Offering an accessible deer hunt for people with disabilities in coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Rydell National Game Refuge). Program for Hunters with a Disability. All first time hunters, including those hunters who have not previously completed a hunter training course or program recognized by the Minister, including a person who has a disability affecting hunting activities, shall, before becoming eligible for a big game licence draw, complete the Canadian Firearm Safety and Hunter Education Course, or similar.
- Handicapped Hunting
- Handicapped Hunting Programs For Kids
- Handicapped Hunting Programs For Families
- Handicapped Hunting Programs For Senior Citizens
- Grants For Disabled Hunters
- Handicapped Hunting Programs For Adults
The 2020 Road Access Entry Program is closed.
The Road Access Entry Program provides access to hunters with lower extremity mobility disabilities into areas with fewer barriers and vehicle distraction.
About the program
This is a cooperative effort between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Recreation and Conservation Office, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Forest Service, private timber companies, and hunters with disabilities.
This is not the same as the special permit drawings offered each year in the“Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations” booklet. This is not a permit drawing for deer or elk tag, doe or cow tag.
If drawn, you will be issued an access special use permit by the land manager allowing you to drive a motorized vehicle into a closed or gated area where other hunters must walk in.
All areas are:
- Still open to walk-in hunters.
- Open to administrative use by the agency or land manager.
- Subject to closures for logging, fire, emergencies, etc.
You do not have to buy your license or tags first to apply for these Road Access Entry Permits; you only need to be a WDFW registered hunter with a disability and have your Disabled Hunter WILD ID number available (This number is found on your license).
However, if drawn for a Road Access Entry Permit, you must have all appropriate licenses and tags for the game you are pursuing.
Everyone must follow all state regulations pertaining to hunting.
Qualifying for the program
To apply for this ADA accommodation, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have WDFW disability status in good standing, and
- Have a permanent inoperable lower extremity mobility (ambulation)
- impairment, and
- WAC 232-413-140(1)(a): Have been medically prescribed the use of an assistive
- device every time for mobility, including, but not limited to, a wheelchair, walker, crutch, lower extremity prosthesis, oxygen bottle, heart pump, or
- RCW 46.19.010(1)(a-j): Have been issued a DOL disability parking permit or license plate, or
- Unable to walk more than 200 feet.
How to apply
The 2020 Road Access Entry Program is closed.
You must complete the official ONLINE application form for deer and/or elk to be eligible for the drawing.
Mail-in applications are no longer accepted.
Road Access Entry Program booklets are available the first week of June each year at any WDFW Regional Office, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shop, or by calling the WDFW licensing division at 360-902-2464.
Please review all the Road Access Areas and their locations. Apply only for those areas you would travel to should you be drawn. If applying for elk, the west side and east side elk tags are different, and you must hunt in compliance with your license, tags, and equipment.
Game Management Unit (GMU) numbers for the Road Access Entry Areas are listed at the top of each page for your convenience.
Filling out the submission form
You have up to four elk and four deer road choices. Fill out the ONLINE submission form with the entry number for the road area(s) you would like to drive into.
Enter the number listed under the left “Entry Number” column into the choice box on the submission form. Do not use the GMU number. If GMU's are entered, the form will be rejected.
Entry Numbers are separated into two groups per page within the booklet:
- Blue boxes are for deer hunts
- Yellow boxes are for elk hunts
Your WILD ID number must appear in the ONLINE form to qualify for the drawing.
Complete all information requested in the ONLINE form. If you want to be considered as an alternate, check the “alternate” box. If there are areas left over or someone cancels, WDFW will, wherever possible, match hunters not drawn to an area close to their preferred choice.
Handicapped Hunting
Note: Only one online submission per hunter will be accepted. If more than one entry is received, that applicant will not be allowed to participate in the drawing and the entry will be rejected.
Again, application submissions will begin the first week of June and close July 31. WDFW will only accept 2020 Road Access Program submissions ONLINE.
Open the “Submit an Application” bar below and start your entry submission.
If you are not able to access this process online, please call Customer Service (360) 902-2464,
Or call you regional WDFW office for assistance:
- Eastern - Region 1, Spokane 509-892-1001
- North Central - Region 2, Ephrata 509-754-4624
- South Central - Region 3, Yakima 509-575-2740
- North Puget Sound - Region 4, Mill Creek 425-775-1311
- Southwest - Region 5, Ridgefield 360-696-6211
- Coastal - Region 6, Montesano 360-249-4628
Handicapped Hunting Programs For Kids
Submit an application
Drawing notification
Hunters who have been drawn will be notified no later than Aug. 31. Hunters with disabilities who are not drawn will not be notified.
Handicapped Hunting Programs For Families
Those who are drawn will receive information that includes:
- Letter of congratulations
- The Road Access Entry Area for which they were drawn
- Instructions on how to obtain the entry permit, key, map, etc.
You may be required to visit the land managers office in person at a specific time to pick up a key, sign papers, and leave a check for a key deposit.
Designated hunting companion
Hunting areas have different rules about whether the hunter companion can also hunt on their own tag, or must only assist the disabled hunter in the harvest.
Successfully drawn hunters with disabilities and their designated hunting companions must follow the rules of the program while hunting and driving in the permit area. You will receive a list of these rules when you receive your Road Access Entry Permit.
Handicapped Hunting Programs For Senior Citizens
If allowed on the entry special use permit, other non-hunting persons or family members besides your hunting companion may be allowed to accompany the hunter with a disability. Each land manager makes this decision, so check before you go.
Review
Grants For Disabled Hunters
All road access entry booklet information is available ONLINE or by calling 360-902-2464, or by calling your local WDFW regional office. Questions regarding DNR lands should be directed to Heidi Stephens at 360-902-1375.
Handicapped Hunting Programs For Adults
Entries for the Disabled Hunter Road Access Permit drawing for deer and elk must be submitted ONLINE by July 31 to be valid.