Free & Discounted Hunting Licenses by State
Find states offering free or reduced-cost licenses for seniors, military, disabled veterans, youth, and landowners.
Youth (Under 16/18)
| State | Benefit | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 do not need a hunting license when accompanied by a licensed adult | Details → |
| Alaska | Reduced | Youth licenses at reduced rates | Details → |
| Arizona | Reduced ($5) | Youth 10-17 — $5 combo hunt/fish license | Details → |
| Arkansas | Reduced ($5) | Youth hunters aged 17 and under | Details → |
| California | Reduced ($16.46) | Junior hunting license for under 16 | Details → |
| Colorado | Reduced | Youth big game tags at discounted rate ($20.30) | Details → |
| Connecticut | 50% off | Resident 16-17 year olds pay 50% of adult fees | Details → |
| Delaware | Reduced ($5) | Junior hunting license for ages 13-15 | Details → |
| Florida | Free for under 16 | Children under 16 do not need a hunting license | Details → |
| Georgia | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult | Details → |
| Hawaii | Standard fee | Youth pay the same license fees | Details → |
| Idaho | Reduced ($91.75 NR mentored) | Mentored hunting for youth 10-17 | Details → |
| Illinois | Reduced ($7.50) | Youth hunting and trapping combo | Details → |
| Indiana | Reduced ($12) | Youth 17 and under — Consolidated Hunt/Trap license | Details → |
| Iowa | Reduced | Youth 15 and under exempt from habitat fee; reduced license | Details → |
| Kansas | Free (under 16 resident) | Kansas residents under 16 do not need a hunting license | Details → |
| Kentucky | Reduced ($6.34) | Youth ages 12-15; under 12 exempt when supervised | Details → |
| Louisiana | Reduced ($5) | Youth hunters aged 17 and under | Details → |
| Maine | Reduced ($8) | Junior hunting license for under 16 | Details → |
| Maryland | Reduced ($15) | Junior hunting license for under 16 | Details → |
| Massachusetts | Reduced ($6.50) | Minor hunting license for ages 15-17 | Details → |
| Michigan | 60% discount + $5 surcharge waived | Age 16 and younger | Details → |
| Minnesota | Reduced or Free | Youth licenses significantly discounted depending on age | Details → |
| Mississippi | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 can hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult | Details → |
| Missouri | Reduced ($9.75 spring turkey, $7.50 fall) | Youth permits at approximately half price | Details → |
| Montana | Reduced rates | Under 18 | Details → |
| Nebraska | Reduced ($8) | Youth 10-15: $8 for all big game tags; under 16 free for small game | Details → |
| Nevada | Reduced ($15) | Youth 12-17 — $15 combo for both residents and non-residents | Details → |
| New Hampshire | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 may hunt with licensed adult supervision | Details → |
| New Jersey | Free | Youth ages 10-16 get free firearm and bow licenses | Details → |
| New Mexico | Reduced | Junior licenses at reduced fees | Details → |
| New York | Reduced ($5) | Junior hunting license for ages 12-15 | Details → |
| North Carolina | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 may hunt without a license when supervised | Details → |
| North Dakota | Reduced ($10) | Youth under 16 — big game license $10 | Details → |
| Ohio | Reduced ($10) | Youth hunting license — both resident and non-resident | Details → |
| Oklahoma | Reduced ($26) | Youth Super Hunting license for 17 and under | Details → |
| Oregon | Reduced ($10) | Youth 12-17 — $10 combo covers hunting + fishing + shellfish | Details → |
| Pennsylvania | Reduced ($6.97 junior, $2.97 mentored) | Junior license ages 12-16; Mentored permit under 12 | Details → |
| Rhode Island | Reduced ($14) | Junior hunting license for ages 12-14 | Details → |
| South Carolina | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 do not need a license | Details → |
| South Dakota | Reduced | Youth hunting licenses at reduced fees | Details → |
| Tennessee | Reduced ($9) | Junior licenses for ages 13-15; under 13 may hunt without a license when supervised | Details → |
| Texas | Reduced ($7) | Under 17 years of age at time of purchase | Details → |
| Utah | Reduced ($44 NR) | Youth hunting and combo licenses at reduced rates | Details → |
| Vermont | Reduced ($8) | Youth hunting license for under 18 | Details → |
| Virginia | Reduced ($7.50) | Junior deer/turkey license for under 16 | Details → |
| Washington | Reduced | Youth licenses at reduced fees | Details → |
| West Virginia | Reduced ($16) | Junior hunt/fish/trap license for ages 15-17 — both resident and NR | Details → |
| Wisconsin | Reduced | Youth licenses at reduced fees; Mentored Hunting for under 10 | Details → |
| Wyoming | Reduced | Youth licenses at reduced fees; NR deer youth landowner $110 | Details → |
Free Hunting License FAQ
Can seniors hunt for free?
Many states offer free hunting licenses for residents aged 65 or older. Some require a small fee for a senior lifetime license. Check the seniors section above for state-specific details.
Do military members get free hunting licenses?
Active-duty military stationed in a state often qualify for resident rates. Many states offer free or discounted licenses for military on leave. Benefits vary by state.
At what age can children hunt without a license?
Most states allow children under 12 to hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult. Some states have no minimum age with parental supervision. Check your state's specific youth hunting requirements.
Do disabled veterans get free hunting licenses?
Yes, most states offer free or heavily discounted licenses for disabled veterans. Requirements vary — some require 100% VA disability rating, while others offer benefits at 50% or 30%+ ratings.
Can landowners hunt without a license?
In many states, landowners can hunt on their own property without purchasing a hunting license. Specific acreage requirements and species limitations vary by state.
Where can I find all exemptions for my state?
Visit the individual state page from the table above for a complete list of available exemptions, discounts, and free license programs.