Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge to conduct drawing for deer hunt blind permits for hunters with disabilities

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge constructed a deer hunt blind last year specifically for disabled big game hunters. The refuge will conduct a random drawing on Aug. 10 will award 10 hunters a deer hunt permit for the use of the disabled hunter blind.

Hunters must provide proof of an Idaho Department of 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 Disabled Hunting Licenses and tags who require accessibility may apply to receive one of 10 seven-day deer hunt permits as follows:

Archery Only - Antlered or Antlerless

Week 1: Aug. 30 - Sept. 5

Week 2: Sept. 6-12

Week 3: Sept. 13-19

Week 4: Sept. 20-26

Archery & Special Weapons - Antlered or Antlerless

Week 5: Oct. 10-16

Week 6: Oct. 17-23

Week 7: Oct. 24-30

Week 8: Oct. 31-Nov. 6

Week 9: Nov. 7-13

Week 10: Nov. 14-20

Special weapons include: 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 Hunter Deer Hunt Permit drawing, contact the refuge manager at (208) 267-3888.