Outdoors Beyond Barriers

Successful harvest by Dana Hawkins, pictured with her husband, from the first DNR adaptive hunt held in 2021.

For many sportsmen and women, pre-hunting season preparation might include simple tasks like getting a rifle sighted in before opening day or ensuring their application is submitted for a specific quota hunt. For adaptive hunters, there are significantly more factors and challenges to consider.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working to make that challenge easier to navigate thanks to the Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative that launched in March 2024. This program 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.

“More than 2.2 million Georgians have a disability, and of that, 14 percent 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. “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.”

Previously, adaptive hunters could take advantage of an early waterfowl hunting opportunity on private land or participate in one of the multiple dedicated mobility-impaired hunts (for different species) on a variety of public land Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These opportunities will continue.

Beginning in Fall 2024, Georgia DNR will host new hunting and fishing events in each of the department’s six regions around the state on public lands and fishing areas, while also seeking additional outdoor opportunities in partnership with private landowners throughout Georgia.

Kevin Stephens uses an accessible kayak launch, the first of its kind on State Parks properties, that debuted in May 2022 at Hard Labor Creek State Park. (Photo courtesy Morgan County Citizen)

NEW Hunting Opportunities!

Beginning July 15, adaptive hunters will have the opportunity to apply for seven new Adaptive WMA Hunting Events on public properties across the state. To apply, visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com and select the “Events and Learning Opportunities” tab. The deadline for applications is Aug. 15, 2024.

“DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division staff is so excited to be part of this growing initiative. Outdoors Beyond Barriers is providing ways to help someone ‘get into the woods’ and take part in an activity they may have felt was previously not an option for them,” said Kim Morris-Zarneke, program manager at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, one of the designated mobility hunt locations.

“We hope this is just the beginning of added opportunities. In fact, our agency has added a coordinator for mobility-impaired hunting and fishing activities, and one of their goals is to look for ways to continuously look for ways to expand and adapt the program.”

Sighting in the rifles before a DNR Adaptive Deer Hunt last January. Max and his dad are sighting in firearms and learning adaptive equipment styles at this hunt from January 2024.  Max is looking through the sight as his dad pulls the trigger. Later, he was able to try a new piece of equipment that extended the trigger to his hand, and he could just rotate his wrist and fire independently.

Other Adaptive Opportunities And Amenities In Georgia

• 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.

• Horseback Riding: 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.

Visitors enjoying an ADA accessible campsite at Jack Hill State Park in Tattnall County.

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.

For more info on the Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative, visit GADNR.org/OBB.