8/8/2007

BOW program offers hunt for mobility-impaired women

LITTLE ROCK - Giving those with disability the opportunity to do something that others’ may take for granted everyday, is just one part of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. 

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, along with the White River National Wildlife Refuge, are going to be offering an opportunity for women who have impaired mobility the opportunity to hunt. These women are fully capable of properly using a firearm, but have restricted ability to access land for a quality hunting experience.

Hunters are considered mobility-impaired if they have a permanent physical condition that severely restricts their mobility from either paralysis or amputation of lower extremities, according to AGFC BOW coordinator Phyllis Speer. “Basically, they must require assistance from a wheelchair, braces, crutches or other similar aides of mobility,” she explained.

Hunters will be lodged at the PotlatchEducationCenter at Cook's Lake in eastern Arkansas.  Food will be provided and those participating will be taken to, and picked up from their deer hunting stand.

Each hunter will be required to have an assistant to help on the hunt as well as at the lodge. The hunters will be permitted to carry a modern firearm as described in AGFC regulations. 

 “It has been my privilege to coordinate the BOW program for the past 15 years. We hope that this deer hunt will reach a population of women who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in such an activity,” Speer explained. “Our goal is to offer the women of Arkansas the opportunity to discover themselves and the great Arkansas outdoors,” she added.

Each of the hunters will be allowed to harvest two deer; one legal buck and one doe. The hunt will be held Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. through Nov. 18 at noon. Applications must be submitted no later then Oct. 1. Qualifying applicants will be chosen by a random drawing.  Five applicants with be drawn for this year’s hunt. A second drawing will be held to form a waiting list in case of cancellations. 

Those wishing to participate may contact Phyllis Speer for further information and applications at (870) 424-5750 or pspeer@agfc.state.ar.us.