Michigan's Independence Hunt, which offers firearm deer hunting for people with disabilities, is an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy the sport. It's open statewide on private lands Oct. 15-18. Some public lands, requiring an access permit, also are open to the hunt.

This year, the Independence Hunt is open to hunters who are deaf, a qualification that was added at the request of the DNR Accessibility Advisory Council. A list of qualifying criteria for the hunt is available in the 2020 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.

Valid licenses for this hunt include a deer, deer combo, or antlerless deer license or a deer management assistance permit. Antler point restrictions do not apply. This hunt’s bag limit is one deer. Hunters with disabilities may bait through Oct. 18. All bait must be removed from the bait site by the final day of the season.

Additional regulations for all seasons can be found in the 2020 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/Deer.

Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors is a proud partner of the Independence Hunt. Learn more about the organization at MiOFO.org or by calling 734-612-6677.

All hunters participating in the Independence Hunt are required to wear hunter orange. Hunters of all ages and experience levels are urged to put safety first. Find hunting safety tips and resources at Michigan.gov/HuntingSafety.

Some locations offer track chairs, elevated hunting blinds or hunting blinds equipped with adaptive gear. Learn about additional outdoor recreation opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.

Questions? Contact DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov.