Options available for disabled hunters

Disabled hunters can get special privileges to drive through locked gates onto some forest roads that are otherwise closed to public vehicle travel.

The first step is to get the disabled sportsman permits from the Idaho Fish and Game or Washington Fish and Wildlife departments before applying or signing up for the for the following opportunities.

The Colville National Forest offers over-the-counter disabled permits to areas in the Newport, Three Rivers and Republic ranger districts.

Info: Sullivan Lake Ranger District at (509) 446-7500.

Forest Capital Partners timber company allows disabled hunters with official authorization from the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department to drive through locked gates in two large blocks of land in Game Management Unit 121 in the Huckleberry Range in Stevens County.

Info: (509) 487-8552.

The Coeur d’Alene National Forest will hold a drawing Oct. 1 for two-day hunting access permits in three different areas during the big-game rifle hunting season starting Oct. 10.

Info: (208) 783-2363.

Bonners Ferry Ranger District also plans to hold a drawing to allow limited numbers of disabled hunters authorized by the Idaho Fish and Game Department into several gated areas for the general deer and elk seasons.

Info: (208) 267-5561.

Craig Mountain Wildlife Area on the Snake River provides handicapped hunters access to miles of roads.

Info: Idaho Fish and Game Department, Lewiston office, (208) 799-5010.