The Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program allows a qualified organization to apply for a special big game hunt tag on behalf of a disabled veteran. A qualified organization is defined as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization, or a government agency, with a mission to afford opportunities, experiences and assistance to disabled veterans. The program is not limited to organizations in Idaho. Idaho Fish and Game makes five tags available each year for disabled veterans for any deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, black bear or mountain lion hunt. Tags may be requested for general or controlled hunts. An additional five tags may be available each year. Participants are exempt from licensing requirements. The program is a first-come, first-served, once in a lifetime opportunity. The application, at the link below, must be used to apply. Send your application to the address listed on the form at the link below.
Resident disabled American veterans may be eligible for DAV reduced fees for licenses and tags. The resident DAV license, $5, allows the disabled veteran to purchase reduced fee DAV tags for deer $10.75, elk $16.50, bear $6.75, or turkey $10.75. See below for what documentation is required for eligibility.
Nonresident disabled American veterans may be eligible for reduced fees for licenses and tags. The nonresident DAV hunting with 3-day fishing license, $31.75, allows the nonresident disabled veteran to purchase reduced fee nonresident DAV tags for deer $23.75, elk $39.75, bear $23.75, or turkey $19.75. See below for what documentation is required for eligibility.
To receive DAV reduced fees, veterans must provide a copy of their official VA Disability Percentage Rating letter, and the letter must verify a service-connected disability rating of 40% or greater.
The letter is also called a "Benefits Summary Percentage Letter," and typically is one page. The letter may bear any date prior to license application.
Documentation for the resident DAV license will be required only for the initial application and will not be required for subsequent applications. Please do not provide the multi-page medical determination report your physician sends to the VA Case Manager for adjustments.
- How to get your VA Disability Percentage Rating letter: You may get a copy of your letter by calling: (800) 827-1000 or your local VA office, or by online access at: www.ebenefits.va.gov using your premium account login (all recently separated personnel are required to have a premium account; if you don’t have an account, you will need to set one up to access your letter).
- What to do with your letter: Letters can be brought to any regional office or mailed to:
Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game - Licensing Section
P.O. Box 25
Boise, ID 83707
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