AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — More Maine veterans might be able to participate in the state's annual moose hunt thanks to a change in state law.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has signed a proposal that allows Maine residents who participate in the moose permit lottery to donate their permit to a wounded service member or veteran.

Democratic Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash proposed the law change at the request of a constituent and called it a "simple act of gratitude." Participants in the moose lottery will be able to identify a specific veteran or allow the commissioner to draw a name from a list.

The moose lottery is scheduled for Saturday and typically draws tens of thousands of applications. There are 2,820 moose permits this year. The hunt takes place every fall.

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