Fish On! Hudson Valley Veterans Invited To Cast A Line At Free Fishing Day This Friday

While plenty of Hudson Valley based businesses typically announce offers, deals, and savings for Veterans in honor of Veterans Day, New York State is also offering vets the chance to enjoy what the Hudson Valley has to offer nature-wise, and do a little fishing in honor of this Friday's holiday.

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Governor's Office Announces 'Free Fishing Day' to Honor NY Veterans This Friday

Typically, those who want to head out into the water hoping for a bite on their line would need a freshwater fishing license in order to do so, but this Friday, in honor of Veterans Day, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the state will host a free fishing day.  As a measure for New York State to 'recognize and assist veterans and active duty military in connecting to the outdoors,' the opportunity will provide a therapeutic outlet for both veterans and those on active service.

Earlier this year, New York State offered free fishing during two days in February, June, and a single date in September. The Free Fishing Day on Friday November 11th will be the last one of the 2022 year.  Though no fishing license is required, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

Active-duty military New York State residents may also be eligible for a free fishing license, and even a feee hunting and or trapping license, more details and eligibility information can be found here.  For Veterans, those with a service-related disability of 40% or more may be eligible for reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses, as well as preference for Deer Management Permits.  Details and eligibility information can be found here.

DEC Strives To Make Outdoors 'More Accessible" Across NY State

The Free Fishing Days initiative is by no means new, marking 31 years in 2022 after being introduced in 1991.  It sought to give those who didn't fish the chance to do so, and then perhaps lead people to consider purchasing a NYS fishing license. Throughout the years, NY has made a commitment to not only invite new people to the sport of fishing, but to make the outdoors more accessible in general.  There is a specific program in the state, FISH NY, that offers several different programs and a number of different approaches to the sport of fishing.