Reservations available for hunters with disabilities

BOUNDARY COUNTY — Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge constructed a deer hunt blind specifically for disabled big game hunters. The Refuge will conduct a random drawing on August 10, 2016, to award ten hunters a Deer Hunt Permit for the for the use of the disabled hunter blind. Hunters must provide proof of an Idaho Fish and Game "Disabled Hunting License" prior to the drawing. All hunting under this special deer hunt permit will be conducted from a blind located in the northwest corner of the Refuge where the Myrtle Creek and Kootenai River dikes merge. Selected hunters are required to have a helper, if necessary, to assist with retrieving/caring for down game.

The use of the Deer Hunt Blind is only available through a lottery drawing. Hunters with valid Idaho Disable Hunting Licenses and tags who require accessibility may apply to receive one of ten seven-day deer hunt permits as follows:

Archery Only — Antlered or Antlerless

n Week 1, Aug. 30 — Sept. 5 

n Week 2, Sept. 6 — Sept. 12

n Week 3, Sept. 13 — Sept. 19

n Week 4, Sept 20 — Sept. 26

Archery and Special Weapons * — Antlered or Antlerless

n Week 5, Oct. 10 — Oct. 16

n Week 6, Oct. 17 — Oct. 23

n Week 7, Oct. 24 — Oct. 30

n Week 8, Oct. 31 — Nov. 6

n Week 9, Nov. 7 — Nov. 13

n Week 10, Nov. 14 — Nov. 20

According to the press release, "muzzleloader, archery equipment, crossbow, a shotgun using slugs, or a handgun using straight-walled cartridges not originally established for rifles. Use of non-toxic, non-lead ammunition is required. Also, note that some hunting regulations have changed on the refuge so be sure to know the regulations before hunting on the refuge."

For more information, or to submit your name for the Disabled Hunt Permit drawing, contact the refuge manager at 208-267-3888.