The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again calling on landowners to step up and make a difference—this time, by opening their land to hunters with disabilities during the 2025 Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities. The special hunt will run from October 4–12, 2025, and it’s part of a long-standing tradition aimed at ensuring every Wisconsinite has the chance to enjoy the state’s cherished deer season.
A Legacy of Access and Opportunity
This isn’t a new idea. In fact, Wisconsin has been running this program since 1992, providing an inclusive way for hunters with disabilities to safely and effectively take part in deer hunting. Each year, roughly 400 hunters benefit from this opportunity. Many of them say it’s the only hunt they’re able to participate in.
But the hunt wouldn’t happen without a crucial group of volunteers: landowners.
These folks aren’t just lending some acreage. They’re changing lives—by helping others connect with the outdoors in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
What It Takes to Become a Host Landowner
If you’ve got land and a willingness to share it, you may be eligible to host hunters. Here’s what the DNR requires:
- At least 60 acres of land.
- Willingness to host a minimum of three hunters with disabilities.
- A completed application submitted by July 1, 2025.
The application process is all online, and the DNR encourages landowners to be as detailed as possible when describing their property. That helps them match the right hunters to the right land.
You can apply at the DNR’s official Deer Hunting for Hunters with Disabilities webpage.
Why It Matters
For many disabled hunters, the barriers to hunting are real. Uneven terrain, lack of access, or specialized equipment needs can all make it tough—sometimes impossible—to enjoy a safe and fulfilling hunt.
That’s where this program shines. According to Brooke VanHandel, DNR Assistant Deer and Elk Specialist, the program’s success rests entirely on landowner generosity.
“This program wouldn’t be possible without the sponsors who open their lands to Wisconsin’s hunters with disabilities,” VanHandel said in the DNR’s news release.
The experience doesn’t just benefit the hunters. Landowners often report that being part of this program is deeply rewarding. It connects them to others who share a love for the land and for hunting, and it often builds lasting relationships.
How It Works
If you apply and are accepted as a land sponsor, the DNR will work with you to coordinate everything—from pairing hunters with properties to ensuring that access and safety measures are addressed.
Typically, these hunts are more low-pressure than the regular gun season. It’s about enjoying the hunt, not racing for the biggest buck. That makes it a great fit for both new and seasoned hunters with disabilities.
How Hunters Qualify
On the other side of the equation, hunters must apply for a Class A, B, or C disability hunting permit through the DNR. These permits cover different types of physical limitations, and they’re issued after a review of medical documentation.
Once permitted, hunters can then contact participating landowners to arrange their hunt. That direct connection makes the experience smoother for everyone.
Beyond the Hunt: A Broader Push for Inclusion
The DNR isn’t just focused on deer season. This hunt is one part of a broader effort to make outdoor recreation in Wisconsin more accessible. The agency also offers accessible fishing piers, adaptive equipment permits, and support for people with mobility challenges.
It’s all part of a mission to ensure that everyone—regardless of ability—can enjoy Wisconsin’s rich natural heritage.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got land and a heart for helping others experience the outdoors, this is your chance to do something meaningful. Opening your property for one week next fall could open a world of opportunity for someone else.
Whether you’re a longtime landowner or new to the idea, consider joining the network of hosts who make this program possible. Your land could be the reason someone gets to fill their tag—and their heart—with memories that last a lifetime.
