The failure to renew the license, or make application therefor, for any location for a fixed fishing gear in any of the waters of this state, on January 1 of any year, constitutes abandonment of the location. However, any licensee entering the Armed Forces of the United States during any period which would qualify the licensee as a veteran, as defined in ORS § 408.225, is not deemed to have abandoned such location or gear so licensed, either by reason of absence from the location during such service or by failure to renew the license as required. Such licensee may file application for renewal of the license at any time following the date of release from the Armed Forces of the United States, until January 1 of the following year, and shall have preference over other persons therefor. [Amended by 1965 c.570 § 72; 2009 c.41 § 21]