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Hunting Information

Special Deer Hunt for Paraplegic Hunters

Successful paraplegic deer hunterMassWildlife has been offering 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 four different 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.

2007 Deer Hunt Results

(Released November 16, 2007)

A total of seven deer were taken by paraplegic sportsmen participating in this special three day deer hunt conducted by MassWildlife and volunteers in Belchertown, Devens, Williamstown, and Mount Washington. Twenty six paraplegic hunters participated, harvesting 4 adult bucks; 2 does, and 1 button buck for an overall success rate of 27%. "I thoroughly enjoy being a part of this hunt," said Trina Moruzzi, MassWildlife Biologist and hunt coordinator. "The support of the many volunteers, Environmental Police Officers and Quabbin rangers make this special opportunity for paraplegic sportsmen and women happen. Almost everyone saw deer adding to the success of the hunt." Next year's hunt will be held October 30 - November 1, 2008.