MADISON- Eligible hunters with an interest in participating in the 2016 gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities are encouraged to contact a land sponsor and sign up for a hunt before the Sept. 1 hunter participation deadline.

As of the June 1 sponsor application deadline, 75 landowners have enrolled nearly 77,000 acres of land across 42 counties [PDF] for this year’s hunt, which takes place October 1-9. For a complete list of 2016 sponsors, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “disabled deer hunt.”

Sponsors provide opportunities for our hunters with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.
Photo Credit: DNR

“We are thrilled with the number of sponsors that are willing to provide opportunities for our hunters,” said DNR assistant big game ecologist Derek Johnson. “Giving hunters access to 77,000 acres of land is instrumental in making this unique opportunity a success and continuing Wisconsin’s deer hunting traditions.”

Hunters or assistants should contact sponsors directly to sign up for a hunt. Interested hunters must provide their name, contact information, and DNR customer ID number. 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 gun deer license.

It is important for hunters to note that some properties are able to accommodate more hunters than others. Smaller properties may only support the minimum number of hunters (three), so hunters are advised to contact potential sponsors as early as possible to determine if space is available.