| Hunting With Physical
Disabilities
 "I
know if I ever became physically impaired, I'd still want the ability
to do what I want to do, and high on that list is hunting,"
says Pete Lester, hunter education coordinator for the New Hampshire
Fish and Game Department. "There's no reason it can't be a
safe and enjoyable activity."
A great resource for disabled hunters
and anglers is Don Christensen's A Far Cry -- visit www.afarcry.info
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Roughly 700 people with physically disabilities
hunt each year in New Hampshire. That's a growing number, reflecting
a trend that more and more people are realizing their physical disabilities
shouldn't keep them from enjoying the great outdoors. Indeed, they
can and should take full advantage of New Hampshire's tremendous
natural resources.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department offers
several permits for people with physical disabilities. Among them
is a permit for a permanent hunting and fishing license for paraplegics.
There's a one-time $10 administrative fee for the license, and the
applicant must present a letter from his or her doctor stating that
the applicant is permanently and totally paraplegic.
Disabled veterans may also be eligible for a
hunting and fishing license. Like the license for paraplegics, disabled
veterans must meet certain criteria and present documentation of
a permanent disability from the Veterans Services Office. With either
permit, applicant must have taken a hunter education course.
The Department also offers permits to people
with disabilities who want to hunt using a crossbow. To qualify,
you must have a permanent physical disability that prevents you
from using a conventional bow or a compound bow.
The Department also offers permits to paraplegics
who want to hunt from a motor vehicle.
New Hampshire Fish and Game's Hunter Education
Program customizes its courses for people with special needs so
they can enjoy the outdoors safely.
For more information, contact the New Hampshire
Fish and Game Department's Business/Licensing Division, 603-271-3422
or via email: info@wildlife.nh.gov.
To reach the National Rifle Association's Disabled
Shooting Services, go to www.nrahq.org/compete/disabled.asp
or call 703-267-1495.
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