Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License
$5 Sportsman license (fishing, big game, and small game) plus free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges for NY resident veterans with 40%+ VA service-connected disability.
State BenefitNew YorkRecreation & Parks
Verified May 12, 2026 against dec.ny.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Recreation & Parks — New York
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- 40% or higher
- Estimated value
- $5/year (Sportsman license; bowhunting and muzzleloading free)
- Where it applies
- New York
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License?
Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License is a New York recreation & parks benefit for veterans. $5 Sportsman license (fishing, big game, and small game) plus free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges for NY resident veterans with 40%+ VA service-connected disability. Requires 40%+ VA disability rating. The listed value is $5/year (Sportsman license; bowhunting and muzzleloading free).
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Requires 40%+ VA disability rating
- New York residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
New York State resident veteran with a VA service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher.
What Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License covers
Covers
A Sportsman license (freshwater fishing, big game, and small game) for $5. Free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges and Deer Management Permit preference are also included.
Renewal
Each calendar year requires a new $5 Sportsman license purchase.
Important to know
VA letter with case number stating 40%+ SC disability is required.
How to apply for Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License
How to apply
Apply at any location that sells New York hunting and fishing licenses, or through the New York State DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) website at dec.ny.gov.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- dec.ny.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License
Who qualifies for Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License?
Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License is for Veterans; requires 40%+ VA disability rating; new york residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License?
Requires 40%+ VA disability rating.
How much is Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License worth?
The listed value is $5/year (Sportsman license; bowhunting and muzzleloading free). Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.