New hunting opportunities for mobility-challenged hunters in Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced new events being planned for mobility-challenged hunters this upcoming season.

Starting July 15, adaptive hunters will have the opportunity to apply for one of seven New Adaptive Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunting events on public properties across the state through their Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative.

The Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative puts an emphasis on removing obstacles for people with mobility impairments to help them connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and take part in activities like hunting and fishing that may have previously been unavailable.

(Photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources)

“More than 2.2 million Georgians have a disability, and of that, 14% of those are mobility related. Outdoors Beyond Barriers puts an increased focus on expanding existing and creating new adaptive outdoor opportunities,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of Georgia DNR.

Rabon continued, “Having personally attended one of the initial adaptive hunts we introduced last year, I cannot wait to see the excitement of hunters taking part in some exceptional new opportunities this next year.”

To apply for one of the seven hunting events, visit GoOUtdoorsGeorgia.com and select the “Events and Learning Opportunities” tab. The deadline for applications is August 15.

Other Adaptive Opportunities and Amenities in Georgia include:

• Action Trackchairs Available at Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites.
• Accessible Cottage/Campsite Accommodations at Georgia State Parks.
• Accessible Kayak Launch at Hard Labor Creek State Park.
• Accessible Horse Ramps (Don Carter State Park and Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center).
• Georgia Public Fishing Areas offer a variety of ADA accessible fishing piers and facilities.
• Coastal Public Fishing Piers are ADA-accessible.
• 12 Public Ranges (Archery or Shooting) in Georgia are ADA-accessible.
• Birding and Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Many DNR sites offer multiple accessible piers and trails for mobility-impaired visitors and others, including the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and the ADA bridge connecting the City of Winder with Fort Yargo State Park.

Eligible participants must meet the requirements for a disability hunting and fishing license. However, hunters taking part in these new hunts do not have to possess a Disability License if they already have an alternate legal license, such as a Lifetime License.

Disability License Change: Disabled hunters who complete the “Certification of Disability Application” (available at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com) and are approved will receive an electronic certificate of disability and never again have to resubmit proof of their disability (as long as they remain disabled). The certification allows hunters to obtain their disability hunting or fishing license online or by phone.