DEER HUNT FOR DISABLED PLANNED

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Department of Conservation is sponsoring a special shotgun deer hunt at Rock Cut State Park for disabled hunters.

This is the third year for the hunt, which is scheduled for Nov. 10-12 and Dec. 8-10.

Thirty disabled hunters will be selected by random drawing to participate in one of the three-day hunts. Permit applications may be obtained by contacting the conservation department at 815-625-2968 by phone or by writing 2612 Locust St., Sterling, Ill., 61081. Completed applications must be returned by Oct. 19 to be eligible for the drawing. All disabled hunters will be required to have a class P2A disability card, proof of passing the Illinois hunter safety education course, a valid FOID card and a 1994 habitat stamp unless exempt.

Hunters do not need Winnebago County firearm deer permits to be eligible. Permits to hunt deer at Rock Cut State Park will be issued to selected hunters at the park check station on the day of the hunt. There will be a $15 fee for all permits. These permits will be issued in addition to any other deer permits the hunter may possess.

Each disabled hunter may hunt with a non-disabled hunting partner if they wish. Disabled hunters may bring a hunting partner with them or a partner will be provided if requested. Partners will also be required to purchase a $15 permit and must meet the other hunting requirements.

Each disabled hunter will be assigned a pre-constructed, ground level deer blind composed of a plywood platform surrounded on three sides with a two-bale-high wall of straw. Conservation department staff will provide any assistance required to transport disabled hunter to and from their stands.

Hunting hours are from one half hour before sunrise to sunset. All hunting will be with shotguns and slugs.