Sponsor sign-up period open for Disabled Deer Hunts

Sponsor sign-up period open for Disabled Deer Hunts
Hunt set for Oct. 3-11, 2009

MADISON – The sign up period for landowners interested in sponsoring a deer hunt open only to hunters with disabilities is open through June 1. In 2009, the disabled hunt will take place Oct. 3-11.

Sponsor applications are available online and must be submitted to your local wildlife manager by June 1. A list of approved sponsors will be posted on the Department of Natural Resources Web site. Hunters with disabilities interested in participating in one of these hunts should contact sponsors directly to make arrangements. Sponsors are required to submit a list of participating hunters to DNR by Sept. 1.

To be eligible to participate in the Disabled Deer Hunt, hunters must possess a valid Class A Permit, a long-term Class B Permit issued for more than one year and that authorizes shooting from a vehicle, or a Class C Disabled Hunting Permit.

The gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities was started in 1990 in Wisconsin to give disabled hunters an opportunity to hunt deer at a time of year when temperatures are generally milder and mobility is less of a problem. The hunts are sponsored by private individuals or organizations and almost entirely take place on privately owned lands.

Interest in the program continues to grow. In 2008, there were more than 100 participating sponsors enrolled and more than 62,000 acres available for the hunt.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Olver - (608) 261-7588