Montanan’s Unable To Use Hunting Licenses Can Donate Them To Veterans

Montana residents and nonresidents can donate their hunting license to a disabled military veteran or disabled active-duty service member who is working with an organization that uses hunting as part of the rehabilitation process.

The license donor program began in 2013, and each year between 40 and 60 hunters donate their license. Reasons vary, but according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks licensing staff, many hunters donate licenses because of medical or family emergencies, work commitments or issues with outfitters or reservations.

The recipients are disabled veterans who were awarded a purple heart and have a 70 percent or higher disability rating. They must be sponsored by a nonprofit organization that provides hunting as a rehabilitation service to disabled veterans in Montana.

While one cannot choose the organization to receive a donated license, the disabled veteran or armed forces member who receives the license will be a Purple Heart recipient and have a 70% or greater disability rating.

Donating your hunting license

1. Purchase the hunting license(s) you wish to donate.
2. Download the 2023 Application to Donation of Hunting License to Military Veterans (PDF)
   This application must be completed and submitted to an FWP office or by mail as instructed on the form, along with the licenses for donation.
3. Check with your financial advisor to determine if the donation is tax deductible.

Each license must be donated or surrendered before the beginning of the general hunting season. Once you donate your hunting license, you are no longer eligible for any refund for the cost of the license. In addition, you cannot purchase the same license again during the license year.

Nonprofit organizations participation

Nonprofit organizations that work to rehabilitate disabled veterans and active duty members may participate in Montana's donated hunting license program. The organizations must use hunting as part of the rehabilitation process.

1. Download the 2023 Disabled Veteran Application (PDF)
   This application must be completed and submitted to an FWP office or by mail as instructed on the form.
2. 2023 Organizational Affidavit for Donated Licenses (PDF)
   Can be attached to the organization application or sent separately to:

Disabled veterans and disabled active duty members may participate in the program by following these steps:

1. Find a participating nonprofit organization that provides rehabilitation services in Montana.
2. Contact the sponsoring organization to ensure they are able to provide the hunt you desire.
3. Download the 2023 Disabled Veteran Application (PDF)
   This application must be completed and submitted to an FWP office or by mail as instructed on the form.
4. Be sure to list the sponsoring organization that you want and that copies of the supporting documentation are attached.

To participate in the program, hunters, potential recipients and nonprofit organizations must complete a form. Forms are available on FWP’s Hunting Licenses & Permits webpage under “Donate License Programs” and can be returned to either an FWP regional office or by mail to FWP’s Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950.

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