Guaranteeing a license

A man who mentors disabled military veterans is hoping for legislative support of a bill that would give first preference to a greater number of veterans who seek hunting licenses.

Sponsored by Rep. Tim Sanders (R-Blaine), HF289 would amend the lottery system used by the Department of Natural Resources when selecting individuals for fish and game permits and licenses.

Those who are either currently serving in the U.S. armed forces (including the National Guard), or those who have served during the past 24 months now get preferential treatment.

The bill would add Purple Heart medal recipients and servicemen and servicewomen with a disability rating of 70 percent as defined by the U.S. Veterans Administration. Such persons could obtain a license to hunt turkey, bear and antlerless deer without going through the lottery process. The bill was held over Feb. 2 by the House Game, Fish and Forestry Division for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. It has no Senate companion.

Under the bill, the commissioner would be required to give preference to service members and veterans. The commissioner can give preference now, but it is not required.

Ray LaPresto, who volunteers for a mentoring program through the United States Military Academy at West Point, said one of his mentees would like to hunt turkeys on LaPresto’s Dennison farm.

“I was afraid he wouldn’t get picked (in the lottery),” he said.