I was born and raised in Vermont and I have hunted and fished here my whole life. Now, after purchasing Vermont licenses for over 50 years, the rules for us "older folks" have changed...

Recently, the Vermont legislature and Fish and Wildlife Department changed the rule regarding eligibility for a permanent hunting/fishing license for Vermont seniors.

Since 1971, any Vermont resident 65 or older could acquire a permanent license which allowed the holder to hunt and fish without purchasing additional licenses for the rest of their lifetime. The new rule now unfairly raises the minimum age to 70.

The new rule is frustrating and only encourages aging citizens to hunt in neighboring states with friendlier regulations or to possibly withdraw from hunting entirely.

Vermont should be working harder to honor its commitment to seniors.

Please join with me in petitioning the Vermont State Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Department to reverse their decision and allow Vermonters to continue to purchase permanent licenses at the age of 65.