Discounts for Outdoor Recreation
For seniors, military personnel, veterans, Native Americans and people with disabilities
Note: All discounts below are for New York State Residents
Active Duty Military Personnel
The Patriot Plan provides free hunting, trapping and fishing licenses to active duty personnel that have taken the appropriate sportsman education classes. See Sporting Licenses Under the Patriot Plan for information about eligibility and proof required.
All members of the New York State Militia or any branch of the New York State National Guard or military reserves who are currently serving on active duty in support of the war on terrorism are eligible for one free Empire Pass Card for use by his or her immediate family during deployment and/or for his or her own use when returning home. The member must be a New York State resident. The Empire Pass Card provides unlimited day use access to DEC forest preserves, state parks, boat launches and arboretums and is issued by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. (OPRHP).
Veterans with a Military Disability
Resident veterans with a service-related disability of 40% or more can get a Sportsman license (fishing, big game and small game) for $5, a free bow hunting license and a free muzzleloading license. See the Hunting Licenses for eligibility requirements.
Resident patients at U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals or facilities can obtain a free fishing license through their hospital or facility.
Veterans with a permanent disability are eligible for a Lifetime Liberty Pass granting free access to parks, historic sites and recreational facilities operated by DEC or OPRHP. Visit the OPRHP website for more information.
Senior Citizens
Hunting and fishing license discounts for seniors (age 70 or older)
- Senior Hunting License: $5
- Lifetime sporting license or lifetime freshwater fishing license: $65.00.
- Bow hunting and muzzleloading licenses: Free
Residents over age 62 have free access to parks, boat launches and arboretums and reduced fees to golf courses and historic sites on weekdays, except holidays. See the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's Golden Parks Program (link at right) for details.
People with Permanent Disabilities
Residents with permanent disabilities are eligible for an Access Pass granting free access to parks, historic sites and recreational facilities operated by DEC or OPRHP.
Residents who are blind are eligible for a free fishing license and may obtain one at any license issuing outlet.
There are discounts on campsites and cabin rental areas well. Group Access Passes are also available.
Hunters with disabilities may qualify for special permits.
DEC's Accessible Recreation page will help you find information on all of DEC's accessible recreation areas.
Native Americans
Native Americans who are members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Six Nations residing on reservations in New York State may obtain a free fishing license by contacting their reservation or the DEC License Sales Office at (518) 402-8843.
