Indiana residents who have served in the armed forces and have a documented service connected disability are eligible for a DAV license. If you’re looking for the permit application for hunters with disabilities, visit our permitting website.

Steps to get your DAV license:

1. Fill out your application form.

Applications are available from your County Veteran Service Officer or online at www.wildlife.in.gov.

2. Include your USDVA File number.

3. Send your application, payment for the license, and self-addressed stamped envelope to: 

DNR Customer Service Center

402 W. Washington St., Room W160

Indianapolis, IN 46204

4. Once you receive your certified application, you may use it to purchase your first DAV license either in the mail through the DNR customer service center or by taking the attached application certified by the Indiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs to a DNR property. You can send in a check or money order payable to IDNR when you submit the application and your license will be mailed to you upon the certification by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and payment for the license.

5. Within two weeks, your signed and sealed certified application will be returned to you. You will need to retain the letter for your future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the DAV license?

Indiana residents who have served in the Armed forces and have a documented service connected disability are eligible.

How may I purchase my DAV license?

You will need to purchase your first DAV license either in the mail through the DNR customer service center or by taking the application certified by the Indiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs to a DNR property. You can send in a check or money order payable to IDNR when you submit the application and your license will be mailed to you upon the certification by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and payment for the license.

How much does the license cost and what does it cover?

The license sells for $2.75 and covers the hunting of small game as well as fishing, excluding any stamps. You may buy a 10-year DAV license for $27.50 which covers the same as above for a total of 10 hunting/fishing seasons.

Are stamps included on the license?

No, Game bird, Waterfowl and Trout and Salmon stamps are not included in the discounted license.

Can I buy stamps for my DAV license?

Yes, you may purchase stamps at the regular price to affix to your DAV license.

Does my DAV license cover deer or turkey hunting?

No, your DAV license is good for small game hunting or fishing only.

How do I purchase my license in future years?

Once you receive your certified application, you may use it or your previous license to purchase future licenses on-line or at any retailer and eliminate any delay. Please note your first DAV license must be purchased at the IDNR Customer Service Center or an IDNR property. Just show your license or certified application to the vendor for proof of your eligibility.

Who sells the DAV licenses?

Most state properties sell the DAV licenses as well as many licensed vendors around the state.

Who may I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

You may contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, at (317) 232-4200 or the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, at (317) 232-3910.

Next Level Trails celebrates Vandalia Trail

On Oct. 17, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the town of Plainfield, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and New City Development to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed Vandalia Trail extension and to mark the start of a new chapter for Hobbs Station.

The 2.32-mile asphalt multi-use trail was designed and constructed by the town of Plainfield. The project received support from a $1,712,000 Next Level Trails (NLT) grant announced in March 2021 as part of the second grant round of NLT.

New City Development, a major contributor to the project, played a pivotal role by constructing more than half a mile of the new trail segment within the Hobbs Station development. Hobbs Station, a visionary $300 million mixed-use community project currently under construction, is poised to continue diversifying Plainfield’s landscape by seamlessly blending residential, retail and industrial spaces.

The newly extended Vandalia Trail now spans from its previous boundary near Township Line Road to Raceway Road, reaching the county line. Along the north side of U.S. 40, it offers a vital link to the 9-mile Ronald Reagan Parkway Trail, a prominent north-south bike route. To the west, the existing trail stretches nearly 5 miles to the western edge of Plainfield.

The project is part of the statewide National Road Heritage Trail, a 160-mile trail corridor traversing Indiana. The Vandalia Trail extension plays a pivotal role in connecting to the existing trail system in Indianapolis. The NLT program has allocated more than $4 million to support three different projects along the corridor, contributing to the development of 6 miles of new trail.

“The Vandalia Trail extension is a testament to our commitment to providing our residents with recreational opportunities and promoting an active lifestyle,” said Robin Brandgard, Plainfield Town Council president. “We are grateful for the support from the NLT program, New City Development, and the collaboration that made this expansion possible.”

Isaac Bamgbose, founder, and CEO of New City Development, said, “The Vandalia Trail extension speaks to the forward-thinking leadership and commitment from both the state of Indiana and the town of Plainfield to improve the standard of living for both current and future residents. New City Development and our partners are proud to be a part of bringing the vision of the Vandalia Trail extension to reality as part of our master-planned Hobbs Station community.”

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication, or e-mail to jackspaulding@hughes.net.

Spaulding’s books, “The Best of Spaulding Outdoors,” and his latest, “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com in paperback or as a Kindle download.