Deer hunt for hunters with paraplegia

Each year, a special 3-day deer season is coordinated by MassWildlife staff for hunters with paraplegia.

2026 Season Dates: Oct. 29–31

2025 Highlights: Congratulations to the 18 hunters who participated in the 2025 hunt. Nearly all hunters saw deer and 6 deer were harvested. As always, this hunt would not be possible without the support of MassWildlife and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) staff, military base personnel, private landowners in the Berkshires, and our amazing volunteers.  

Hunt details

MassWildlife has coordinated a deer hunt for hunters with paraplegia since 1972. Today, this program is hosted at 6 designated locations across the Commonwealth including private property in Williamstown (the northern Berkshires), at Mount Washington State Forest (the southern Berkshires), the Prescott Peninsula in New Salem (Quabbin Reservation), Norcross Tupper Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Wales, Devens Reserve Forces Training Area in Lancaster, and Joint Base Cape Cod in Bourne and Sandwich. 

Participants may hunt with a shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow (with permit), or archery equipment (refer to 321 CMR 3.02(4) for restrictions).  Each participant is provided with one free Antlerless Deer Permit that is valid for the 3-day hunt and hunters may harvest as many additional deer as they hold valid tags and permits for.   

Experienced staff and volunteers familiar with each hunt site identify ideal locations where there has been recent deer activity. On the days of the hunt, participants are guided to these accessible locations by staff and volunteers who can aid in set up, as needed. 

Staff and volunteers may conduct safe, organized deer drives as conditions allow to help boost harvest success if participating hunters request them. If a hunter shoots a deer, staff and volunteers assist with tracking, retrieving, field dressing, and reporting the harvest.  Volunteers often donate and prepare food, maintaining a traditional “deer camp” vibe for all program participants. 

Please note, participation in this special hunt is limited to individuals with paraplegia. Paraplegia is defined as the permanent paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement or loss of both legs.

Apply to participate

Hunters with paraplegia interested in this program should complete this Paraplegia Hunt Application. Contact Susan McCarthy at [phone] with any questions.