Permits for people with disabilities

Wisconsin law provides for a variety of hunting, fishing and recreational use permits designed to help people with disabilities enjoy the state's natural resources, such as:

• hunt from a stationary vehicle (Class A or Class B permit);
• use a laser sight (Class C permit);
• use an adaptive device to facilitate the use of a firearm (Class D permit);
• permit to fish while trolling with an electric motor; and
• permit to use a mobility device on department lands.

Expanded trolling opportunity - NR20.03 (40)

All individuals who can legally fish will have expanded trolling opportunities regardless of physical ability. Trolling is allowed on all inland waters with 1 hook, bait or lure per angler and with 3 hooks, baits or lures maximum per boat. In addition, trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits or lures per angler in many counties and waters. Local ordinances, restricting motor use still apply. Visit motor trolling for details.

Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permits

Persons with disabilities can use the Hunting or Trolling Disability Permit Authorizations Application form 9400-604 [PDF] to apply for the following privileges:

• Shoot from a stationary vehicle (Class A or class B Shoot from Vehicle Permits) – The Class A permit is issued to applicants who have specific permanent disabilities that prevent them from walking a distance of 50 feet without use of a wheelchair, walker, two canes or prosthetics; or have lung disease; and/or cardiovascular disease. The permit allows the hunter to hunt from a stationary vehicle and motor troll with an electric trolling motor. A Class B Shoot From Vehicle permit is a discretionary permit issued to applicants who are unable to walk a distance of 50 feet due to temporary physical limitations related to injury, surgery or illness, or have permanent physical conditions not included under the Class A criteria.
• Use of a Laser Sight (Class C Permit) - Hunters who are legally blind in both eyes may apply for a permit that allows them to use laser sights while hunting. Hunters with Class C permits MUST be accompanied by an assistant.
• Troll with the use of an electronic trolling motor: (Trolling or Class B Trolling Permits) - Trolling permits are issued to applicants with a permanent upper extremity impairments and fail one of the required tests, or have an amputation or loss of one or both arms at or above the wrist. Trolling permits are also issued to applicants with sight impairment to the degree that he or she cannot read ordinary newspaper print with or without corrective glasses. Class B Trolling permits are issued to applicants with a temporary substantial loss of function or range of motion in their upper body who fail one of the required tests.
• Use of an Adaptive Device on a Firearm (Class D Permit) - The Class D permit is issued to applicants with upper extremity impairments who fail the required combination of tests, or have an amputation or loss of one or both arms at or above the elbow. The permit allows the hunter to use an approved adaptive device to facilitate firearm use.

All applications must be completed and signed by you and your health care provider no more than six months prior to the date the application is submitted for review. First-time Class A, C and D permits are issued for five seasons while a renewal is issued for 10 seasons. To renew a disabled permit a new application is required. Class B permits are issued based on the doctor’s recommendation recovery time and do not have an extended renewal period. The completed, signed application is to be submitted to the DNR for review and issuance of permit. Application can be submitted via Fax: 608-261-4380, CSWEB@wisconsin.gov or mail: DNR Disabled Permit Applications – CS/1 P.O. Box 7924 Madison, WI 53707-7924.

The Mobility device access application and permit for department lands 2500-124 [PDF] – The DNR may authorize by permit persons with mobility disabilities to use a mobility device as a mode of personal conveyance on lands owned or managed by the department. To apply for a permit, complete and submit form 2500-124 and provide proof of disability to the property manager for the property you intend to access. You are encouraged to contact the property manager to discuss your application prior to submitting this form. Each permit applies only for the particular Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property identified. Separate permits issued by the relevant property manager are required for use at each individual property.

Awarded permit transfer opportunity

Holders of a valid department issued Class A, B, C or D disability permit are eligible to receive a one-time transfer of an awarded permit from another hunter for each species permit issued through a cumulative preference drawing. Visit awarded permit transfers for details.