Hunting permits for developmentally disabled advanced

A developmentally disabled person could purchase a hunting permit under a bill advanced from general file Feb. 27.

Under LB699, introduced by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, a license-purchase exemption certificate issued by the state Game and Parks Commission would allow a developmentally disabled person to purchase a hunting permit.

Larson said a disability should not prohibit a person from participating in a popular sport like hunting.

“There are people who want to participate, but because of their disabilities are unable to meet the qualifications to obtain a permit,” he said. “[With this bill] we will give kids and adults with special needs the ability to participate in a sport that is important to many Nebraskans.”

The bill also would consolidate current hunter education programs to form one program covering all hunting implements including firearms, crossbows, bow and arrows and air guns.

A Natural Resources Committee amendment, adopted 30-0, would require a person applying for an exemption certificate to provide a written note from their physician, indicating that the person is at all times capable of understanding and following directions given by another person and that he or she currently is not a danger to himself, herself or others.

Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson, chairperson of the committee, said the amendment also addressed concerns from bow hunters and trainers about consolidating the hunter education programs by providing for additional bow hunter education.

Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash introduced an amendment to the committee amendment that would ensure any physician providing written approval would know that a person would be using a firearm to hunt.

“We want to make sure the physician is fully aware of what the hunter will be engaging in before authorizing the note,” Coash said.

Following the 25-0 adoption of the Coash amendment, two additional technical amendments were adopted. Senators then advanced the bill to select file on a 27-1 vote.