Photo credit
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing veterans at Rapidan Camp, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Photo: N. Lewis, National Park Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Louisiana fishing licenses for veterans
What Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says about free or reduced fishing licenses for veterans, disabled veterans, service members and their families.
What the agency says
Disabled veterans
Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing licence (described by LDWF as free) for veterans with a qualifying permanent service-connected rating.
For veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, read October 20, 2026Veterans
Discounted combination hunting and fishing licence for honorably discharged veterans who are Louisiana residents.
Honorably discharged military veteran residents may purchase a recreational hunting and fishing combination license for $20.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, read October 20, 2026Active duty
Active-duty members, including National Guard, and their spouses or dependents pay Louisiana resident fees.
If you are on active duty with any of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard, or are the spouse or dependent of an active-duty member, you may purchase a license for hunting or recreational fishing in Louisiana for the same fee paid by Louisiana residents.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, read October 20, 2026Purple Heart recipients
Purple Heart recipients, resident or non-resident, can buy hunting and fishing licences at the resident rate.
Any person, whether a resident or nonresident, who has been awarded a Purple Heart is eligible for hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, read October 20, 2026Gold Star families
Resident surviving spouses of service members killed in action in a combat zone can buy the low-cost disabled/special needs licence.
If you are a Louisiana resident who is a surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana National Guard or Air National Guard, who was killed in action while in a combat zone, you may purchase a Resident Disabled/Special Needs License for $4.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, read October 20, 2026Other
Discounted combination licence for Louisiana-resident or Louisiana-born military retirees, including Louisiana National Guard.
If you are a Louisiana resident or native-born retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana National Guard, you may purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $20.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, read October 20, 2026
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries: licenses
Quoted from the agency's own page; rules, ratings and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you buy.
Fishing in Louisiana
Veteran-owned and veteran-serving guides and shops in Louisiana