How to apply for New York Disabled Veteran Reduced-Fee Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Licenses ($5)

Who it's for

New York resident veterans with a service-related disability of 40% or more pay just $5 for the first hunting, fishing, or trapping license bought in a calendar year — and the other license types are free that same year. Qualifying veterans also get free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges (with a base hunting license) and preference in the Deer Management Permit selection. Enrollment happens once: bring a VA letter showing the case number and a service-related disability of 40% or more to any license issuing agent. After that, licenses can be renewed online, by phone at 1-866-933-2257, or at an agent location without showing the letter again.

What you'll need

• VA letter with the case number stating the service-related disability is 40% or more (needed once, at first enrollment)
• Proof of New York State residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New York Disabled Veteran Reduced-Fee Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Licenses ($5). 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 va letter with the case number stating the service-related disability is 40% or more (needed once, at first enrollment), proof of new york state residency — 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. Confirm you meet the two basic requirements: you are a New York State resident and you have a VA-rated service-related disability of 40% or more. Note that veterans rated at exactly 40% do qualify.
2. Gather your documents before your first visit: your VA letter showing your case number and confirming a service-related disability of 40% or more, plus proof of New York State residency.
3. Bring those documents to any New York State DEC license issuing agent location to complete your one-time enrollment. The agent will verify your eligibility using the VA letter.
4. Purchase your first license at that visit. Pay $5 for the first license type you choose — hunting, fishing, or trapping. The remaining license types are free for the rest of that calendar year. Free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges are also available with a base hunting license.
5. After enrollment, renew or purchase licenses each year online, by phone at 1-866-933-2257, or at any agent location — no need to show the VA letter again.

What to expect: After completing the one-time enrollment at an agent location, your eligibility is on file with the DEC. Each year, you simply purchase your license online, by phone, or at an agent — no paperwork is required again. The $5 fee applies to the first license bought in a calendar year, and other license types are free that same year. Qualifying veterans also receive preference in the Deer Management Permit selection. Because licenses are valid on an annual basis, remember to renew each calendar year to keep your privileges active. Processing times can vary, so contact the DEC or your local agent if you have questions about timing.

Renewals

annual license purchase; the one-time VA-letter enrollment carries forward