From the office of Rep. Jeremy Kalin

State Representative Jeremy Kalin (DFL-Lindstrom) announced bipartisan legislation today, making it easier for military veterans to receive their hunting licenses. The bill (HF 260) would exempt any military veteran, including the National Guard and Reserve, from needing a firearms safety certificate to get a hunting license. Right now, only active members of the military are exempt.

Kalin said he authored the legislation when a constituent of his, a 7-year veteran of the U.S. Army, was denied a deer-hunting license last fall because he did not have a firearms safety certificate.

"If someone is trained to handle an M-16 and distinguish between friend and foe on the battlefield, they can obviously be trusted with a deer rifle and a hunting license," Kalin said.

Kalin's constituent, Chris Woodcock (Specialist, U.S. Army, Retired) of Taylors Falls, said he was surprised when he learned the state wanted him to take a firearms safety course.

"I served my country for seven years, including fighting in Iraq," said Woodcock. "I couldn't believe they were telling me I had to be trained to handle a deer rifle."

Kalin's legislation carries bipartisan support in the Legislature and was included in Governor Pawlenty's "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" veterans' package.

"No matter what we think on other issues, supporting our men and women who have served is something that unites us," Kalin added. "I've appreciated help from both Representative Dan Severson and the Veterans community in getting this bill together."

This afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in room 10 of the State Office Building, the House Game, Fish, and Forestry Division will hold a hearing on Kalin's bill.

Added Kalin, "It's vital to get this bill passed and to the Governor as soon as possible. The spring turkey hunt is right around the corner, and we don't even one more veteran denied the basic privilege of a hunting license."