Ohio Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Revised Code section 1533.12 tells the Division of Wildlife to issue free licenses to an Ohio resident veteran with an honorable discharge whose disability VA has determined is permanently and totally disabling, and who receives a VA pension or compensation. The same section covers a veteran who already holds disabled-veteran plates under section 4503.41. The division's hunting page lists a free hunting license, fur taker permit, either-sex deer permit, turkey permit, and Ohio wetlands habitat stamp for that permanently and totally disabled veteran. The statute also includes a fishing license. Apply in writing. The application has to be certified by VA. The Division of Wildlife also issues a narrower set to a former prisoner of war who lives in Ohio: a free hunting license, fur taker permit, and wetlands stamp. Its hunting page says the other licenses and permits still have to be bought. That is not the full disabled-veteran package. ODVS describes the product as a five-year free license and verifies eligibility for the division. The wildlife rule still says a person who is exempt from buying a license applies on the division's form. Use the current application. Active-duty members on leave do not need a hunting or fishing license while they carry leave orders. That leave rule is separate from the veteran license. The rating filter follows permanent and total disability, or a 100% rating that supports the disabled-veteran plate. A former prisoner of war can qualify for the narrower license with no disability rating.