This rulemaking proposal would define the Veterans and Active Military personnel eligible to participate in special waterfowl hunting days for veterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, which was passed through the federal John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act in 2019. Currently, there is no explicit definition for veteran or active military personnel, which makes it difficult for enforcement personnel to determine which adults are eligible/legal for these waterfowl hunting days.
The proposed definition for participation includes the following:
- active duty military includes active members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training);
- veterans must have served in the active military, naval, or air service, and discharged or released under Honorable conditions;
- hunters are encouraged to have one of the following, or a copy of, during the hunt: DD214, Veteran Benefit Card, Retired Active Military I.D., or Active Duty I.D. card.
