North Dakota along with many other states have expanded the opportunities for the disabled to enjoy the outdoors, whether that be fishing, hunting or just getting out there. You do not have to look hard to find a place, events or opportunity, all you need to do is go to your state's game and fish page and there will be a page dedicated solely for this purpose. The following are opportunities in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.
The North Dakota Game & Fish (NDGF) has a great page
for all of this information. The NDGF has a track wheelchair that is available at
no charge for use at department sponsored field events. The tracked wheelchair
is also available for offsite use up to 72 hours.
NDGF also provides special permits for shooting out of
stationary vehicles and shooting crossbows. For both of these permits there are
applications that need to be filled out by your physician, you and the Game
& Fish.
There are also many opportunities in North Dakota
provided by the Game & Fish Department for the disabled to fish many
different waters in North Dakota. On their website they have a map that shows
all of the handicap accessible fishing facilities. These fishing facilities
have accessible fishing piers and accessible restrooms.
The NDGF page also has links to nonprofit organizations
in North Dakota that are catered towards people with disabilities. These
nonprofit organizations include Injured Military Wildlife Project of North
Dakota, Wounded Warriors Guide Service, Twist of Fate and Sporting Chance.
North Dakota Game & Fish:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a
great page that has many outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities.
The DNR accessible outdoor page has three categories starting with accessible "Places
to go" including state forests, parks, trails and wildlife management
areas. The second category are accessible "Things to do" including
assessable state park trails, assessable camping, hunting and fishing. The
third category is "What to know."
Here is a great page that shows all of the accessible
campsites, lodging and trails in Minnesota state parks.
Here is a link to the special permits that are available
in Minnesota for fishing, hunting and state park use.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Accessible
Outdoors page:
The South Dakota Game Fish & Parks (SDGFP) has quite
a bit of opportunities for disabled people with outdoor interests. On their
ADA/Accessible page they have permits to use crossbows and permits to shoot out
of stationary vehicles. The SDGFP has a Designated Shooter Permit. This permit
allows a designated shooter to legally hunt or take game on a disabled person's
behalf. They have reduced fees for disabled South Dakota residents who qualify.
There are Game Production Areas and State Parks that are enhanced for
accessibility.
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has quite a few
permits and licenses available to disabled individuals. Wyoming is a crossbow
friendly state so that is one less thing you have to worry about. Their Game & Fish has a great link that
explains everything that is available to residents and nonresidents. Here is
the link:
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Permits/Forms-Applications/WGFD_DISABLEDPERMITS
Wyoming Game & Fish Disabled Forms and Applications
page:
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have quite a few
opportunities no matter what you want to do outdoors. If you are a disabled
resident of Montana you receive a 50% discount on camping fees. If you are a
Montana resident you can also apply for a Disability Conservation license.
Another license for residents is a Lifetime Fishing License for the blind.
Nonresident and resident have to apply for shooting out of a stationary vehicle
permit and to modify archery equipment permit. This information can be found
here:
Montana also has a Crossing the Barriers Implementation
Plan that has worked to remove outdoor barriers for the disabled since 1989.
Many hunting opportunities exist in Montana for hunters
with disabilities. For the most up-to-date lands that are available for hunting
contact the Regional Fish, Wildlife & Parks office where you want to hunt
and they will be happy to let you know what is available.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Outdoor Recreation
Opportunities page:
I have been lucky enough to take part in some of these
organizations, events and have used some of the permits. I have in my
possession right now crossbow permits in North Dakota and Minnesota plus
shooting from a stationary vehicle permit in Wyoming and North Dakota. These
permits are there to make life easier. And they are easily obtained with the
correct information. All I have to say is that the opportunities are great and
hopefully if you or you know someone that might be interested, get involved or
let them know.
Thanks for reading, Clint.
