State Benefit·West Virginia·🌲Recreation & Parks

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.

Verified May 12, 2026againstcode.wvlegislature.gov

Who qualifies

VeteransActive Duty
  • Requires 100%+ VA disability rating
  • West Virginia residency

How to apply

~$35-$50/yr in license fees saved

Apply through the official West Virginia agency.

Open application

Details

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

Contact the WV Division of Natural Resources for certification procedure.

Always confirm current rates and rules with the West Virginia state agency before applying.

Other West Virginia Recreation & Parks

See every benefit you qualify for in West Virginia

Get a personalized list of federal, state, and local veteran benefits based on your service history, disability rating, and West Virginia residency — in under 2 minutes.

Find My West Virginia Benefits