until age 16; permits still required
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Firearm $15.50, bow $16.50; significant savings
Veterans Free Service-connected disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NJ pay resident rates
Other No hunter ed Hunt without hunter ed under mentor supervision; firearm 18+, bow 14+
New Mexico
Youth (Under 16) $10 res / $15 NR Youth licenses deeply discounted
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Reduced license fees for residents 70+
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NM hunt at resident rates
New York
Youth (Under 16) $5 Junior license at $5 for both residents and non-residents; hunting with licensed adult 21+ required
Youth (Under 16) Cannot hunt Minimum age to hunt in NY is 12; crossbow allowed at 14+
Seniors (65+) $5 + free privileges Hunting $5; bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges FREE; fishing included
Veterans $5 40%+ service-connected disability; includes small game, big game, fishing
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NY pay resident rates; leave no longer required
Landowners Free (own land) NY landowners and their family members may hunt their own land without a hunting license
North Carolina
Youth (Under 16) Free No license needed; must hunt with licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Free lifetime NC residents 70+ get free lifetime comprehensive hunting + fishing
Veterans Free 100% service-connected: free licenses and big game privilege
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NC pay resident rates
Landowners Free on own land NC resident landowners hunt/fish on own property free; must register harvest
North Dakota
Youth (Under 16) Reduced fees Reduced-rate licenses; $10 deer tag for youth under 16
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Reduced license fees for ND residents 65+
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans get free licenses and tags
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in ND hunt at resident rates
Ohio
Youth (Under 16) Free No license needed for youth under 15; must be accompanied by licensed adult
Youth (Under 16) $10 Discounted youth hunting license for ages 15-17 (resident and non-resident)
Seniors (65+) $10 annual Reduced fee annual license for residents 65+; residents born on or before Dec 31, 1937 get a free license
Veterans Free Ohio residents with 60%+ service-connected disability get free hunting license and deer permit
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Ohio may purchase at resident license rates
Landowners Exempt on own property Ohio landowners can hunt on their own land without a license; deer permit is still required for deer hunting
Oklahoma
Youth (Under 16) $26 Super Hunting Youth Super covers all game species at deeply discounted rate
Seniors (65+) Free Oklahoma residents 64+ receive free hunting and fishing licenses
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans get free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in OK hunt at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property Oklahoma resident landowners can hunt on own land without a license (deer license still needed)
Oregon
Youth (Under 16) $10 combo Youth combo covers hunting + angling + shellfish; $10 through 2030; NR youth same price
Seniors (65+) $10 license Pioneer license $10; also reduces species tag fees significantly
Veterans Free Qualifying OR disabled veterans receive free licenses and tags
Active Military $39 (resident) NR active duty stationed in OR pay resident rate
Youth (Under 16) Free with mentor Youth under 12 may participate in mentored hunts with licensed adult
Landowners Preference points Landowners who provide habitat get controlled hunt preference
Pennsylvania
Youth (Under 16) Free No license or hunter ed needed; must hunt with licensed adult mentor within arm's reach
Other $6.97 Reduced-fee junior license; no hunter education required until first adult license
Seniors (65+) $13.97 annual / $51.97 lifetime Discounted annual or one-time lifetime license for residents 65+
Veterans Reduced fee PA residents with 60%+ service-connected disability receive reduced fees
Active Military Resident rates Active duty military stationed in PA may purchase at resident rates
Rhode Island
Youth (Under 16) Free Free with licensed adult; hunter ed required starting at 12
Seniors (65+) Free permanent Free permanent hunting + fishing combo; lifetime license; RI residents
Disabled Free permanent Free permanent license with qualifying disability documentation
Veterans Free Disabled veterans receive free licenses and deer permits
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in RI pay resident rates
South Carolina
Youth (Under 16) Free Youth under 16 don't need a license; must hunt with licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Free Gratis SC residents 64+ get free Gratis hunting/fishing license
Veterans Free Disabled veterans get free Disability hunting license
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in SC hunt at resident rates
South Dakota
Youth (Under 16) Free for residents Resident youth under 16 hunt free with licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Reduced-fee licenses for South Dakota residents 65+
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in SD hunt at resident rates
Tennessee
Youth (Under 16) Free No license required; must hunt with licensed adult
Youth (Under 16) $9 Junior Full privileges with Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap; no supplements
Seniors (65+) $49 lifetime One-time permanent license covering all privileges
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free lifetime licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in TN hunt at resident rates
Texas
Youth (Under 16) Exempt Children under 9 do not need a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult
Youth (Under 16) $7 Must be supervised by licensed adult 18+
Seniors (65+) $7 Resident Discounted combo license for Texas residents age 65+
Veterans Free 50%+ service-connected disability rating, Texas resident
Active Military Resident Rates Active duty stationed in Texas can purchase at resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property Resident landowners can hunt on their own property without a license
Utah
Youth (Under 16) $11 license Reduced-fee youth hunting license
Seniors (65+) Reduced fees Reduced license and tag fees for residents 65+
Veterans Free or reduced Disabled veterans receive free or reduced-fee licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Utah hunt at resident rates
Vermont
Youth (Under 16) $8 res / $25 NR Youth hunting license
Seniors (65+) Reduced Reduced license fees for VT residents 65+
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in VT hunt at resident rates
Virginia
Youth (Under 16) Free with adult No license required; must hunt with licensed adult; optional $12 NR license
Youth (Under 16) $8.50-$16 res / $15-$30 NR Junior hunting $8.50 or Youth Combo $16 (all-inclusive res)
Seniors (65+) $9 hunting Residents 65+ pay $9 hunting; 70+ get free archery + muzzleloading
Veterans Free 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in VA pay resident rates
Landowners Exempt on own property VA resident landowners hunt own property without license; deer/turkey license still required
Washington
Youth (Under 16) Free license Free hunting license; special hunt permits only $5.05; must hunt with licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Reduced Significant discounts on hunting licenses and tags
Veterans Reduced 30%+ service-connected disability; discounted licenses and tags
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in WA pay resident rates
Disabled Reduced Permanently disabled WA residents qualify for reduced-fee licenses
Landowners Free tags Landowners with crop/property damage may receive free damage permits from WDFW
West Virginia
Youth (Under 16) Free No license needed; must hunt with licensed adult
Seniors (65+) Free Residents who turned 65 before Jan 1, 2012 get free lifetime licenses
Seniors (65+) $25 Residents who turned 65 on/after Jan 1, 2012 pay $25
Veterans Free 100% disabled veterans receive free licenses
Landowners Exempt on own property WV resident landowners can hunt on own land without a license
Wisconsin
Youth (Under 16) Free with mentor Children of any age may hunt under mentored hunting program with licensed adult within arm's reach; no minimum age
Youth (Under 16) $10 deer Discounted deer license; reduced small game fees; youth deer season weekend
Seniors (65+) $9 combination Residents 65+ get combination license covering small game, deer, turkey, and fishing at deeply reduced rate
Veterans Free Wisconsin residents with 70%+ service-connected disability get free hunting/fishing licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty military stationed in Wisconsin hunt at resident rates
Landowners Free small game/deer Resident landowners with 50+ contiguous acres receive free small game and deer hunting on own land
Wyoming
Youth (Under 16) Reduced fees Youth elk $25 res/$275 NR; youth deer $20 res/$110 NR; youth antelope $20 res/$110 NR
Seniors (65+) Reduced tags Reduced resident tag prices for seniors; still conservation stamp needed
Veterans Free or reduced Qualified disabled veterans get free or reduced-fee licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in WY hunt at resident rates
Landowners Landowner tags Landowner preference in draw; dedicated landowner licenses available in some areas
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can seniors hunt for free in any state?
Several states offer free or deeply discounted hunting licenses for residents age 65 and older. Texas offers a $7 senior resident license, while states like Georgia and Kentucky provide free licenses to senior residents.
Do youth need a hunting license?
Many states exempt children under a certain age (usually 12-16) from needing a hunting license, though they must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Some states offer free youth licenses while others charge a nominal fee.
What veterans qualify for free hunting licenses?
Most states offering veteran benefits require a service-connected disability rating (typically 50% or higher). Some states extend free or discounted licenses to all honorably discharged veterans, regardless of disability status.
Do active military get hunting discounts?
Many states offer resident-rate licenses to active duty military stationed in the state, even if they are not legal residents. Some states provide completely free licenses to active duty personnel.