The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted its third adaptive hunt since 2021 earlier this month on private property in Newton County. Five adaptive hunters and their hunting buddies were teamed up with a guide for the agency’s two-day Hunt and Learn experience.
The hunt, specifically designed for novice deer hunters with mobility impairments, is a priority initiative for Georgia DNR, reflecting the agency’s commitment to providing inclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities for all Georgians.
Surrounded by fellow hunters and using an adaptive trigger mechanism, 17-year-old Max Richardson fired a rifle alone for the first time while his father, Mitch, proudly watched nearby.
“What a wonderful event and opportunity for adaptive hunters to be able to come together and share their abilities and challenges with hunting. Being able to fellowship with disabled hunters showed me new methods and hardware that can help me while in the field,” Richardson said. “I hope this opens doors for more opportunities (for me) to hunt in the state of Georgia.”
Attendees received valuable informational tools to aid them in future hunts, practice time at the rifle range, and a deer hunt utilizing recent advancements in technology, including the Action Trackchair.
DNR’s Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center launched the adaptive hunt program in 2021 after receiving the facility’s first Action Trackchair.
This donation came as part of the All-Terrain Georgia initiative. These all-terrain wheelchairs feature rubber tracks and can navigate a variety of obstacles. Using these unique vehicles allows participants to better navigate the woods with a specialized hunting blind.
“Numerous barriers exist to getting involved in hunting and fishing and even more so for those with mobility impairments,” Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon said. “We’re proud of our adaptive hunt program which seeks to remove many of these hurdles, giving more people the ability to enjoy the great outdoors.”
Within the Hunt and Learn program since 2021, Georgia DNR has provided 20 mobility-impaired hunters, plus their buddies, an opportunity for first-hand hunting experience.