Disabled Outdoor Opportunities 

Illinois makes reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities - check out our "10 Day Rule"

2012 Calendar of Events | A Young Hunter's Legacy | Getting Around | Regulations for Hunting/Trapping 

Crossbow Reminder: All sportsmen, resident and non-resident, age 62 and older are exempt from a Crossbow Permit  (no special permit is required).

Accessible Fishing Areas for the Disabled

Disabled Applications and Digest

For more information contact Jay Williams at jay.d.williams@illinois.gov or 618-949-3305 or drop him a note to:

Jay Williams, IL Dept. of Natural Resources, Rt. #2, Box 177, Golconda, IL 62938.

Camping ~ Discounts for Seniors, Disabled & Veterans

IDNR's Policies - Information for Hunting & Fishing in IL as a Disabled Sportsman

For more information on Huntmasters, please contact Jay Williams @ 618-949-3305 or e-mail Jay @ jay.d.williams@illinois.gov
(Please note: Your e-mail must be set-up with your internet service provider).

IDNR Mission Statement:

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing greater access and more programs for persons with disabilities. We want to make it easier for disabled individuals to hunt, fish and pursue other outdoor activities.

In 1999, these issues were addressed by establishing a new program entitled "Disabled Outdoor Opportunities." Objectives for this program include: establishing partnerships with organizations representing people with disabilities and working cooperatively to mainstream DNR programs and facilities to better meet the needs of the individuals they represent, review existing DNR recreational opportunities to identify and eliminate barriers to participation, develop and coordinate training programs for staff and continually provide knowledge on the basic needs and concerns of this segment by working with DNR site planners and engineers to develop integrated barrier free designs for recreational facilities.

Disabled hunters can participate in deer, pheasant, waterfowl and dove hunting at various sites throughout Illinois. A number of fishing events are held each year as well. DNR's intention is to expand these opportunities so more individuals may take part. One example of a successful event is at Rock Cut State Park where hunters have participated in shotgun deer hunts for several years now.

The Department is continuing to expand its disabled program. We want people to continue to hunt and fish our parks, but we also want to expand to see others using our trails, picnic sites, boat launches, camping sites, overnight cabins, etc. We are continuously working on accessible restrooms and shower houses. The department would like to see more people use our sites. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you. Call your site superintendent or e-mail Jay Williams with comments, suggestions or just to tell us how we're doing!

For more information about the Disabled Outdoor Opportunities program, contact Jay Williams by telephone (618) 949-3305 or e-mail Jay @ jay.d.williams@illinois.gov 

To find out more about IDNR'S Disabled Outdoor Opportunities check it out here or tell us what you would like to see DNR do for people with disabilities by contacting Jay Williams.