House votes 49-21 to exempt veterans from hunter ed requirements

The House has voted 49-21 in favor of HB 496, legislation to exempt all military members or veterans from hunter education requirements to get state hunting licenses, a measure opposed by Idaho’s Fish & Game Commission. Several veterans in the House spoke against the bill. Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley, a physician and former Idaho Fish & Game commissioner, said, “I never learned a single thing about hunting … when I was in the military.” Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, a supporter of the bill, noted that the state doesn’t require fishing safety education courses. Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, the bill’s sponsor, said those who fall under the exemption can just read up on Idaho’s game species and state hunting rules. The bill now moves to a Senate committee.