Disabled Sportsman Program

The Wildlife Resources Commission has established increased access and opportunities for persons with disabilities to enjoy the State’s wildlife resources. A brief description and the qualifications for each program are provided below.

Disabled Access Program

The Disabled Access Program is designed to generally improve access for persons with disabilities on game lands where landowners agree. The Disabled Access Permit authorizes individuals with limited physical mobility to operate vehicles, including ATVs, on any Commission maintained road open for vehicular travel, those trails posted for vehicular travel and on open-gated or ungated roads otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on certain game lands; and to have access to special waterfowl hunting blinds designed for hunters with disabilities. See table for a list of game lands or designated areas within a game land for which this permit is valid.

The disabled hunter will be issued a companion and vehicle access card. One companion may accompany the disabled hunter, provided that individual possesses the companion card. This permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability persists. This permit is not a license. It does not authorize hunting, fishing, or trapping activities. There is no fee associated with this permit.

Qualifications

Competent medical evidence must be submitted indicating that a disability exists that limits physical mobility, to the extent that normal utilization of the game lands is not possible without vehicular assistance.

Within the national forests in North Carolina, off highway vehicles (OHVs) are permitted only on designated routes. For more information about areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service, including the Nantahala, Pisgah, Croatan and Uwharrie National Forests, visit fs.usda.gov/activity/nfsnc/recreation/ohv.

Disabled Hunting Blinds

Disabled hunting blinds are available at several game lands throughout the state on a first-come first-served basis or through the Permit Hunt Opportunities. The blinds are enclosed 8x8 foot wooden structures with shooting windows and shooting shelves (rails) on three sides, designed specifically for wheelchair use. The fourth side of the blind has an ADA compliant door and ramp for easy entry and exit.

Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification

The Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification is a medical certification used to establish eligibility for participation in disabled permit hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the applicant does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally disabled license. This certification is not a license; therefore, a valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required when participating in a disabled hunt opportunity. There is no fee for this certification.

Qualifications

Medical certification in one of the following disabilities:

• Missing fifty percent (50 percent) or more of one or more limbs, whether by amputation or natural causes;
• Paralysis of one or more limbs;
• Dysfunction of one or more limbs rendering the individual unable to perform the task of grasping and lifting with the hands and arms or unable to walk without mechanical assistance, other than a cane;
• Disease, injury or impairment confining the individual to a wheelchair, walker or crutches;
• Legal deafness.

This certification shall remain valid as long as the qualifying disability persists.

Disabled Permit Hunts

The Commission has a three-tier permit hunting system for hunters with disabilities designed to offer a variety of opportunities with different levels of support.

Tier I hunts are those on game lands where areas and access have been designated for hunters with disabilities. These hunts are not a part of the Permit Hunting Opportunities Program and do not require a special hunt permit, but may require a Disabled Access Permit.

Tier II hunts are those on game lands and refuges that are included in the Permit Hunting Opportunities Program and allow managed participation for hunters with disabilities and their companion in order to provide unique hunting opportunities. A permit is required for these hunts. Some may have designated blinds.

Tier III hunts are Commission-facilitated and assisted hunts located on a game land within each region. These hunts offer managed participation for hunters with disabilities and their companion in areas where blinds are provided and offer a unique hunting opportunity. A permit and orientation are required for these hunts.

To qualify for a disabled hunt permit, individuals must possess at least one of the following:

• Disabled Veteran License
• Totally Disabled License
• Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification and valid hunting license

For a list of disabled hunt opportunities, visit ncwildlife.org/PermitHunt.

Applicants will be charged a $10 nonrefundable administrative fee that covers all disabled hunts applied for in one transaction.

• Unless otherwise stated, permit holders may bring a companion to assist and hunt. The companion must carry the companion card received with the permit and must hunt alongside the permit holder at all times. There is no fee or application required for the companion. Companions may not apply for disabled hunts individually.
• On multiple day hunts, the companion may be different for each hunt day as long as they have the companion card.
• If orientation is required, the disabled hunter must attend in order for the permit to be valid.

Huntmaster Units

The Commission has 10 Huntmaster mobile hunting and wildlife viewing blinds that can be set up by one individual for hunting or wildlife watching activities. Huntmasters feature all-steel heavy-duty construction throughout. A fail-safe hydraulic system is powered by a solar-powered, 12v deep-cycle battery. Set-up features include four rugged, steel-beam outriggers, each with adjustable stabilizers. The Huntmaster has a 6x6-foot interior and can lift up to 750 pounds to 20 feet, providing a great vantage point and reducing the element of human scent.

Through partnership with N.C. Handicapped Sportsman, the Commission offers 10 Huntmaster mobile hunting and wildlife viewing blinds across the state that may be reserved for organized wildlife recreation events. Applications require the name and contact information of the organization holding the event. The Huntmaster may also be reserved for use at expos or other special events to promote hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for disabled North Carolinians. For more information visit: https://www.ncwildlife.org.

Track Chairs

To provide opportunity to individuals with limited mobility to experience and enjoy wildlife-associated recreation, the WRC, with the help of generous donors like the N.C. Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, offers nine Action Trackchairs® (Model ST20) across the state.

Trackchairs are available on a first-come, first-reserved basis at no cost. Trackchairs are equipped with rubberized tracks and two 12-volt batteries, allowing the user to overcome many types of terrain for up to five hours or seven miles. Each one is outfitted with a fishing rod and long gun holder, but can be used for hunting, fishing, shooting, wildlife-watching, birding, and many other outdoor activities.

Each Trackchair is stored in an enclosed tow-behind trailer and may be checked-out by the user or their companion (companions are required for users under 18 years of age) and used across North Carolina. Trackchairs can be used on open game lands and other accessible and open public and private land. Always verify accessibility prior to your trip by contacting the appropriate management organization or landowner. For more information and to reserve a Trackchair, visit ncwildlife.org.

Shooting Ranges

The Commission manages seven ADA compliant, public shooting ranges across the state. Each range has handicapped parking, paved sidewalk access, and at least one shooting bench set to ADA height standards for wheelchair users. For specific information on accessible infrastructure at each range, visit ncwildlife.org/ShootingRanges.