All you need to know about Walmart’s Fishing License
In this Guide
- 1 Why Do You Need a License to Fish?
- 2 Where to buy a fishing license near me?
- 3 Who needs to buy a fishing license?
- 4 Does Walmart sell fishing licenses?
- 5 What is the price of Walmart’s fishing license?
- 6 How can I obtain a Walmart fishing license?
- 7 What do I need to bring with me to Walmart for the fishing license?
- 8 Do I need to take a test for Walmart’s fishing license?
- 9 Is there a specific time I need to go to get Walmart’s fishing license?
- 10 Does the license type depend on where I am fishing?
- 11 Is there a time duration that the fishing license will be valid for?
- 12 Are there any renewal or other procedures I should know about?
- 13 Which states offer Walmart’s fishing license?
- 14 FAQs
- 15 Conclusion
Fishing is one of America’s most popular outdoor activities: an increasing number of American citizens now pursue fishing as a hobby. In 2017, freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing included hobbies of more than 49 million people nationwide. Given such a context, we have compiled all the details one can need to know everything about Walmart’s Fishing License – this is because Walmart is perhaps the most convenient option to obtain a fishing license in USA.
Here is some background information about the need and importance of fishing licenses in the United States:
Why Do You Need a License to Fish?
Over time, fishing licenses have proved to protect fish populations, just as hunting licenses have proved to protect wildlife. Through fishing regulations, the government generally applies species limits and limits the number of fish caught and retained in a day by any given fisherman. All this information is provided at the time one purchases a fishing license.
This is a way to inform people about the importance of catch limits. Similarly, fishing licenses declare the amount a person can catch, which is the same for everyone. So if anyone illegally collects more than their fair share, they can be reported to authorities as poachers.
Additionally, Wildlife Departments can curb illegal fishing by creating a more robust check and balance system through licenses. By allowing officials to spot-check fishermen for valid fishing licenses, fear is created among fishermen in case of a fine. Since licenses only cost between $10 – $40, it is a safer option to buy a license than to spend thousands of dollars on heavy fines if one is caught in violation of the rules and regulations.
Fishing licenses also help fund marine life research and can be used to finance state wildlife departments. Moreover, certain management activities are sponsored by the revenue generated from fishing license fees. For example, the money collected can be used to increase the number of fish in lakes and fisheries maintained by the department.
Where to buy a fishing license near me?
In USA, there are plenty of options where one can purchase a fishing license. However, most options vary from state to state. The most convenient and easily accessible option in many states is buying the license at your local Walmart. The store has plenty of locations across the country and has convenient operating hours. Most importantly, Walmart has agreements with the states and is an eligible institution to issue licenses on behalf of the government. It has also employed people specifically for this task in the Sports & Outdoor Department. Their knowledge, warmth, and friendliness can be beneficial to all, regardless of whether one is new to fishing or an experienced fisherman. The staff welcomes inquiries and is familiar with a range of topics related to fishing licenses. In short, Walmart is an excellent option to ensure a convenient and well-informed purchase of a fishing license.
Who needs to buy a fishing license?
It’s pretty simple: anyone who wants to fish in the country will need to buy a license. As mentioned earlier, fishing without a license is considered a crime in the United States. However, there are some exceptions to that rule. For example, a person under 17 (in some states under 16) or over 65 does not need to buy a fishing license. Similarly, veterans and people suffering from disabilities do not need to obtain a license to fish. Also, each state has free fishing days throughout the year, during which anyone can try fishing for free!
Does Walmart sell fishing licenses?
Yes. In fact, given its multiple locations across the country, and its convenient opening hours, Walmart can be your go-to option for a fishing license!
What is the price of Walmart’s fishing license?
The price you pay for a fishing license at Walmart includes a small processing fee, which is why it is usually about 50 cents higher than licenses available elsewhere. The license cost can also vary according to age, duration, where you live, whether you are a resident of that state, whether it’s a duplicate license or original, and whether you want to fish in saltwater, freshwater, or both.
Here are some cost estimates to give you a rough idea of what fishing licenses generally cost. However, these may vary from state to state.
- For individual residents between age 16 to 65 – $19.
- For individual residents of age 66 and above – $10
- A one-day fishing license for both residents and non-residents – $11
- Non-resident fishing license for a year – $40
- Three-day tourist fishing license – $19
- In case the issuer of the license loses the license due to destruction, stealth, or misplacement, he can get a duplicate license issued – $4.
How can I obtain a Walmart fishing license?
There are several ways you can apply for a Walmart fishing license, which makes the process a lot more convenient for everyone!
- Visit the store – You can always visit a Walmart store in person. In fact, it can be a quick purchase during a shopping spree. It won’t be too hard to find an outlet near you because a lot of Walmart stores are scattered across each state. But don’t forget to have some proof of identification and residency on you!
- Apply online – If you don’t have time to visit the store, you always have an online purchase option. This is definitely not only the fastest but also the most convenient method of purchasing a license. It involves a few simple steps by proving identification documents while placing your order. You can pay for it through your credit/debit card and print it out.
- Via phone – This facility is only available in certain states. You can provide your bank card details alongside other personal information over a phone call. Sounds pretty convenient, right?
- By mail – If you’re unable to purchase a fishing license using any of the methods listed above, you always have the option of buying it through the mail.
What do I need to bring with me to Walmart for the fishing license?
The only thing required by Walmart to issue you your fishing license is some form of Photo Identification. If you are a resident of the same state, it is better to take some form of proof of residency along with you to avoid any inconvenience. Taking your ID along would be advisable, whether you are a resident or non-resident. They will ask you questions like:
- What is your age? Prices vary based on age, with children and senior citizens receiving discounts.
- What time duration do you want your license for? There are several options, such as daily, weekly, seasonally, and annually.
- What waters will you be fishing in? or “Where will you fish?” such as oceans, lakes or fresh water and saltwater, etc
- Will you fish alone or will other people be accompanying you? or “How many licenses do you need?”. This is basically to ensure that everyone fishing with you is licensed.
Do I need to take a test for Walmart’s fishing license?
No test needs to be taken to get the license. However, the license comes with a booklet that you should go through in detail, to be informed regarding some rules and regulations regarding fishing responsibly. Also mentioned in the booklet are the areas where one is allowed to fish, as some areas might be off-limits. Fishing in prohibited areas is against the law, as endangered species are found in these places. This can be a crime with penal provisions that could lead to a lifetime ban or immediate cancellation of the fishing license.
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Is there a specific time I need to go to get Walmart’s fishing license?
Walmart’s operating times can vary from store to store, so it might be a good idea to check your local Walmart’s opening and closing times before you go. Similarly, purchasing a fishing license requires technical staff to be present at the Sports & Outdoor Department. taff might not be available at all times, especially closer to the stores’ closing times. In such cases, it might be a better idea to go during the day. It can also be a good idea to phone in beforehand to get all this information.
Does the license type depend on where I am fishing?
Yes, because there are several options where you can fish! You may fish in freshwater or saltwater or, alternatively, at a river, lake, pond, or ocean. Therefore, fishing license fees vary according to the location, as some places are more expensive than others.
Is there a time duration that the fishing license will be valid for?
Yes. Fishing licenses are valid for different time durations, such as the following:
- A 24 hours fishing permit.
- A 5-day fishing permit.
- An annual fishing permit.
Are there any renewal or other procedures I should know about?
Yes. According to the law, licenses usually expire on 31st December yearly. Hence, you should renew your license before it expires. If someone carries on fishing with an expired license, he can be liable to pay fines or face jail time depending on how long the license has been expired for and which state he is fishing in. People with tourist licenses do not need to worry: their licenses expire after the time duration and do not need to be renewed.
Which states offer Walmart’s fishing license?
The states that are currently offering fishing licenses at Walmart are:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mae
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- New Jersey
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
However, some states have different rates and specifications. We’ve given the details of a few below.
Prices of Fishing Licenses at Walmart, New York (NY)
| Annual License resident fee for ages 16-69 | $25 |
| Annual License resident fee for ages under 16 and over 70 | $5 |
| Annual License non-resident fee | $50 |
| Lifetime License (for residents only) | $28 |
| Active-Duty Military/Senior Citizen/Legally blind/Non-resident students attending a New York State college or university full-time | Free and/or discounted charges |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in New York
With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, New York State offers a wide array of exciting fishing opportunities. A freshwater fishing license allows you to catch various freshwater fish species using different methods such as angling, hooking, and spearing, etc. You can also collect certain types of baitfish for personal use, and frogs by hand, hook, spear, or club. 2020 Free Fishing Days in New York State are February 15-16, June 27-28, September 26, and November 11.
You do not require a fishing license :
- Fishing on a fishing preserve that is licensed
- On a free fishing weekend
- If you are a Native American who lives and fishes on reservation land
Prices of Fishing Licenses at Walmart, Tennessee (TN)
| Annual resident fishing license (includes a permit to hunt small game) | $34 |
| Annual county of residence fishing license (can only fish in your home county) | $11 |
| One-day fishing license | $6.50 |
| Veterans, minors 13-15 years, blind, mentally disabled, confined to a wheelchair | Lower price |
There is also an option of purchasing a lifetime fishing license for any Tennessee resident. The price, however, varies depending on your age at the time of purchase.
Things you should know if you’re fishing in Tennessee
There is a sale on fishing licenses every year on February 18th which marks the beginning of the prime season. The license is then valid till February of the following year. You need a fishing license if you are 13 years or older (resident or non-resident). Tennessee also has a Free Fishing Week where all children 15 and under can fish for free throughout the week! You must have a driver’s license card to qualify for a fishing license. However, there are certain exemptions if have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days and do not plan on making it your permanent home. There are various types of licenses such as lifetime, sportsman, and senior citizen, etc.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, Florida (FL)
| Freshwater Resident Annual | $17.00 |
| Freshwater Resident Five-Year | $79.00 |
| Freshwater Non-Resident Annual | $47.00 |
| Freshwater Non-Resident 3-Day | $17.00 |
| Freshwater Non-Resident 7-Day | $30.00 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in Florida
The cost of obtaining a fishing license from a Walmart in Florida is $17.50. This is the price for a one-year license for fishing in freshwater or saltwater. A one-year combination license, however, costs $30.50. A “shoreline” license is also available to residents for free. Non-residents pay $17.50 for 3 consecutive days for either freshwater or saltwater fishing licenses. They can also get a combination of $30.50 for the same amount of time.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, Oklahoma
| Resident Annual Fishing | $25 |
| Resident 5-year fishing | $88 |
| Resident Senior Citizen fishing (Lifetime) | $15 |
| Non-resident Annual fishing | $55 |
| Non-resident 6-day fishing | $35 |
| Non-resident 1 day fishing | $15 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in Oklahoma
Additionally, current Oklahoma fishing license costs are as follows: Lifetime Fishing license: $225. Lifetime Fishing/Hunting Combination license: $775, Five-Year Fishing license: $88. Five-Year Fishing/Hunting license: $148, Annual Fishing license: $25 (Youth, 16–17: $5). Annual Fishing/Hunting Combination license: $53 (Youth, 16-17: $19). Two-Day Fishing license: $15, Non-Resident Annual license: $55, Non-Resident Six-Day license: $35, Non-Resident One-Day license: $15.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, Pennsylvania (PA)
| Resident Annual (age 16-64) | $22.90 |
| Senior Resident Annual (65+) | $11.90 |
| Senior Resident (Lifetime) | $51.90 |
| Nonresident annual (16+) | $52.90 |
| 3-day tourist | $26.90 |
| 7-day tourist | $34.90 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in Pennsylvania
Every angler who is above the age of 16 must own a fishing license while fishing in the state of Pennsylvania. Both residents and non-residents require a license but it isn’t that simple. If you want to catch Salmon and Trout, or fish in Lake Erie, you will require an extra permit. You also need to keep in mind that you will need to provide your Social Security number, so do remember to keep that in handy when purchasing!
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, Minnesota (MN)
| Annual Resident | $26 |
| Annual Resident (Married Couple) | $41 |
| Annual Nonresident | $52 |
| 7-day Nonresident | $44 |
| 3-day Nonresident | $37 |
| Youth Nonresident (age 16-17) | $6 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in Minnesota
Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in most state parks when a trout stamp is not required to fish in the water body or fishing from the shore.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, Georgia Atlanta (GA)
Several fishing license options are available in Georgia such as resident, non-resident, and lifetime licenses. All of these are valid for the various time duration. Once you’ve got your fishing license, you’re good for a whole year from the time of purchase. It is mandatory to have a fishing license for both freshwater and saltwater if you are 16 years or older.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, Virginia (VA)
| Resident Freshwater/Saltwater fishing | $39.50 |
| Resident Saltwater Fishing | $17.50 |
| South Holston Resident Fishing License (allows fishing in waters of Tennessee and Virginia upstream of the dam) | $21.00 |
| State resident 5-day trip | $5 |
| Non-resident freshwater fish | $30 |
| Non-resident freshwater fish (5-day trip) | $6 |
| Non-resident trout | $30 |
| Non-resident saltwater | $7 |
| Non-resident saltwater (10-day trip) | $4.50 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in Virginia
First and foremost, you will need to decide whether you will be fishing for freshwater species such as trout and sunfish. or saltwater fish like cobia, flounder, and redfish. You can purchase a license online as well as by phone or in-person by a licensed agent.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, North Carolina
| Inland fishing non-resident (annual) | $36 |
| Inland fishing resident (annual) | $7 |
| Coastal fishing nonresident (annual) | $30 |
| Coastal fishing nonresident (10-day) | $10 |
| Coastal fishing resident (annual) | $15 |
| Coastal fishing resident (10-day) | $5 |
| Combined coastal and inland fishing resident | $40 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in North Carolina
There are different permits for freshwater and saltwater fishing, called “Inland” and “Coastal” fishing. You will need an inland license if you want to fish in freshwater; otherwise, a coastal license is required for fishing in the ocean. A North Carolina Fishing License is mandatory for every angler above the age of 16. The process for obtaining a fishing license in North Carolina is the same for both residents and non-residents, with the only price difference. There are several lifetime licenses as well as short-term packages, such as the ones listed below.
Prices of Fishing Licenses in Walmart, West Virginia (WV)
| Trout-fishing stamp resident | $10 |
| Annual fishing license resident | $18 |
| Sportsman fishing license resident (ages 18-34) | $15 |
| Trout fishing stamp non-resident | $15 |
| Annual fishing license non-resident | $35 |
| 1-day fishing license non-resident | $3 |
Things you should know if you’re fishing in West Virginia
It is mandatory to own a fishing license while fishing in the state, whether you are a resident or non-resident. If you are caught fishing illegally without a license, there is a heavy fine of $2000 to $7000 or 30 days to one year of jail time. Furthermore, there is a chance that you’re hunting and fishing licenses are suspended for life.
FAQs
Q. What is the purpose of a fishing license?
Like any other permit, a fishing license acts as a regulatory mechanism to, in this case, control fishing. It is required for both recreational and commercial fishing. Licenses oversee that there are no issues, such as overfishing of endangered species.
Q. Can I show my fishing license on my phone?
Yes. You don’t need to dash around town to purchase your fishing license from a licensed agent – you can simply order one online! Licenses do not necessarily have to be in printed form, as long as you can present an image of your license upon request.
Q. Does everyone on the boat need to carry a fishing license?
Not necessarily. The rule is simple: if you’re fishing, you need to have a license. So anyone on board who is not fishing does not need to carry a license, even if other people on the vessel are fishing. These non-anglers should not help fishing, which includes attaching bait to hooks or removing fish from hooks.
Q. Do you need a fishing license to catch and release fish?
Most states require you to purchase a license even if you catch fish only to put it back in the water. Whether you intend on keeping the fish or not is irrelevant – you are using the land and water, and you need to pay for the maintenance of the area.
Q. Which state has the cheapest fishing license?
Delaware has the cheapest annual non-resident license, which costs $22.50, while the most expensive one is that of Alaska at $145.
Q. What is the fishing license money used for?
All the money from the fishing licenses goes into the Fish and Wildlife Fund. Each dollar goes into maintenance and conservation, as it cannot by law be used for anything other than wildlife and conservation programs. This includes fish stocking, hatchery programs, and lake and river surveys.
Delaware has the cheapest annual non-resident license, which costs $22.50, while the most expensive one is that of Alaska at $145.
Q. How do I get a fishing license if I do not have a Social Security Number?
If do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to verify that you do not have an SSN by providing a statement from the social security administration.
Delaware has the cheapest annual non-resident license which costs $22.50, while the most expensive one is that of Alaska at $145.
Q. Can I get a fishing license without an ID?
The mandatory age to own a fishing license in most states is 16 or 17. In that case, you can provide your driver’s license or learner’s permit as proof of identification. The primary purpose behind showing your ID as proof of residency is to pay for the resident fishing license offered at much lower rates in all states.
Q. What happens if I forget my fishing license at home?
If forgot your fishing license at home and are being asked to present it, you can go to the game warden’s office. They can verify whether you own a fishing license from the head office but it is still a risk as they could still choose to fine you for not carrying it with yourself while fishing.
Conclusion
We hope this article provided you with all the information you need about Walmart’s fishing licenses. If you would like to add more information to the article or have recently been to Walmart to purchase a fishing license, let us know what your experience was like. We would love to update our article and incorporate your feedback!
