Waterfowl Association has help for disabled, young hunters

Blinds for hunters with mobility impairments sit empty for much of the season.

JEFFERSON CITY-Hundreds of days of potential duck hunting opportunity are going to waste on some state-owned wetland areas, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Missouri Waterfowl Association (MWA) wants to help hunters with disabilities take advantage of those opportunities. They also want to clear the way for youngsters to try duck hunting.

The Conservation Department has handicap-accessible blinds at 12 wetland areas scattered from one corner of the state to the other. The facilities are located and built to enable hunters using wheelchairs to drive up, roll down ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and enjoy a day of hunting ducks or geese in the comfort of a covered blind. Yet, blinds at some areas often sit vacant.

August A. Busch, Jr. Memorial Wetlands at Four Rivers CA north of Nevada has a handicap-accessible blind that gets more usage than most. Last year, it was reserved seven days out ten, according to Wildlife Management Biologist Chris Daniel. Eagle Bluffs CA south of Columbia also has a better-than-average track record. Wildlife Biologist Tim James reports that one of its two accessible blinds was reserved nine days out of ten last year. A second blind at Eagle Bluffs had nearly 60 percent usage.

On the other hand, the handicap-accessible blind at Marais Temps Clair CA in St. Charles County, within minutes of hundreds of potential users, was booked only about half the time during duck season. Nearby Columbia Bottom CA, whose wetland pools were just completed this summer, also will have one or two handicap-accessible blinds in the next year or two, increasing the availability of duck hunting opportunities for people with disabilities in the St. Louis area.

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Chariton County reports that its disabled-accessible blind seldom is used.

MWA State Chairman James Worley said his organization can help disabled people who would like to go duck hunting but lack experience or equipment.

"We can't promise that we can find a hunting companion on any given date," said Worley, "but we will do out best to connect disabled hunters with experienced hunters who can show them the ropes."

To arrange a guide for a disabled hunter, call Worley at (816) 941-7056 or e-mail him at worley@mowaterfowl.org.

The following CAs have disabled-accessible waterfowl blinds. Call early for the best chance of obtaining a reservation.
* B.K. Leach CA in Lincoln County, (636) 441-4554.
* Bob Brown CA in Holt County, (816) 271-3100.
* Duck Creek CA in Stoddard County, (573) 290-5730.
* Eagle Bluffs CA in Boone County, (573) 445-3882.
* Fountain Grove CA in Linn County, (660) 646-6122.
* Four Rivers CA in Vernon County, (417) 395-2341.
* Marais Temps Clair CA in St. Charles County, (314) 877-6014.
* Montrose CA in Henry County, (660) 693-4666.
* Nodaway Valley CA in Holt County, (816) 271-3100.
* Otter Slough CA in Stoddard County, (573) 290-5730.
* Schell-Osage CA in Vernon County, (417) 432-3414.
* Ted Shanks CA in Pike County, (573) 248-2530.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a wheelchair-accessible blind at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Chariton County. Call (660) 856-3343 or 856-3323 for information.

Worley said the MWA also has help for young hunters.

"One thing that keeps a lot of kids from going duck hunting is not having waders," said Worley. "They are kind of an expensive item, and as fast as kids grow, they might not get to use them more than one season. We have bought several pairs of waders and are offering them for one-day loan at three areas."

The insulated neoprene chest waders, in sizes 5 through 10, are available at Eagle Bluffs, Nodaway Valley and Four Rivers CAs. They can be checked out from area personnel at the morning drawing by hunters age 16 and younger. Each pair of waders comes with a life jacket and a disposable camera to let the borrower document the hunt.

-Jim Low-