Hunting For The Handicapped

People with Disabilities Benefit from Adaptive Hunting Equipment

There is a variety of adaptive equipment and techniques for people who must deal with disabled hunting. A disability such as a loss of limb or the inability to move parts of the body greatly affect a person’s ability to hunt properly. But there are associations and groups that believe everyone should be able to enjoy the sport of hunting without being held back by a disability. Although a person may be unable to walk through the woods, climb a tree stand, or lie on the ground and wait for wild game, doesn’t mean they should be denied the enjoyment of hunting. That’s why many manufacturers are now creating adaptive hunting equipment for disabled hunters.

Hunting from a Wheelchair

Most disabled hunting involves a wheelchair. Fortunately, there are plenty of mounting plates and automatic triggers that disabled hunters can use when hunting. Hunters using a wheelchair may be able to hold and shoot their own guns, but others who have no upper body mobility will need adaptive equipment to be able to operate the wheelchair and the guns. Some of the adaptive equipment on the market allows the hunter to use their chin or mouth to operate the wheelchair and gun.

Using a mouthpiece, a hunter can operate a power triggered gun by using solid suction on the mouthpiece. The suction causes the gun to shoot. There are also bite triggers that use a strap attached to the gun to pull the trigger. When the hunter bites on the strap, the trigger is engaged and the gun shoots.

There are support systems for hunters who have upper body mobility but lack strength to hold a gun for a long period of time or pull a trigger. These supports can be used on the fingers and wrist to help support a gun and shoot at a target. Special wheelchair mounts are used to connect these supports and adaptive gun holders to insure ease of use and optimal safety.

 Gun and Bow Mounts

Mounts are used to hold pistols and bows for both types of hunting. These can either be mounted to the arm of the wheelchair or sit underneath the cushion of the wheelchair with the pistol or bow mechanism situated between the legs. Those mounted to the side of a wheelchair are for people who have upper body strength and mobility, but need assistance for long-term hunting. Those situated underneath a wheelchair cushion are for people who lack overall mobility and strength.

Wheelchair Backpacks

For disabled people who need to take medications or other necessities with them when hunting, wheelchair backpacks are the best option. These bags are designed to be easily opened and many of them are waterproof. There are also bags that cover medical bags or oxygen tanks so that personal medical needs aren’t out in the open for everyone to see. With the advances in adaptive hunting equipment, the gear for disabled hunting has become safer and easier to use. Hunters who once stayed home due to debilitating conditions can now enjoy the sport of hunting again without feeling like a burden to fellow hunters.