Hunt_Content Page_Deer Hunting for Hunters with Disabilities

Deer hunting for hunters with disabilities

The outdoors is a part of the foundation of Wisconsin culture, and that rings true for hunters of every background, regardless of physical ability. To serve outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities, the department provides a variety of hunting, fishing and recreational permits designed to help give people with disabilities the opportunity to partake in Wisconsin's abundant natural resources.

For those interested in learning about other outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities, visit Open the Outdoors.

Learn more about our partners who may be able to assist you with your hunt.

October Hunt for Hunters With Disabilities

Season Dates: Oct. 7-15, 2023

Thanks to generous landowners willing to sponsor hunters with disabilities on their land, the Wisconsin Deer Hunt for Hunters With Disabilities continues to grow. Hunters wishing to participate and landowners wanting to sponsor hunters on their property can learn more below. 

Sponsors (Landowners)

Sponsor Account Login

Please note: This application is being updated and will be available for sponsor signup in June 2023.

Landowners who are interested in sponsoring a Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities are required to allow the opportunity for at least three qualified hunters to participate on the property. Sponsors are encouraged to keep the hunter density to at least one hunter per 20 acres of land. Lands with fewer than three participants enrolled or less than 60 acres will be approved by the department on a case-by-case basis. If interested, please read the rules and conditions of conducting a hunt. 

The sponsor sign-up period for the 2023 hunt will open in June 2023. Sponsor contact information will be available for hunters to call and reserve locations directly with the landowner.

The hunter sign-up period for 2023 will open in August 2023. Please contact Ally Magnin, Assistant Deer and Elk Specialist, via email at ally.magnin@wisconsin.gov or by phone at (608)354-3492 with questions.

Hunters

The hunter sign-up period for 2023 will open in August 2023.

To be eligible for the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities, hunters must possess a valid Class A, C, D, or long-term Class B permit with privileges to shoot from a stationary vehicle.

Hunters with one of the above permits should contact a sponsoring landowner before Sept. 15 to participate in the current year's Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities.

Please contact Ally Magnin, Assistant Deer and Elk Specialist, via email at ally.magnin@wisconsin.gov or by phone at (608)354-3492 with questions.

Using Your Farmland (Zone 2) Harvest Authorizations During the Department-Sponsored Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities

One or multiple Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorizations [PDF] are included with each deer hunting license purchase.

Hunters who hold a valid Class A, C, D or long-term Class B permit that includes shoot-from-stationary-vehicle privileges:

  • Must choose a land type (public/private) when selecting their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorizations but do not have to adhere to their land type selection when participating in the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities.
  • May use one Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorization in any deer management unit statewide (including any buck-only units) when participating in the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities if they hold a gun deer license.
  • May use up to two Farmland (Zone 2) harvest authorizations during the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities with the purchase of both a gun license and an archery or crossbow license or with the purchase of a patron license.
  • May harvest a buck deer with their gun buck harvest authorization during the department-sponsored disabled gun deer hunt.

 

Using Your Class A Or C Permit During Other Deer Seasons

Hunters who possess a valid Class A or C permit:

  • May use their gun buck deer harvest authorization to take a buck statewide during any firearm deer season, including antlerless-only seasons.
  • Must choose a land type (public/private) when selecting their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorizations and adhere to their land use type selection when participating in other seasons outside the department-sponsored Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities.
  • May use one Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorization issued with their gun deer license or archer/crossbow license to take an antlerless deer in any unit statewide.
  • If the disabled hunter purchased both a gun and archer/crossbow license or a patron license, they may use two of their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorizations in any unit statewide.