Vets’ hunting preference approved

The Department of Natural Resources would be able to give some service members and veterans first preference in lottery drawings for certain hunting or fishing licenses or permits, under a bill passed 123-6 by the House May 2.

Sponsored by Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R-Sartell), HF836 would allow the DNR to first license those who have received a Purple Heart or who have a 100 percent service-related disability.

However, the bill does not include licenses or permits to hunt moose, elk or prairie chickens.

The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd) is the sponsor.