Are you an active duty service member, veteran, or disabled veteran looking to enjoy Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities in 2024? Good news – the state offers special discounts on fishing licenses to honor your service and sacrifice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eligibility, license types, costs, and the application process to secure your discounted Michigan fishing license this year.
Eligibility for Discounted Licenses
Michigan recognizes the sacrifices made by those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As a result, the state offers discounted fishing licenses to the following groups:
Active Duty Military Personnel
If you are currently serving on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, you are eligible for resident pricing on Michigan fishing licenses, regardless of your state of residence. To qualify, you must provide proof of your active-duty status at the time of purchase and while fishing.
Veterans
Michigan extends its gratitude to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in several ways:
- Disabled Veterans with 100% Service-Connected Disability Rating: These individuals are eligible to receive all hunting and fishing licenses free of charge, except for those obtained through a lottery system.
- Disabled Veterans with Other Disability Ratings: Veterans with disability ratings below 100% may be eligible for discounted fishing licenses, with the discount amount varying based on their specific disability rating percentage.
To take advantage of these benefits, disabled veterans must provide documentation of their disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or military records.
Required Documentation
Regardless of your military status, you’ll need to provide valid documentation to prove your eligibility for the discounted fishing license. Acceptable forms of documentation may include:
- Military ID card (for active duty personnel)
- Leave papers or orders (for active duty personnel)
- Veteran ID card or discharge papers (for veterans)
- Disability rating decision letter from the VA (for disabled veterans)
- Other official paperwork verifying military status or disability rating
Having these documents readily available will ensure a smooth and efficient application process.
License Types and Costs in 2024
Michigan offers a variety of fishing license options to cater to different needs and residency statuses. Here’s an overview of the most common license types and their costs for 2024, including the discounted rates for eligible military personnel:
Resident Licenses
- Annual All-Species Resident License: $26* (discounted for eligible military personnel)
- Annual All-Species Senior Resident License (for residents aged 65 or older, or legally blind): $11*
- 24-Hour Resident License: $11
Non-Resident Licenses
- Annual All-Species Non-Resident License: $80 (discounted to resident pricing for eligible military personnel stationed in Michigan)
- 24-Hour Non-Resident License: $11
Short-Term Licenses
In addition to annual licenses, Michigan also offers short-term options for both residents and non-residents:
- 7-Day Resident License: $18
- 7-Day Non-Resident License: $35
- 72-Hour Resident License: $14
- 72-Hour Non-Resident License: $20
Please note that license fees are subject to change annually, so it’s recommended to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website at Michigan.gov/DNR or with a local license agent for the most up-to-date pricing information.
How to Apply for a Discounted License
You can purchase your Michigan fishing license online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. When applying, you’ll need to provide the required documentation to prove your eligibility for the military discount.
For active duty personnel, you must present your military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying your active-duty status, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.
Disabled veterans must have documentation of their disability rating from the VA or military records readily available.
Make future online fishing license purchases even quicker by selecting the auto-renew option at checkout to automatically receive licenses in the future.
Additional Resources
The 2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online along with a lot of other helpful fishing information. Visit the DNR website at Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most up-to-date information.
Remember to start and end each fishing adventure by doing your part to prevent the spread of invasive species. Start with a clean boat and clean gear. End by cleaning debris and plant material from boats and trailers and draining live wells and bilges. Decontaminate waders and gear by applying a chemical disinfectant such as Formula 409® Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner after each use, and prevent the spread of fish diseases by disposing of leftover bait in the trash.
By taking advantage of Michigan’s discounted fishing licenses for military members, you can enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities while saving money. Whether you’re an active duty service member, veteran, or disabled veteran, this guide has provided you with the information needed to secure your discounted license for the 2024 season. Happy fishing!
Can I use my military discounted license in other states?
No, the military discount is only valid for fishing licenses issued by the state of Michigan. If you plan to fish in other states, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate licenses according to their regulations and pricing.
Do I need to renew my military discounted license every year?
Yes, fishing licenses in Michigan are valid for one year from the date of purchase (or until the end of the current license year, whichever comes first). You’ll need to renew your license annually to continue taking advantage of the military discount.
Can I get a refund if I purchase the wrong license type?
The Michigan DNR generally does not offer refunds for fishing licenses. However, if you made a mistake during the purchase process, you may be able to exchange your license for the correct type by contacting the DNR’s customer service.
Are there any free fishing days in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan offers two annual Free Fishing Weekends, typically in June and February, when residents and non-residents can fish without a license. However, all other fishing regulations still apply during these periods.
Where can I find more information about military discounts and fishing licenses in Michigan?
The Michigan DNR website (michigan.gov/dnr) is the best resource for up-to-date information on fishing licenses, regulations, and military discounts. You can also contact the DNR’s customer service or visit a local DNR office for assistance.
