Bonner County roads to open for disabled hunters
September 27, 2013
Forest Service officials at the Sandpoint Ranger District are announcing opportunities for qualifying disabled hunters to hunt behind gates in three locations – Upper Cocolalla Road 630B1 in the Cocolalla area, Johnson Creek Spur Road 278F in the Clark Fork area, and Cat Tail Road 1359 in the Kickbush area off the High Drive Road.

According to Erick Walker, Sandpoint District Ranger, “the program allows hunters with disabilities to use a motorized vehicle on the designated roads, which are usually closed to motorized use year-round.” Walker said the program is available to hunters who hold both a "Disabled Hunting License" and an “Idaho Handicapped Motor Vehicle Hunting Permit."

Qualifying hunters interested in participating should apply at the Sandpoint Ranger District Office located at 1602 Ontario Street in Sandpoint. Applications for opening day must be in by noon on October 7, 2013. A drawing will be held at 1 p.m. to determine who wins the opening days. Hunters will be allowed access for three consecutive days.

Applications for all other days of elk and deer season will be accepted starting October 8 on a first come, first serve basis.

Hunters will need to provide a copy of their Disabled Hunting License and Handicapped Motor Vehicle Hunting permit, the make, model and year of the vehicle to be used and the name of the hunting assistant.

Sandpoint Ranger District office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed on Federal Holidays.

For more information on the Disabled Hunters Access program call the Sandpoint Ranger District at (208) 263-5111.

For more information about the Disabled Hunting License or Handicapped Vehicle Hunting Permit, contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in Coeur d’ Alene at (208) 769-1414.

For more information please contact the Bonners Ferry Ranger District at (208) 267-5561 or visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Website.