Robbins and Regola Legislation Spurs Game and Fish Action

Game and Fish Commissions to provide military rebates

In response to legislation introduced by Senators Bob Regola (R-39) and Bob Robbins (R-50), the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission have instituted a new policy for active-duty military personnel to apply for a full-priced rebate of resident hunting and fishing licenses when purchased at retail vendors.

Currently, active duty military, National Guard, and Reserve personnel are eligible for reduced cost hunting and fishing licenses. Prior to the new policy, these $1.00 licenses were only available for purchase at County Treasurers' offices and the regional offices of the Game Commission and Fish & Boat Commission.

"It came to our attention that servicemen and women at home on leave were often unable to purchase military licenses due to office closures on holidays and weekends, said Sen. Regola. "With many retailers providing more consumer-friendly hours, we didn't want this program hampered by bureaucracy."

As such, Senator Regola introduced Senate Bill 1256 (Game Code) and Senator Robbins introduced Senate Bill 1257 (Fish Code) which would allow all licensed retail vendors to sell these special reduced-priced licenses. In response to the legislation, the Game and Fish Commissions put in place the new rebate policy.

"I appreciate the Commissions' cooperation in creating a process for our military personnel to take advantage of these licenses," said Sen. Robbins. "These licenses are just one small way that we can say 'thank you' to those who put their lives on the line in the defense of freedom throughout the world."

An individual who is eligible for a military hunting or fishing license, but has already purchased a regularly priced resident license, may apply for a rebate to the License Division of the appropriate commission. The rebate applicant should provide their current license number, address of the issuing agent, and copies of documentation proving at least 180 days of active service within the previous 24 months.

Contact:

Justin Leventry (Sen. Robbins)
(717) 787-1322
Nate Silcox (Sen. Regola)
(717) 787-6063