Disabled hunter access available in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest

August 21, 2014

The Disabled Hunter Access Program on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest will be available again this year to qualifying hunters. The program allows motorized access for hunters with disabilities on two roads on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District and three roads on the Sandpoint Ranger District normally closed to motorized use during the general rifle seasons for both elk and deer. The program is limited to hunters who hold both a Disabled Hunting License and an "Idaho Handicapped Vehicle Hunting Permit" from the State of Idaho that allows them to shoot from a motorized vehicle. More information on the Disabled Hunting License and Handicapped Vehicle Hunting Permit can be obtained from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in Coeur d'Alene at (208) 769-1414. Due to logging operations and hazardous road conditions, the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District will be unable to offer Disabled Hunter Access this year. This temporary hiatus is limited to the 2014 hunting season. Following completion of logging operations in the area, the Disabled Hunter Access program for the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District will resume in 2015. Individuals may obtain more information on the 2014 program, by contacting the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station (208) 267-5561, 6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805; or the Sandpoint Ranger Station (208) 263-5111, 1602 Ontario Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864. Hunters will need to provide a copy of their disabled hunting license and their "Idaho Handicapped Vehicle Hunting Permit" before they are entered in the drawing. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.