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
Wisconsin fishing licenses for veterans
What Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says about free or reduced fishing licenses for veterans, disabled veterans, service members and their families.
What the agency says
Residents serving away, home on leave
Free Small Game and Fishing License for residents in active service who are on furlough or leave.
Any resident in active service with the Armed Forces, who presents their military ID/CAC card or active-duty orders, and proof they are on furlough or leave to any license agent is eligible for a free Small Game & Fishing License (state stamps included).
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026Service members stationed in the state
Qualified nonresident service members, including those stationed in Wisconsin, pay resident rates.
Qualified nonresident Armed Forces member, who present eligibility documents to any license agent may purchase nonresident military hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at resident rates.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026National Guard and Reserve
Nonresident Wisconsin Guard or Reserve members located in Wisconsin qualify for resident-rate licences.
Members of the Wisconsin National Guard or a Reserves (active or non-active) located in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026Veterans
One-time free licence, including annual fishing, for recently returning resident veterans via WDVA voucher.
2013 Wisconsin Act 20 authorizes recently returning Wisconsin resident veterans to receive a one-time free small game, archery, gun deer or annual fishing license.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026Disabled veterans
Reduced-fee Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License for qualifying VA-rated or unemployable veterans.
Receiving disability compensation benefits due to a disability rating of at least 70% or greater for a service-related disability, is individually unemployable, or is receiving non-service related VA pension benefits.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026Purple Heart recipients
Nonresident Purple Heart recipients get fishing and other approvals at resident rates.
Hunting, fishing and trapping approvals at resident rates for nonresident Purple Heart medal recipients
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, read October 20, 2026
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: licenses
Quoted from the agency's own page; rules, ratings and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you buy.
Fishing in Wisconsin
Veteran-owned and veteran-serving guides and shops in Wisconsin