External links

Several prominent groups in Wisconsin provide enhanced outdoor experiences to people with disabilities. From adaptive equipment to events throughout the year, these organizations offer a variety of opportunities for people with disabilities to get out and experience the outdoors.

Hunting

• The Adaptive Sportsman [exit DNR] provides recreational opportunities for physically challenged people.
• A non-profit organization that grew out of a desire to provide accessible outdoor opportunities, the North American Squirrel Association (NASA) [exit DNR] offers accessible hunting and fishing experiences to both physically challenged and elderly members of our community.
• Based out of Green Bay, Wisconsin and serving the Northeast Wisconsin area, Challenge The Outdoors (CTO) [exit DNR] is a non-profit organization that offers events and services to disabled sportspeople and their friends and families.
• After realizing the need for hunting opportunities among people with disabilities, Buckmasters American Deer Foundation [exit DNR] was established in 1993. The group provides links to adaptive equipment, hunts, etc.
• Offering guided whitetail deer hunts, Wheelchair Whitetails [exit DNR] provides high-quality, accessible outdoor experiences to disabled hunters who use wheelchairs.
• Outdoor recreational opportunities are provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation Wheelin' Sportsmen Program [exit DNR] to those with injuries, mobility impairments or those needing additional assistance.
• For those who prefer a bow, the United Foundation For Disabled Archers (UFFDA) [exit DNR] promotes and provides means to practice archery for any physically challenged person.

Fishing

• Providing recreational fishing opportunities, Fishing Has No Boundaries [Exit DNR] offers opportunities for all anglers with disabilities, regardless of their age, race, gender or disability.
• In addition to accessible hunting, Challenge The Outdoors [exit DNR] provides a wide variety of accessible fishing opportunities.
• Pier, trout pond and ice fishing opportunities are available through The North American Squirrel Association (NASA) [exit DNR]; they also provide pontoon boat fishing and lake tours.

Equipment and Gear

• To reserve an outdoor track wheelchair for free (with a small refundable deposit), contact Access Ability Wisconsin [exit DNR]; enclosed trailers are included so individuals can explore the great outdoors.
• The North American Squirrel Association (NASA) lends adaptive equipment to individuals with disabilities to enjoy outdoor activities in the Coulee Region. Equipment includes adaptive skis, kayaks, outdoor track chair and more.
• An outdoor track wheelchair is reservable at no cost from the Hudson Rod, Gun & Archery Club in Hudson, WI. You do not need to be a club member to use the chair.
• A track wheelchair is available for use in select parts of the state from Wings Over Wisconsin, a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to natural resource preservation and education through youth & community involvement.
• The Sheboygan County Conservation Association, through a cooperative effort of the Northern Kettles Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and American Legion Friedrichs-Mueller-Norgaard, WI Post 149 Sheboygan Falls, WI has a tracked wheelchair available for persons with mobility difficulties to use free of charge to enjoy outdoor activities as independently as possible.
• Options For Independent Living is an independent living center in Green Bay and offers free rental of several off-road wheelchairs as well as other adaptive equipment.

Outdoor Recreation

• Friends groups organize special events and opportunities and fundraise for special projects. Find a friends group near you to hear about special events and opportunities.
• The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired-Recreation Committee [exit DNR] promotes dignity and empowers the people of Wisconsin who live with vision loss through advocacy, education and vision services.
• An all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit wish-granting charity, the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) [exit DNR] specializes in sending critically ill and disabled youth as well as disabled veterans on a free outdoor adventure of their dreams.
• An Affiliate of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Move United uses sports to push what's possible so that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to sports and recreation in their community.