Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED (Kentucky) — Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Who qualifies for Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Proposed complete exemption from all hunting and fishing licensing fees for 100% disabled veterans. NOT currently law — the 2023 bill (HB25) died in committee. The $12/year Disabled Sportsman's License remains the in-effect benefit. This benefit requires a VA disability rating of 100% or higher. You must be a Kentucky resident to qualify.

Question 2

How much is Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED worth in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED is valued at Not currently available (proposed legislation did not pass; use the $12 Disabled Sportsman's License instead). Amounts reflect 2026 Kentucky state rates and may be adjusted by the state legislature; verify current values with the relevant Kentucky state agency or the official application URL on this page before applying.

Question 3

How do I apply for Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED?

Accepted Answer

Apply through the official Kentucky agency at fw.ky.gov (linked from this page). Required documentation typically includes: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Kentucky residency, and (3) VA disability rating letter. For free help with the application, contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

Question 4

Is Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED only for 100% disabled veterans?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED requires a 100% VA service-connected disability rating (some Kentucky programs also recognize 100% Individual Unemployability/TDIU as equivalent). Veterans rated below 100% would not qualify for this specific program but may qualify for similar state benefits at lower rating thresholds (e.g., partial property tax credits at 50%+). See the related-benefits section below.

Question 5

Does Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED stack with federal VA benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED is a Kentucky state benefit administered separately from federal VA benefits. Kentucky veterans can receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Kentucky state programs they qualify for simultaneously. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal benefits first; check the eligibility section above.

Question 6

Does Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED cover spouses or surviving family members?

Accepted Answer

Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED as listed is the veteran-directed program. Kentucky administers several parallel programs for spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children — including dependent tuition waivers, survivor benefits, and (in many states) cemetery interment rights. Eligibility for those is determined separately by family relationship and the veteran's service record. See the related-benefits section below.

Question 7

Is there a deadline or annual renewal for Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED?

Accepted Answer

Most Kentucky recreation-related veteran benefits (state park passes, hunting/fishing licenses) renew annually. Some programs once approved continue automatically until eligibility changes (e.g., moving out of Kentucky, change in disability rating, or death of the veteran). Verify renewal requirements with the issuing Kentucky agency.

Question 8

Is Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED a federal or state benefit?

Accepted Answer

Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED is a Kentucky state-level benefit, administered by Kentucky's state Department of Veterans Affairs (or partner state agency depending on benefit type). It is funded by Kentucky state taxpayers and is in addition to — not instead of — any federal VA benefits a veteran qualifies for. Eligibility requires Kentucky residency.

Total Hunting and Fishing License Exemption (100% Disabled) - PROPOSED, NOT ENACTED

Who qualifies

How to apply

Details

Status

Other Kentucky Recreation & Parks

Military Lodging Discount at State Parks

Free Camping for Former Prisoners of War

Disabled Veteran Sportsman's License (50%+ Disability)

Free State Park Accommodations (100% Disabled)

See every benefit you qualify for in Kentucky