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. 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.
For any questions regarding Disabled Outdoor Opportunities, please contact:
For more information contact Jay Williams
Jay Williams
IL Dept. of Natural Resources
11731 State Hwy 37, Benton, IL 62812.
The Ten Day Rule (link to policies below) Accessible Piers
General Information
Digests, Regulations and Forms
Event Highlights
- Rend Lake Shooting Classic and Banquet - September 10, 2016
- Touch of Nature - Archery Deer Hunt for people with disabilities to be held November 25 thru 27- 2016 in conjunction with Illinois Chapter of Safari Club International.
Specialized Cart
Announcements
Crossbow Reminder: All sportsmen, resident and non-resident, age 62 and older are exempt from a
Crossbow Permit (no special permit is required). In addition, from the Monday immediately following the second firearm season, any lawful hunter may use a crossbow for the remainder of the archery season.
Background Information
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.
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!