So I was going through my news alerts after work this evening when I found this fresh headline from Oklahoma: "Bill may alter military fees for hunting in state."
Could it be that this was a step toward letting any active-duty soldiers pay in-state fees - the idea floated by my new friend Maj. Darin Harper?
Not quite. But state Sen. Todd Lamb, a Republican from Edmond, Oklahoma, wants to make sure soldiers returning home to Oklahoma on leave can pay in-state fees, even if they've had to establish residency in another state where they're based.
Not entirely what Maj. Harper was hoping for, but it's a step in the right direction.
Of course, it's just a bill, and it's a long way from bill introduction to passage by the legislature and signing by the governor. If you'd like to express your support for this bill or see how you might be able to help, consider kicking an email over to Sen. Lamb - especially if you're from Oklahoma.
© Holly A. Heyser 2010
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6 comments:
Way to follow up on a timely and important topic, Holly. Keep us in the loop and we'll do the same for you!
Little by little it'll move forward. It is a baby step in the right direction and we'll need to support it to see if it will catch on in other states. Way to keep at it, Holly. I would have never seen that article if you hadn't posted it.
Thankfully, Michigan already has this law in place:
U.S. Military personnel, excluding reservists, who are stationed outside of Michigan, and who, at the time of enlistment, were residents of Michigan and who have maintained resident status, may purchase any hunting license that does not require a separate application for $1. The individual must present leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that he or she is stationed outside the state, and a Michigan Driver License or voter registration. These licenses, available at all License Agents and DNR Operations Service Centers, are valid for up to two weeks during the established season. The license buyer can designate the exact hunting period.
But I still would like to see more of a push that allows all active military personnel to get license deals such as this, regardless of what state their in, or what their resident status is.
I would also like it to apply to fishing licenses as well.
I've contacted my reps. Hopefully everyone else does the same.
It's a great idea, and if it can get the impetus it needs, it'll go through. It's got all the right markings to make a politician happy, and shouldn't do damage to wildlife agency budgets.
Just gotta keep the idea near the surface until it goes into the right ears.
We have to encourage politicians like this, let them know their efforts are noticed and appreciated. Keep them headed in the right direction as there is plenty out there that would like to way lay their good intentions and efforts.
its a shame they dont extend this to national guard members.
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