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Deer hunting for hunters with disabilities

Sponsor sign-up for the 2023 Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities is now closed. Interested hunters have until Sept. 15 to sign up with a sponsor: 2023 Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities Sponsor List.

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. 5-13, 2024

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 Application

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 [PDF].

The sponsor sign-up period for the 2023 hunt is now closed. Click the Sponsor Application link above to view your application and enter your hunters. 

The hunter sign-up period for 2024 will open soon. Sponsor contact information will be available on this page for interested hunters to call and reserve locations directly with the landowner. Please get in touch with Brooke VanHandel, Assistant Deer and Elk Specialist, via email at brooke.vanhandel@wisconsin.gov or by phone at (608) 354-3492 with questions.

Hunters

The hunter sign-up period for 2023 will close Sept. 15. View the 2023 Sponsor List

To be eligible for the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities, hunters must possess a valid Class A, C, D, or Class B shoot from stationary vehicle permit that are issued longer than one year.

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 get in touch with Brooke VanHandel, Assistant Deer and Elk Specialist, via email at brooke.vanhandel@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

Each deer hunting license purchase includes one or multiple Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorizations [PDF].

Hunters who hold a valid Class A, C, D or Class B shoot from stationary vehicle permit that are issued longer than one year:

  • May harvest a buck deer with their gun buck harvest authorization during the department-sponsored disabled gun deer hunt.
  • May use one Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorization in any deer management unit statewide (including 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) antlerless deer harvest authorizations in any deer management unit statewide (including buck-only units) when participating in 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.
  • The hunter must choose a land type (public/private) when selecting their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorizations but do not have to adhere to the land type selection when exercising the above privileges during the Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities.

Using Your Class A or C Disabled Permit During Other Deer Seasons

Hunters who possess a valid Class A or C permit:

  • May harvest a buck deer with their gun buck harvest authorization statewide during any firearm deer season, including antlerless-only seasons (excluding the two-day Youth Gun Deer Hunt, unless under the age of sixteen).
  • May use one Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorization issued with their gun deer, archery, or crossbow license to take an antlerless deer in any unit statewide (including buck-only units).
  • May use up to two Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorizations to take an antlerless deer in any unit statewide (including buck-only units) with the purchase of both a gun license and an archery or crossbow license or with the purchase of a patron license.
  • The hunter must choose a land type (public/private) when selecting their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless deer harvest authorizations and adhere to the land type selection when participating in other seasons outside the department-sponsored Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities.