(submitted photo/Ministry of Environment)

By Mat Barrett

Hunting and Angling

Veterans in Saskatchewan eligible for free hunting and angling licences

Mar 29, 2019 | 4:03 PM

Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces are getting a nice boost from the Provincial Government.

Beginning Friday, April 12, any veteran in Saskatchewan who was honourably discharged will be eligible for a free Hunting and Angling licence.

Provincial Wildlife Manager Chuck Lees said it is a way for the province to give back to veterans.

“We’re very proud of our veterans and their commitment and sacrifice to protecting our freedom,” Lees told northeastNOW. “And felt this was a small gesture to recognize that and as well we have some other benefits in the hunting and angling world for veterans.

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Lees says those other benefits will compliment this new “no cost licence” very well.

Registration is already open for veterans to get the licence, but they do not officially go on sale until Friday, April 12. For veterans to get registered, they can either go to a ministry office, or it can also be done online for the one time verification process.

Lees said the free licence isn’t only just for the 2019/2020 season.

“Like and automatic renewal,” Lees said. “So that once they do the verification, their account will recognize them as a veteran going forward, and so they will have free over the counter licences as long as the program is in place.”

According to Lees, Ontario is the only other province in Canada that does something similar.

Melfort Legion President Bob Ellis said the no cost licence is a nice gesture for veterans.

“I think it’s appropriate,” Ellis told northeastNOW. “Because if the guys want to go out and pursue their sport, and if the government is willing to let them have at it for a while, then it’s not bad.”

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6