How to apply for Kentucky Disabled Veteran Sportsman's License (Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing)

Who it's for

Kentucky residents who are at least 50% disabled from a service-connected disability can buy the Disabled Sportsman's License for $12.68 a year — the full-price Sportsman's License costs $100.42. The license bundles the combination hunting and fishing license, all deer permits, the spring and fall turkey permits, the Kentucky migratory bird/waterfowl permit, and the trout permit. To qualify, ask the local VA office for a letter verifying the disability rating, with the current Kentucky address and the last four digits of the Social Security number, and submit it to Fish and Wildlife online, by mail, or in person. The disability authorization stays valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. Kentuckians 65 and older can get the same low price through the Senior Sportsman's License, so this benefit matters most for disabled veterans under 65.

What you'll need

• Letter from the VA verifying at least a 50% service-connected disability, showing the current Kentucky address and the last four digits of the Social Security number

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Kentucky Disabled Veteran Sportsman's License (Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need letter from the va verifying at least a 50% service-connected disability, showing the current kentucky address and the last four digits of the social security number — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Contact your local VA office and request a letter verifying your service-connected disability rating of at least 50%. The letter must show your current Kentucky address and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
2. Gather the VA letter before you apply — this is the only document required to prove eligibility.
3. Apply online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) website, or call KDFWR at 800-310-1873 to apply by phone.
4. Pay the $12.68 annual fee for the Disabled Sportsman's License. This bundles the combination hunting and fishing license, all deer permits, spring and fall turkey permits, the Kentucky migratory bird/waterfowl permit, and the trout permit.
5. If you plan to hunt waterfowl, complete the annual HIP survey and purchase a Federal Duck Stamp — these are required separately and are not included in the license bundle.

What to expect: After submitting your VA letter and payment, KDFWR will process your application — processing times vary, so contact KDFWR directly for an estimate. Your Disabled Sportsman's License is valid annually from March through the end of February, so you will need to renew the license each year. Your disability authorization, however, stays valid for three years before it needs to be renewed with KDFWR. Keep in mind that this benefit applies to Kentucky residents with a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%. Kentuckians aged 65 and older can get the same reduced price through the Senior Sportsman's License without needing a disability rating.

Renewals

annual license (valid March through the end of February); the disability authorization is valid for three years