Tier III Hunts Help Disabled Hunters Get Outdoors Again

Tier III hunts are Commission-facilitated and assisted hunts that are held annually on a game land within each region. These hunts, which require a permit and orientation, offer unique hunting opportunities for disabled hunters and their companions. Hunts are conducted on Lower Roanoke River Wetlands, Johns River and R. Wayne Bailey-Caswell game lands each fall.

The Tier III permit hunts are fully-facilitated by the Wildlife Commission. The wildlife staff work long hours helping the hunters into the stands, preparing meals, searching for shot deer and cleaning harvests.

The Commission’s Land and Water Access staff recently hosted their annual Tier III Disabled Hunt on the Lower Roanoke River Wetlands Game Land in Martin County on Oct. 15–16.

The Williamston staff began planning early for the hunt by planting wildlife openings, mowing paths and servicing Huntmaster Hunting Units, which are mobile hydraulic hunting blinds. Each year, five disabled hunters are selected for the two-day hunt. Each hunter may be accompanied by a companion who, if properly licensed, can hunt along with them. This year, five hunters and three companions participated in the hunt. 

The hunt groups met at the Williamston Wildlife Depot for introductions and a presentation on some of the work performed by the wildlife staff. Hunters drew from a hat to select the blind that they would hunt that evening and the following morning. Following the presentation, hunters were treated to a barbeque and baked bean lunch prepared by the Depot’s staff. Meals were sponsored by the Roanoke-Albemarle Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

After lunch, Commission staff escorted hunters and their companions to their respective blinds. At the end of shooting light, staff returned to the blinds to look for harvested deer. One doe was harvested during the hunt, which the wildlife staff dressed and quartered for the successful hunter. Though only one more deer was spotted during the hunt, a great time was had by all and the day was filled with fellowship. 

If you or someone you know is disabled and interested in hunts such a these, visit the Commission’s website to learn about the permit hunt process.