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Hunting Information

Special Deer Hunt for Paraplegic Hunters

Successful paraplegic deer hunterMassWildlife has offered interested paraplegic hunters the opportunity to hunt deer during a special three-day season since 1972. The idea grew from a program New Hampshire's Fish & Game Department conducted at that time. MassWildlife staff work with volunteers to help place hunters in areas at several hunt locations in the state. When a hunter successfully shoots a deer, the waiting volunteers assist the hunter by retrieving the deer, field dressing it and getting it checked in with MassWildlife staff on site. Sportsmen and volunteers alike enjoy this opportunity to spend time together in the great outdoors, counting the hunt as successful if they are fortunate enough to see a deer.

Hunt History

In 1972, the deer hunt was held at the Phillipston WMA and the following year in the town of Rowe. The hunt location then moved to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket in subsequent years. Due to access issues on the islands, locations in Williamstown and in and around Mt Washington State Forest were utilized for much of the 1980's and 1990's with an occasional location in Middlesex County. Since 2000, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has hosted a third site at Quabbin Park in Belchertown. In 2003, a partnership with the US Army at Devens (formerly Fort Devens) resulted in a fourth location for paraplegic sportsmen to try their luck.

Each year, approximately 25-30 paraplegic hunters sign up for the special hunt. In the past five years, these hunters have taken an annual total of 7-8 deer, amounting to a greater than 25% success rate. For a number of these people, it's the only opportunity they have to hunt, an activity that is an important part of their lives.

Paraplegic sportsmen and women with an interest in participating in this hunt should contact Trina Moruzzi for more details at (508) 389-6318.

RESULTS OF 2011 DEER SEASON FOR PARAPLEGIC HUNTERS

In early November, 28 hunters participated in a special deer season hunt for paraplegic hunters at five locations in Massachusetts. One deer was harvested on the south Berkshire hunt (doe), one taken on the North Berkshire hunt (doe) three deer taken at the Quabbin hunt (1 button buck, 2 does), one deer on the Devens hunt (buck), and one deer harvested at the new Otis/Edwards military reservation site (doe). This resulted in a total of seven deer taken for an overall success rate of 25%. The hunt was coordinated by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), with assistance from state agencies, military personnel, and volunteer sportsmen and women. Hunt locations included: Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, South Post in Devens, private land in Williamstown, property in and around Mount Washington State Forest, and new this year, the Otis/Edwards Military Reservation in Falmouth. The Falmouth site provides a convenient opportunity for eligible hunters living in southeastern Massachusetts to participate.

Two of the seven deer taken during this hunt were the first deer ever for the successful hunters. "It is satisfying to be able to provide the opportunity for people to enjoy the outdoors and to have the experience of ha rvesting an animal. This special hunt's success is due to the assistance of staff, dedicated volunteers, and continuous support from involved both private and public," said Trina Moruzzi, DFW Biologist and Hunt Coordinator.

The Division has been offering interested paraplegic hunters the opportunity to hunt deer during a special 3-day season since 1972. When a hunter successfully shoots a deer, volunteers assist the hunter by retrieving the deer, field dressing it, and getting it properly checked by DFW staff on site. Hunters and volunteers alike enjoy this opportunity to spend time together outdoors. Next year's hunt will be held November 1-3, 2012.

2011--NEW DEER HUNT LOCATION FOR PARAPLEGIC HUNTERS

October--This year, paraplegic hunters participating in a special three-day hunt for deer have a new location to hunt. The Otis/Edwards Military Reservation in Falmouth is the newest location available for licensed paraplegic hunters who participate in this special deer hunting season occurring on November 3-5, 2011. "We are pleased to expand this deer hunting opportunity to the southeastern part of the state," said Trina Moruzzi, Wildlife Biologist and Hunt Program Coordinator. "Eligible hunters living locally should find this a convenient location, and hunters from other parts of the state may be interested in experiencing a hunt in a different part of the state." Moruzzi also expressed appreciation to the Otis Fish and Game Club for stepping up as a partner in this effort. Other hunt locations include Devens, Quabbin, and two areas in Berkshire County.