DEM Offers Special Program on Prudence Island for Paraplegic Hunters, Amputees

A special deer hunting season for hunters who are paraplegics, or double amputees, will be offered by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) on Prudence Island in October.

The Prudence Island hunt will be offered from Oct. 11 to 14 at the South End Management Area.

DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife has offered special hunting opportunities for disabled hunters for more than 40 years. The program continues to be popular, offering an average of 10-12 participants the experience of big game hunting.

DEM alters the general deer hunting regulations during the special hunt to allow the use of vehicles and other mechanized devices that would ordinarily be prohibited. Paraplegic hunters are also permitted to use shotguns on the island, where taking deer is otherwise restricted to archery hunting.

This year, the department has again made arrangements so that disabled hunters and their assistants will be able to stay in the cottage at the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Prudence Island during the special hunt.

Lodging is available for up to 12 individuals – six disabled hunters and six assistants – at no charge, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The duration of the stay may be limited based upon the number of requests received.

Interested hunters must contact Paul Hebert at the Prudence Island research reserve at 683-4236, or Bob Stankelis at 683-7365 for reservations. 

As in the past, hunters taking advantage of the special seasons must hold valid hunting licenses and must have taken hunter education courses. Hunters are permitted to bring assistants who need not be licensed, but who may not hunt or carry a firearm. All deer harvested during the special Prudence hunt must be checked prior to leaving Prudence Island.

For more information on the special season, call Brian Tefft in DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife at 789-0281.