MADISON, WI (WHBL) – Disabled hunters looking to bag a deer this year have a chance to sign up for one of the state’s sponsored disabled hunts.
Department of Natural Resources assistant big game ecologist Derek Johnson says the program offers up opportunities to people who might not be able to hunt anymore. “This is a great opportunity to be able to get out and enjoy one of our greatest natural resources here in Wisconsin: white-tailed deer.”
As of the June 1 sponsor application deadline, 75 landowners have enrolled nearly 77,000 acres of land across 42 counties as being available to disabled hunters. Johnson says the state acts as a middle-man to help those hunters connect with the landowners offering up that property for the hunts. “And they contact them directly to ask if there’s any availability on the property, and some of the sponsors have an application process because there’s limited numbers.” To be eligible, hunters must possess a valid Class A, Class B long-term permit that allows shooting from a vehicle, or Class C or D disabled hunting permit. Eligible hunters must possess a valid gun deer license for 2016.
Officials also remind people that while there’s plenty of places to hunt, hunters might need to broaden their horizons as to where they plan to go for their hunts. “So just being open to maybe traveling, because there’s a lot of sponsors but availability in some counties is limited.” Johnson says some properties are able to accommodate more hunters than other due to size and facilities.
The deadline to sign up for the hunt is September 1, and you can find out more online at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/disdeer.html
