Veterans and military permits
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is proud to offer special permits to veterans age 64 and older, active-duty military, deployed military and disabled veterans at reduced or no cost.
Disabled Veteran Park Permit
Disabled Veterans who are legal residents of Nebraska and who have been deemed 50 percent or more service related or 100 percent disabled non-service connected and receive a pension from the Veterans Administration, are eligible for one (1) perpetual Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Park Entry Permit at no fee.
Nebraska Game and Parks Service Centers can provide information and print out the application for the guests; however; the guests need to send the application to the Department of Veterans Affairs for certification or, to the Permit Section in Lincoln if they have already met the qualifications as a result of prior application for a disabled veteran Hunt/Fish permit.
To apply for a Disabled Veteran’s Permit via the mail, fill out the application below and mail to:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3800 Village Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516-4737
Lost or stolen park permits are not eligible for replacement.
For eligible replacement requests (defective permit, traded vehicle, windshield replacement, accident, etc.) remove all or more than half of the permit sticker, complete and send in the Replacement Disabled Veteran Lifetime Park Entry Permit form.
Active-duty Military Vehicle Park Entry Permit
Active-duty military personnel stationed at a base in Nebraska can buy an active-duty military vehicle park entry permit to access more than 76 state parks year-round. Cost for the annual park permit, valid Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 in a given year, is $5.
Visit Nebraska Game and Parks’ headquarters or a district office to purchase. You must present a military identification card denoting active-duty status and proof you are stationed at a military base in Nebraska.
Military personnel are limited to two permits per year, but replacement permits are free if all or more than half of the permit is returned to the designated offices. Replacements correspond to the same year the original was issued.
Veteran Hunt/Fish/Fur Permit
Veterans age 64 and older who are legal residents of Nebraska are eligible for a Veteran’s Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit for $5. This permit includes all state stamps. A copy of a DD214 or a Veteran Indicator on the applicant’s Nebraska Driver’s License must be presented in person at the time of application at a Game and Parks office, service center or park location. If a copy of a DD214 is not available, an application form and signature from a Veteran’s Service officer is required.
The Veteran Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit must be renewed annually for $5. It may be renewed at any Game and Parks office, online or at one of our vendor locations. Renewal does not require a copy of a DD214 or an application form. Customers can also set up auto renewal for their permit and stamps through the online permit system by selecting the Auto Renew boxes.
To apply for a Veteran’s Permit via the mail, fill out the application below and enclose a copy of your DD214 and payment of $5. Mail to:
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
PO Box 30370
Lincoln NE 68503-0370
Deployed Military Hunt/Fish/Fur Permit
A Nebraska resident who is or has been deployed out of the state with a branch of the United States military within the last 12 months shall, upon returning to the state, be eligible to receive an Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit on a one time basis for $5. This permit includes all state stamps. A copy of deployment paperwork must be presented in person at the time of application.
To apply for a Deployed Military Permit via the mail, fill out the application below and enclose a copy of your deployment papers and payment of $5 at a Game and Parks office, service center or park location.
Mail to:
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
PO Box 30370
Lincoln NE 68503-0370
Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunt/Fish/Fur Permit
Disabled Veterans who are legal residents of Nebraska and who have been deemed 50 percent or more service related or 100 percent disabled non-service connected and receive a pension from the Veterans Administration, are eligible for a Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee. This permit includes all state stamps.
To apply for a Disabled Veteran’s Permit via the mail, fill out the application below and mail to:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3800 Village Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516-4737
Veteran hunt dates
Annual free Veteran’s Day Hunt
Nebraska residents who are honorably discharged veterans may receive a one-day Hunt permit, Habitat Stamp, and Nebraska Migratory Waterfowl Stamp for free to hunt on Veterans Day (annually, Nov. 11). Those interested in hunting waterfowl would also need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and complete HIP registration. Read our news release for full details.
Special veteran waterfowl season dates
Beginning in 2024, Nebraska’s veterans and activity-duty military have two additional days to hunt waterfowl, in conjunction with the youth waterfowl hunting days. The special annual season is open to qualifying residents and nonresidents. Participating hunters must have secured veteran status, reflected in their customer profile within the Nebraska Game and Parks permit system, or have one of the following with them during the hunt:
- a state-issued driver’s license noting veteran status;
- a Department of Defense-issued ID, such as an Active Duty or Retired Active Military identification card;
- other military government-issued ID cards indicating military service, such as a Veterans Affairs ID or Veteran Benefit Card; or
- a copy of DD214 or DD215 discharge paperwork; only honorable discharges qualify.
The daily bag and possession limits and the shooting hours are the same as during Nebraska’s regular season for ducks, mergansers, coots and geese.
All participating hunters must possess a Nebraska hunt (small game) permit, a Harvest Information Program number, a Federal Duck Stamp, and Nebraska Waterfowl and Habitat stamps, unless otherwise exempt.
Veterans or active military are not required to have a vehicle park entry permit for Nebraska state park properties during this special season.
