A disabled veterans deer tag will be available for the first time during the 2025-2026 hunting season, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

To qualify for the new tag, hunters must be a resident of Iowa and have served in the armed forces of the United States on federal active duty and were disabled during their military service (service connected disability). Hunters will be issued one any deer tag valid for any established firearm season, if eligible. The fee is $33, and hunters are required to use the method of take for the season hunted.

Applicants will need to provide a copy of DD214 or higher, a copy of a current letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs which indicates they are entitled to a service connected disability rating, and a copy of their Hunter Safety Certificate, if required or not already on the customer’s account, and submit the Iowa Resident Disabled Veterans Lifetime Licenses and Tags application, available online.

Those who already have a service related disability application on file do not need to submit a new application to qualify for this new license. Once their application has been processed, they may purchase a deer license online or at any vendor that sells Iowa hunting and fishing licenses.