Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)
Exemption from all hunting, trapping, and fishing license requirements for totally disabled veterans and former POWs.
State BenefitWest VirginiaRecreation & Parks
Verified May 12, 2026 against code.wvlegislature.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Recreation & Parks — West Virginia
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Active Duty
- VA rating needed
- 100% or higher
- Estimated value
- ~$35-$50/yr in license fees saved
- Where it applies
- West Virginia
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)?
Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW) is a West Virginia recreation & parks benefit for veterans, active duty. Exemption from all hunting, trapping, and fishing license requirements for totally disabled veterans and former POWs. Requires 100%+ VA disability rating. The listed value is ~$35-$50/yr in license fees saved.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Active Duty
- Requires 100%+ VA disability rating
- West Virginia residency
What Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW) covers
Overview
Eligibility (per WV Code §20-2-28): WV resident AND one of the following: (a) honorably discharged veteran receiving a veteran's pension based on total permanent service-connected disability as certified by the VA; or (b) certified by the WV Commissioner of Motor Vehicles as eligible for motor vehicle registration fee exemption (covers 100% P&T, VA Specially Adapted Vehicle grant recipients, and former POWs). Active-duty WV-resident military on leave or furlough may also hunt/trap/fish without a license.
Covers
Exemption from all hunting, trapping, and fishing license requirements.
Estimated value
A standard WV resident combo license costs approximately $35-$50/year.
How to apply for Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)
How to apply
Contact the WV Division of Natural Resources for certification procedure.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- code.wvlegislature.gov
- Apply at
- veterans.wv.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 Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)
Who qualifies for Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)?
Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW) is for Veterans, Active Duty; requires 100%+ VA disability rating; west virginia residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)?
Requires 100%+ VA disability rating.
How much is Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW) worth?
The listed value is ~$35-$50/yr in license fees saved. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)?
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 Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled/POW)?
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.