Disabled Hunters Printable Brochure (PDF Format)
BADF Disabled Services uses its combined resources to locate and organize opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Hunts are organized on private lands and with commercial outfitters. We also offer substantial support at state and local levels through established BADF chapters. These chapters raise funds and work together to meet the needs of handicapped sportsmen in their communities.
Grants of equipment and hunting scholarships are also available to qualified persons withdisabilities. Our average grant/scholarship applicant is unable to participate in gainful employment and receives less than $10,000 a year in income and benefits. This is hardly enough money to live on, much less cover the extensive medical expenses most incur. We make dream hunts reality for many disabled hunters every year.
Our year-round program creates environments where people with disabilities can offer peer support to one another. The camaraderie facilitates hope and fosters confidence, self-esteem and independence among our participants. It gives them a chance to participate again in something that once was a very important part of their lives. There are no membership fees or clubs to join.
BADF Disabled Services participants include individuals ages 8 to 80, with a variety of permanent physical disability impairments including:
Spinal Cord Injury
Amputation
Complications from Cancer
Neuromuscular Diseases
Blindness
Stroke
Other Disabling Diseases
Buckmasters American Deer Foundation's (BADF) Disabled Hunters Services was established in 1993 after realizing the need for hunting opportunities among people with disabilities. An estimated 1.7 million people with severe physical handicaps enjoy hunting and shooting sports in the U.S. Some of the things that can be taken for granted by the able bodied sportsman are life-changing events for this segment of the population: learning to shoot again, being deep in the wilderness, or just witnessing animals in the wild. BADF Disabled Services knows the importance of outdoor recreation and how it can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for people with disabilities. We have developed a wide range of programs and resources for helping challenged citizens in the U.S. and Canada with their outdoor adventures
Disabled Hunts
People with severe physical disabilities throughout the U.S. may participate in disabled hunts for various species. Some hunts are conducted on private lands with no cost to the hunter. Other hunts are arranged with experienced outfitters who specialize in taking disabled clients, sometimes at discounted prices. Many BADF chapters offer support to disabled hunters in their communities by arranging hunts or sending individuals on special hunts in other parts of the country. Hunters are accepted through an application process. All events are conducted with safety being a foremost consideration.
Chapter Support
Buckmasters One Shot chapters across the country coordinate their resources and efforts with BADF Disabled Services to establish disabled hunter projects in their communities. Numerous hunts and opportunities are made possible by these dedicated volunteers. Additional chapters are still needed in almost every state in the U.S. Contact us if you would like to start a chapter in your area.
Life Hunts
Life Hunts grants hunting trips to critically ill and extremely disabled children and young adults up to age 21. Life Hunts was developed in 1998 after mainstream foundations stopped granting hunting wishes or requests that involved firearms or archery equipment. The Life Hunt program gives children with questionable futures a glimmer of hope, and something to look forward to through their medical trials. These hunts are also offered to severely disabled children who have diseases known to shorten their life span. Please follow the Life Hunt link for more info. Click here for Life Hunt Application 2010-2011.
Adaptive Equipment Grants
Individuals who suffer from severe impairments can apply for a grant for adaptive equipment through their local Buckmasters One Shot chapter and national funds provided by Streamlight and other sponsors. Grants include the purchase of mechanical gun rests that allow quadriplegics to shoot a firearm or crossbow. As grants come available, we let our followers know through our email network. Click here for Adapative Gun Mount and Shooting Devices Application (PDF file).
Streamlight Challenged Sportsman Award
The Streamlight Challenged Sportsman of the Year Award will be issued to an individual who has defeated many obstacles to be able to enjoy God's great outdoors after illness or disability, then given back in an effort to help others. Challenged sportsmen can be nominated for this award by friends or family members. The recipient will receive a special hunting trip and other prizes from BADF, Buckmasters and Streamlight. Click here for Streamlight's Challenged Hunter of the Year Award Application.
Other Events and Programs
BADF Disabled Services' interest in activities extends beyond the hunting sports into; skeet shooting, sporting clay shoots, and competitive archery tournaments. Some of these activities can be inclusive, giving the disabled and able bodied a chance to participate equally in a competitive environment. When these events are established, we let our followers know through our email network.
Dissemination of Information
BADF Disabled Services has channels for providing crucial information:
1. Our disabled hunters Website provides a host of information on our programs, opportunities, and other important resources.
2. By subscribing to our e-mail service, a disabled individual with Internet access can receive frequent updates and notices on hunts and events.
3. BADF Disabled Services has a page in each issue of Buckmasters magazine dedicated to hunters with disabilities.
Solutions to Adaptive Shooting Video Project
Disabled Services' Solutions to Adaptive Shooting video introduces many severely disabled individuals from across North America who showcase and explain the adaptive devices they have designed and built. We highlight some very creative and simple solutions to what seem like monumental obstacles of shooting with a disability. Copies of the video are provided at no charge to disabled individuals, please contact David Sullivan.
Contributions to BADF Disabled Services are welcome, and are tax deductible. If you are interested in volunteering your time, facilities, or properties please contact David Sullivan.
For Information Contact
BADF Disabled Services
10540 Daystar Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Phone (205) 366-8415
email: dsullivan@buckmasters.com