Gumm Wins Senate Approval to Give Disabled Vets Special Hunting Season

April 14th, 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY –The full Senate on Wednesday approved language to give 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans a special two-day hunting season.  Senator Jay Paul Gumm included the measure as an amendment to House Bill 2701.

“This is based on a law on the books in the State of Michigan,” explained Gumm, a Democrat from Durant.  “Our disabled veterans have sacrificed more than any of us can imagine. This benefit is just one more way we can honor and thank them for their service.”

The proposal was a suggestion from a constituent who is a disabled veteran. “This is the way the process is supposed to work,” Gumm said. “I am fortunate to serve constituents who are willing to share with me their good ideas. This is an idea that is now just a few steps from becoming law.”

In order to participate in the hunting season, eligible veterans would need their documentation of disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation would determine the hunting dates.  Under the proposal, antlered and antlerless deer could be hunted during the special two-day season.

“I want to thank my fellow members of the Senate for joining with me in approving this language.  At a time when we are forced to reexamine good programs and eliminate services, this is a benefit we can provide to our disabled veterans without placing any additional requirements on our budget,” Gumm said.

The measure now returns to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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