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Licenses for Disabled Hunters and Anglers

Discounted hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans

Indiana residents who have served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability are eligible for a DAV license. If you're looking for the permit application for a hunter with a disability, visit our permitting website.

Steps to get your first DAV license:

  1. Fill out your application form. 
    Applications are available from your County Veteran Service Officer or online.
  2. Include your USDVA File number.
  3. Send your application, payment for the license, and self-addressed stamped envelope to:
DNR Customer Service Center
402 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
  1. Once you receive your certified application, you may use it to purchase your first DAV license either in the mail through the DNR customer service center or by taking the attached application certified by the Indiana Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs to a DNR property. You can send in a check or money order payable to IDNR when you submit the application and your license will be mailed to you upon the certification by the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs and payment for the license.
  2. Within two weeks, your signed and sealed certified application will be returned to you. You will need to retain this letter for your future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible for the DAV license?

    Indiana residents who have served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability are eligible.

  • How can I purchase my DAV license?

    You will need to purchase your first DAV license either in the mail through the DNR customer service center or by taking the attached application certified by the Indiana Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs to a DNR property. You can send in a check or money order payable to IDNR when you submit the application and your license will be mailed to you upon the certification by the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs and payment for the license.

  • How much does the license cost and what does it cover?

    The license sells for $2.75 and covers the hunting of small game as well as fishing, excluding any stamps. You can buy a 10-year DAV license for $27.50. This covers the same as above for a total of 10 hunting/fishing seasons.

  • Are stamps included on the license?

    No, Game bird, Waterfowl, and Trout and Salmon stamps are not included in the discounted license.

  • Can I buy stamps for my DAV license?

    Yes, you may purchase stamps at the regular price to affix to your DAV license.

  • Does my DAV license cover deer or turkey hunting?

    No, your DAV license is good for small game hunting or fishing only.

  • How do I purchase my license in future years?

    Once you receive your certified application, you may use it or your previous license to purchase future licenses on-line or at any retailer and eliminate any delay.  Please note that your first DAV license must be purchased at the IDNR Customer Service Center or an IDNR property. Just show your license or certified application to the vendor for proof of your eligibility.

    Most state properties sell the DAV licenses, as do many licensed vendors around the state.

    Call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 317-232-4200 if you have any more questions.

  • Who sells the DAV licenses?

    Most state properties sell the DAV licenses as well as many licensed vendors around the state.

  • Who may I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

    You may contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, at (317) 232-4200 or the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, at (317) 232-3910.


Permits for disabled hunters

Individuals with a disability that prevents them from being able to hunt wild animals under regular hunting regulations may request a special permit from the DNR. Special permits may allow those who cannot walk or have serious walking limitations to hunt from a vehicle or gain special vehicle access on public property. A disability is defined as a physical impairment resulting from injury or disease, excluding impairment due to the normal aging process. For rules or application forms, contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife by calling 317-232-4102 or go to our license page. This permit is in addition to any license or stamp required by law to hunt in Indiana.

Hunter education for disabled hunters

Individuals with certain permanent developmental disabilities as defined in state law may apply for a conditional hunter education card. The individual must first take the hunter education class. Hunter education classes and additional information can be found through the DNR’s Division of Law Enforcement.

Opportunities for disabled hunters on public lands

All DNR properties have areas for hunters with disabilities to access; however, to hunt with the use or aid of a motor-driven conveyance, the individual must first obtain a permit from the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Contact the property where you wish to hunt, present a copy of the permit to the property office, and they can provide you with more instructions for where to safely hunt on that property. On some properties, access may need to be provided with a key. There are additional restrictions governing the use of ATVs and other motor-driven conveyances on public property, and ATVs may not be able to be used on all properties (e.g., they are not allowed on Fish & Wildlife areas). Property contact information is in the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide and the Recreation Finder webpage.

Crane NSA is a federal property that offers a special opportunity for deer hunters with disabilities one day a year. To be eligible, the person must first have a permit from the DNR to hunt from a stationary motor-driven conveyance and pass a background check. A hunter may have up to two assistants (helpers) on the day of the hunt. For more information or to get an application form, call Crane NSA at 812-854-1165.

If you need special access to fish on a DNR property, please contact the property office.

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