FishKillFlea
Sergeant First Class Marcus Webb served two tours in Afghanistan before a roadside IED ended his career at 33. The VA rated his service-connected disability at 60%, and the transition to civilian life in Terre Haute was harder than he expected. His therapist at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis mentioned something during a session that stuck with him: “The VA has documented what fishing does for PTSD and TBI patients. Indiana has a license for that.” Marcus drove to the DNR customer service center the next week with his VA paperwork. The woman behind the counter handed him a Disabled American Veteran fishing license for $2.75.
Two dollars and seventy-five cents. Not a typo. Indiana’s DAV fishing license is one of the cheapest veteran fishing benefits in the United States — $2.75 for a full year of fishing and small game hunting, or $27.50 for a 10-year license. The program doesn’t require a minimum disability percentage. Any service-connected disability as documented by the VA qualifies. And while the licensing benefit itself is modest in scope, the real value lies in what it represents: Indiana’s acknowledgment that time on the water is part of recovery.
Indiana’s Disabled American Veteran (DAV) License
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Indiana’s DAV fishing license, you must meet all of the following:
- Indiana resident — you must hold an Indiana driver’s license or state ID showing an Indiana address
- Service in the armed forces — any branch of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, or their reserve components)
- Service-connected disability — documented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or disability retirement benefits administered under U.S. Department of Defense laws
Important: There is no minimum disability rating. A 10% service-connected disability qualifies just as a 100% rating does. The requirement is simply that the VA has documented a service-connected disability.
DAV License Pricing
| License Type | Duration | Price | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAV Annual | 1 year (April 1 – March 31) | $2.75 | Fishing + small game hunting |
| DAV 10-Year | 10 years | $27.50 | Fishing + small game hunting |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp (add-on) | Matches base license | $11.00 | Required for trout/salmon waters |
What the DAV License Covers
- ✅ Fishing in all Indiana public waters
- ✅ Small game hunting
- ✅ Lake Michigan shoreline fishing (Indiana waters)
- ✅ Ohio River fishing under reciprocal agreement
What the DAV License Does NOT Cover
- ❌ Trout/Salmon Stamp — must be purchased separately at regular $11 price
- ❌ Deer hunting license
- ❌ Turkey hunting license
- ❌ Waterfowl stamp
- ❌ State park entrance fees
The trout gap: Unlike the Senior License ($3, includes trout), the DAV license does not include trout/salmon privileges. If you want to fish Trail Creek for steelhead, you’ll pay $2.75 for the DAV license plus $11 for the Trout/Salmon Stamp — $13.75 total. Still far below the regular $34 cost (annual license + trout stamp), but it’s an extra step veterans should know about.
New for 2025–2026: Disabled Veteran Deer & Turkey Bundle
Effective July 1, 2025, Indiana House Bill 1228 created a new Disabled Veteran Deer and Turkey Hunting License Bundle for $80 per year. This is separate from the DAV fishing license and covers:
- Deer hunting license (shotgun/muzzleloader/rifle/handgun)
- Deer hunting license (bow/crossbow)
- Turkey hunting license (spring and fall seasons)
- Allows one antlered deer plus two or three antlerless deer across all seasons
Why this matters for anglers: Before HB1228, the $2.75 DAV license covered fishing and small game hunting only — deer and turkey required full-price licenses. The new $80 bundle fills that gap. A veteran who wants to both fish and hunt deer can now hold a $2.75 DAV license (fishing + small game) plus the $80 bundle (deer + turkey) for $82.75 total — compared to $23 + $24 + $24 = $71+ for a non-disabled resident buying everything separately.
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How to Apply for Your First DAV License
The first-time application process is different from renewal — you can’t simply walk into Walmart and buy a DAV license on your first purchase.
First-Time Application Process
Option A: By Mail
- Download State Form 50833 from the Indiana DNR website
- Complete the application with your personal information and VA disability documentation
- Include payment ($2.75 for annual or $27.50 for 10-year) by check or money order payable to “Indiana DNR”
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing
- Mail to: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Customer Service Center, 402 W. Washington St., Room W160A, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Option B: Through the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- Contact the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs for a certified DAV license application
- Complete the certified form — IDVA can assist with documentation verification
- Submit the certified application in person at any DNR property (state park, fish & wildlife area)
- Pay the license fee on-site
Renewal After First Purchase
After your first DAV license, subsequent purchases can be made at:
- Licensed retailers (Walmart, tackle shops, etc.)
- DNR properties
- By mail to the customer service center
- Some vendors may require you to show your original DAV documentation
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10-Year DAV License: The Smart Play
| Duration | Annual Cost | 10-Year Cost | Savings Over Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $2.75 | — | — |
| 10 years (annual × 10) | $27.50 | $27.50 | $0.00 |
The 10-year license costs exactly 10× the annual price — no discount, no penalty. The value is in convenience: you won’t need to renew for a decade. No trips to the store, no online purchases, no forgetting to renew. For a veteran dealing with the VA system and other paperwork, eliminating one annual task for $27.50 has real quality-of-life value.
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Adaptive Fishing Programs in Indiana
Indiana hosts several programs specifically designed for veterans and disabled anglers:
Heroes on the Water — Indiana Chapters
This national nonprofit operates multiple Indiana chapters that provide free kayak fishing experiences for veterans and first responders. Events are typically held at:
- Eagle Creek Reservoir (Indianapolis) — the largest chapter in Indiana
- Geist Reservoir (Fishers/Indianapolis area)
- Various southern Indiana lakes on a rotating schedule
Equipment, kayaks, and instruction are provided free of charge. No experience necessary.
Indiana DNR State Park Fishing Events
Several Indiana state parks host organized veteran fishing events annually:
- Memorial Day Weekend — many parks offer free or discounted fishing for veterans
- Veterans Day — some parks waive entrance fees for veterans
- Summer fishing clinics — adaptive fishing instruction at accessible locations
American Legion and VFW Post Events
Local American Legion and VFW posts across Indiana organize fishing outings for members and disabled veterans. Contact your local post for schedules — events are most common between May and September.
Adaptive Equipment Resources
Indiana doesn’t have a state-run adaptive fishing equipment loan program, but these resources can help:
- Indiana Adaptive Sports — provides adaptive recreation equipment and programs
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Buckeye Chapter) — covers Indiana and provides adaptive fishing gear
- Local VA Medical Centers — recreational therapy departments at the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne VA hospitals can connect veterans with adaptive fishing opportunities
ADA-Accessible Fishing Locations for Veterans
Indiana DNR maintains accessible fishing facilities at most state parks. The best include:
| Location | County | Accessible Features | Best Fish Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Lake State Park | Henry | ADA pier, close parking, paved paths | Bass, bluegill, catfish |
| Salamonie Lake | Huntington/Wabash | Accessible pier near campground | Crappie, catfish |
| Hardy Lake | Scott | Accessible pier with railings | Crappie, bass |
| Chain O’Lakes State Park | Noble | Wheelchair dock on Sand Lake | Bluegill, bass |
| Potato Creek State Park | St. Joseph | Paved path to pier on Worster Lake | Bass, bluegill |
| Eagle Creek Park | Marion (Indianapolis) | Multiple accessible shore areas | Bass, catfish, panfish |
Neighboring States: Veteran Fishing Benefits Comparison (2026 Verified)
| State | Veteran License | Cost | Disability Requirement | Trout Included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | DAV License | $2.75/yr | Any VA-rated service-connected disability | No ($11 extra) |
| Ohio | Disabled Veteran | Free (5-yr approval) | 100% P&T (permanently and totally disabled) | Yes (all-species) |
| Kentucky | Disabled Sportsman | $12.00 / 3 years | 50%+ VA service-connected disability | Yes (trout included) |
| Michigan | Totally Disabled Vet | Free | 100% P&T or individually unemployable | Yes (all-species) |
| Illinois | Disabled Veteran | Free | 10%+ VA service-connected compensation | No (stamp extra) |
Indiana’s unique approach for 2026: The comparison reveals a clear tradeoff. Ohio and Michigan offer free licenses but require 100% permanent and total disability — the highest possible VA rating. Kentucky requires 50%+ but charges $12 for 3 years ($4/year). Illinois has the lowest threshold at 10%+ and is free, but requires an IDVA Disability Affidavit and doesn’t include trout. Indiana sits at $2.75/year with any service-connected disability — the lowest eligibility threshold in the Midwest and the cheapest non-free option. For a veteran with a 20% rating, Indiana is one of only two states (with Illinois) where they qualify for any discount at all.
Common Questions from Indiana Veterans
I’m active duty stationed at a base in Indiana. Do I qualify for resident rates?
Active duty military stationed in Indiana may qualify for resident license pricing. Contact Indiana DNR at (317) 232-4200 with your orders and station assignment for a determination.
My disability rating changed after I bought my DAV license. Does this affect anything?
No. Once you’ve qualified for the DAV license, changes in your disability rating don’t affect your license. Whether your rating increases or decreases, you remain eligible as long as you have any service-connected disability.
Can I use my DAV license on the Ohio River?
Yes. The Indiana-Kentucky reciprocal agreement applies to all valid Indiana fishing licenses, including the DAV license. You can fish the main Ohio River with either state’s license.
I’m a veteran without a service-connected disability. Are there any discounts?
Indiana’s fishing license discounts for veterans are limited to those with VA-documented service-connected disabilities. Veterans without a disability rating pay the regular resident rates ($23 annual). However, if you’re 64+, the $3 Senior License is available regardless of veteran status.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, verified March 2026. DAV application process verified through Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs.