Texas’s high-value veteran fishing path is the Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package (item 502) — free for qualifying disabled veterans, available to residents and nonresidents, issued in person only at a license retailer.
This is not a discount for every DD-214. Ordinary veterans who do not meet the disability test buy standard Freshwater / Saltwater / All-Water packages. Parent guide: Texas Fishing License 2026. Military hub: Military & Veteran Discounts.
Eligibility (Disabled Veteran Super Combo)
You qualify when TPWD’s disabled-veteran definition is met:
- VA-defined disabled veteran with loss of use of a foot or leg, or
- 50% or greater disability rating, and
- Receiving U.S. compensation for that disability
- Show official VA proof (digital or hard copy) issued within the last 12 months stating the disability rate — or a Texas Driver License with Disabled Veteran designation
- Apply each license year in person at a license retailer
Nonresident disabled veterans are treated as residents for purposes of obtaining this super combination package under TPWD’s published framing.
What the Free Package Includes
| Included | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resident hunting license | Even for qualifying nonresident disabled veterans under package rules |
| Resident fishing license | All-water fishing path in the super combo |
| Archery endorsement | State endorsement |
| Freshwater fishing endorsement | Included |
| Saltwater fishing endorsement with red drum tag | Included (seatrout tag framing in administrative package lists) |
| Upland game bird endorsement | Included |
| Migratory game bird endorsement | Included |
Not included: Federal Duck Stamp (still required for waterfowl hunting).
Combo context: Combo Hunting & Fishing Licenses.
How to Apply (In Person Only)
- Gather VA disability proof from the last 12 months (or Texas DL with Disabled Veteran designation).
- Find a TPWD license retailer (not online-only for this SKU).
- Request Disabled Veteran Super Combo item 502.
- Present proof and ID; complete the annual issue.
- Choose digital and/or paper format as the retailer offers.
- Save proof and note the license-year end date (commonly tied to the Aug 31 package year—confirm your printout).
Online Texas.gov checkout for ordinary packages will not replace this in-person disabled-veteran SKU.
Replacement
TPWD administrative materials note replacement disabled veteran super combination packages are replaced at no charge (unlike some other combo replacements that assess a fee). Still use official retailer/TPWD channels—do not buy a paid All-Water package as a “replacement” unless staff direct you to.
Veterans Who Do Not Qualify for Free Super Combo
| Situation | Typical path |
|---|---|
| Veteran under 50% without qualifying loss of foot/leg | Buy standard packages (cost satellite) |
| Resident 65+ veteran | Compare senior packages $12 / $17 / $22 or Super Combo if disability-eligible |
| Active-duty military | Look for Texas resident active-duty military super combo products on live TPWD tables (separate from disabled-veteran 502) |
| Visiting veteran without disability docs | Nonresident Freshwater $58 / Saltwater $63 / All-Water $68 |
Proof Checklist
- VA letter showing rating % or loss of use of foot/leg
- Evidence of compensation where required by TPWD definition
- Proof dated within 12 months when using VA documents
- Or Texas DL with Disabled Veteran designation
- Photo ID matching the customer record
Parking placards and old undated printouts are weak substitutes.
FAQ
Do all Texas veterans get a free fishing license?
No. The free Super Combo is for qualifying disabled veterans (50%+ or loss of use of foot/leg) who meet TPWD’s definition and show annual proof.
Can nonresident disabled veterans get it?
Yes—TPWD states the package is available to resident or nonresident qualifying disabled veterans, with nonresidents treated as residents for this package.
Can I buy Disabled Veteran Super Combo online?
No. It is only available in person at a license retailer.
Does it include the federal duck stamp?
No. Buy the Federal Duck Stamp separately for waterfowl hunting.
Veteran Eligibility Decision Tree
Use this flow before you drive to a license retailer. Texas does not offer a generic “veteran discount” fishing SKU—only the documented disabled-veteran super combination path and separate active-duty products on live TPWD tables.
START: Are you a U.S. veteran or active-duty member fishing Texas public water?
│
├─ Active-duty (not disabled-veteran 502 path)
│ └─ Check live TPWD active-duty military super combo rows (separate SKUs from item 502)
│ └─ Confirm residency/stationing rules on current Outdoor Annual pages
│
├─ Honorably discharged / retired veteran
│ ├─ VA disability: loss of use of foot OR leg? → YES → Continue to compensation check
│ ├─ VA disability rating 50%+ AND receiving U.S. compensation? → YES → Item 502 path
│ └─ Neither threshold met → Buy standard packages (see cost satellite)
│
└─ Item 502 qualifying disabled veteran
├─ Gather VA proof (last 12 months) OR Texas DL with Disabled Veteran designation
├─ Apply IN PERSON at license retailer (not online-only checkout)
└─ Repeat each license year with fresh proof when requiredThe most expensive mistake is stopping at “I served” without reading the disability threshold. A veteran with a 30% rating still buys the same Freshwater / Saltwater / All-Water packages as any other adult unless another documented exemption applies.
Disabled Veteran Super Combo vs Standard Veteran Paths
Texas stacks multiple privilege models. The free Super Combo is narrow; everything else is priced like ordinary recreational licensing.
| Path | Who qualifies | Fishing privilege | Typical cost | How to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Veteran Super Combo (item 502) | 50%+ VA disability or loss of foot/leg; receiving compensation; proof rules met | All-water fishing + hunting bundle in package list | Free | In person at license retailer only |
| Standard resident veteran (no disability threshold) | Any resident veteran without 502 eligibility | Freshwater / Saltwater / All-Water packages | $30 / $35 / $40 | Texas.gov / retailers |
| Resident senior veteran 65+ (born on/after Jan 1, 1931) | Age + birthdate path; may overlap with veteran status | Senior Freshwater / Saltwater / All-Water | $12 / $17 / $22 | Texas.gov / retailers |
| Resident born before Jan 1, 1931 | Age exemption—not veteran-specific | Full recreational fishing exemption | Free (exemption) | No package; carry proof |
| Nonresident disabled veteran (502 eligible) | Same disability test | Super Combo treats nonresident as resident for this package | Free | In person only |
| Nonresident veteran without 502 docs | Visitor | Freshwater / Saltwater / All-Water | $58 / $63 / $68 | Texas.gov / retailers |
Senior deep-dive: Texas Senior Fishing License. Age matrix: Texas Fishing License Age Requirements.
What Item 502 Covers vs What You Still Buy
The Super Combo is a hunting-and-fishing administrative bundle—not a waiver of every federal or specialty product.
| Privilege area | Included in Disabled Veteran Super Combo (502)? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident hunting license | Yes | Even for qualifying nonresidents under package rules |
| Resident fishing license (all-water path) | Yes | Freshwater and saltwater endorsements bundled |
| Archery endorsement | Yes | State endorsement |
| Freshwater fishing endorsement | Yes | |
| Saltwater fishing endorsement + red drum tag | Yes | Seatrout tag framing in administrative lists |
| Upland game bird endorsement | Yes | |
| Migratory game bird endorsement | Yes | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | No | Required separately for waterfowl hunting |
| Ordinary paid All-Water replacement | No—use free replacement channel | TPWD notes replacement 502 at no charge via official channels |
Nationwide combo context: Combo Hunting & Fishing Licenses by State. Military comparison hub: Military & Veteran Fishing License Discounts.
Proof Documentation: Expanded Checklist
TPWD’s in-person gate depends on documentation quality, not veteran status alone.
Before you leave home
Weak substitutes to avoid
| Document | Why it often fails at the counter |
|---|---|
| DD-214 alone | Proves service—not 50%+ disability or loss of limb |
| Disabled parking placard | Different program; not TPWD’s listed proof |
| Old VA letter (13+ months) | Outside the 12-month window for VA documents |
| Spouse’s VA letter | Package is issued to the qualifying veteran |
| Screenshot of eBenefits without official letter formatting | Retailers may reject informal prints |
At the retailer
- Ask for Disabled Veteran Super Combo item 502 by name—not “veteran discount.”
- Present proof and ID before payment begins.
- Confirm digital and/or paper format on the receipt.
- Verify endorsements and tags listed on the issued package match your hunting/fishing plan.
- Save proof for next year’s renewal—you must apply each license year.
Veteran + Senior Overlap Scenarios
Many Texas veterans are also 65+. Disability eligibility and senior pricing are separate tests—pick the path that matches your documentation, not whichever sounds cheapest in conversation.
| Angler profile | Better path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran 68, 60% VA rating, receiving compensation | Item 502 Super Combo (free) | Beats Senior All-Water $22 when disability proof is current |
| Veteran 70, 30% rating, no loss of foot/leg | Senior All-Water $22 or standard $40 | Does not qualify for 502 |
| Veteran 72, born December 1930, Texas resident | Born-before-1931 full exemption | No package needed; Exempt Angler tags if trophy saltwater harvest |
| Veteran 65, 50% rating, hunts and fishes | Item 502 if proof current | Includes hunting + all-water fishing; duck stamp still separate for waterfowl |
| Veteran 55, 100% rating, receiving compensation | Item 502 | Age does not block disabled-veteran Super Combo |
| Nonresident disabled veteran, 50%+, visiting from Oklahoma | Item 502 in person | Nonresidents treated as residents for this package under TPWD framing |
If you qualify for 502, you generally should not also buy Senior Freshwater $12 “just for fishing”—the Super Combo already bundles all-water fishing privileges when issued correctly.
Active-Duty Military vs Disabled Veteran (Do Not Mix SKUs)
TPWD publishes active-duty military super combo products separately from disabled-veteran item 502. They answer different eligibility questions.
| Question | Active-duty path | Disabled-veteran 502 path |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Qualifying active-duty members per live TPWD military rows | Disabled veterans meeting VA disability test |
| Typical proof | Military ID, orders, or TPWD-listed active-duty documents | VA disability letter or Texas DL Disabled Veteran designation |
| Online purchase? | Confirm live channel for active-duty SKUs | No—502 is in person only |
| Nonresident treatment | Follow active-duty product rules on current tables | Qualifying nonresident disabled veterans eligible for 502 |
If you are active-duty today but also a disabled veteran, read both product descriptions on the live Outdoor Annual page before selecting a SKU—do not assume one ID card unlocks every military row.
Replacement and Lost-License Rules
TPWD administrative materials distinguish disabled-veteran super combination replacement from ordinary combo replacement fees.
| Situation | Expected handling |
|---|---|
| Lost or damaged 502 package same license year | Replacement disabled veteran super combination packages replaced at no charge per TPWD notes |
| Lost ordinary All-Water $40 package | Different replacement fee rules—do not assume free |
| Wrong SKU purchased at counter | Return to official retailer/TPWD channels; do not rebuy paid All-Water as “replacement” unless staff direct you |
Treat the no-charge replacement note as a 502-specific benefit—not a blanket free reprint for every Texas fishing product.
Nonresident Disabled Veteran Trip Planning
Qualifying nonresident disabled veterans receive resident-framed Super Combo treatment for item 502, but logistics still matter.
| Planning step | Action |
|---|---|
| Proof freshness | VA letter within 12 months or Texas DL Disabled Veteran designation |
| Purchase channel | Texas license retailer in person—not online-only checkout for 502 |
| Fishing-only weekend | Super Combo still bundles hunting privileges—you do not strip fishing-only at counter |
| Also fishing other states same trip | Texas 502 does not replace Oklahoma or Louisiana licenses on their water |
| Saltwater trophy tags | Saltwater endorsement and red drum tag included in package list—confirm printout |
Visiting veterans who do not meet the disability test pay nonresident Freshwater $58 / Saltwater $63 / All-Water $68 like any other visitor.
Pre-Trip Checklist for Qualifying Veterans
502-eligible disabled veteran
Veteran without 502 eligibility
Extended FAQ
I have a 40% VA rating. Can I get item 502?
No. TPWD’s disabled-veteran Super Combo requires 50% or greater disability rating (or loss of use of a foot or leg) plus receiving U.S. compensation under the published definition, with qualifying proof.
My VA letter is 11 months old. Is that enough?
VA documents used as proof should be issued within the last 12 months per TPWD’s framing—or use a Texas Driver License with Disabled Veteran designation.
I am a disabled veteran but I only fish freshwater. Do I still get the Super Combo?
Item 502 is issued as the documented Super Combo package—it bundles hunting and all-water fishing privileges. It is not sold as a fishing-only discount SKU on the disabled-veteran page.
Can my spouse pick up item 502 for me?
Licensing is issued to the qualifying customer who presents proof and ID. Do not assume a spouse can substitute their documents.
I qualify for 502 and I am 67. Should I buy a senior package instead?
If you meet the disabled-veteran test with current proof, 502 at free typically dominates Senior All-Water $22—but you must renew in person with proof each license year.
Does 502 work on Lake Texoma?
Lake Texoma has its own $12 border license rules for many anglers. Texas residents 65+ have special Texoma notes in TPWD materials. Confirm live Texoma text for your age, residency, and package type before a border weekend.
Are red drum and seatrout tags included?
Yes—the saltwater endorsement in the Super Combo package list includes red drum tag and spotted seatrout tag framing in administrative materials.
I am active-duty stationed in Texas. Is that the same as 502?
No. Active-duty military products are separate SKUs on live TPWD tables. Stationing does not automatically grant disabled-veteran item 502.
What if the retailer says they cannot find item 502?
Try another authorized TPWD license retailer or contact TPWD licensing support. Do not purchase a paid All-Water package as a workaround unless staff explicitly redirect you.
Do I need to renew every year?
Yes. TPWD’s disabled-veteran Super Combo framing requires applying each license year in person with current proof when using VA documents.
Related Reading
- Texas Fishing License 2026
- Texas Fishing License Cost
- Military & Veteran Fishing License Discounts
- Combo Hunting & Fishing Licenses by State
- Texas Senior Fishing License
- US Fishing License Guide 2026
Sources
Eligibility, free fee, inclusion list, in-person-only rule, and duck-stamp exclusion drawn from TPWD Disabled Veteran Super Combo page and license FAQs (accessed 2026). Confirm live retailer issuance steps each license year.