Cork Graham, circa 1987: “How I wish we had resident privileges when I was serving overseas.”
Holly Heyser over at her blog NorCal Cazadora has come up with an idea that has been pushed many times in the past, but perhaps this time it might just get enough momentum going: Let all those who serve on active duty in the military be charged the same hunting or fishing fees as residents, no matter that they might not be presently residing within that state.
As an example, if you’re serving in the US military in Iraq and you want to hunt Alaska, you should be permitted to fly to Alaska on your R&R and walk into a sporting goods store, show your active duty card and pay the same fees to hunt as a resident Alaskan, even if your driver’s license says you reside in California or Texas, or wherever.
If you’re prepared to spill your blood in defense of our homeland, it should be remembered that you’re spilling it for your country, not your state. The least each state can do is permit a woman or man in the service of their country pay a resident’s fees wherever they desire to participate in hunting or fishing. Some states permit this: all states should allow this!
Read more here at Holly’s blog: http://norcalcazadora.blogspot.com/2010/02/soldier-and-hunter-with-brilliant-idea.html
Go over to her site and comment, and here, too: we might just get a real wave of support going in a manner it hasn’t succeeded in the past…I think it’s time, don’t you?
March 8th, 2010 at 8:10 AM
Absolutely! Count me in for that support!
T. Michael Riddle
March 8th, 2010 at 9:38 AM
I don’t think they should be paying a fee at all. I don’t know what service men and women are paid these days, but in 1968 I got a whopping $125/month less taxes and FICA as a PFC with under 3 years.
If that means my taxes go up a buck or two a year to cover the costs, so be it.
March 8th, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Mr. Graham,
Thank you for your support!
March 8th, 2010 at 4:21 PM
Thanks for the link, Cork! It may take a while to get momentum going, but support like this is exactly what we need.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:43 PM
Thanks everyone for showing your support by commenting here and at NorCal Cazadora!
March 17th, 2010 at 5:02 PM
Cork,
great heads up! I would like to see that done myself, it’s a great idea, and high time we pushed that across the desks of the politicians!
Regards,
Albert
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical
March 17th, 2010 at 7:08 PM
The more and more we all make it clear, the better—Thanks, Albert!
Cheers,
Cork
December 27th, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Does anyone know where i could find a list of the states the do allow military to hunt as residents. I know Illinios does but cant seem to find the rest.
Thanks in advance
John C Johnson SFC USA