Wheelchair Bowhunters + Discount

One of the most fun I have had teaching archery and hunting skills over the past two years was a young man in his early 30s, who just so happens to be in a wheelchair. I say "just so happens" because honestly, I don't think it was really hurting his chances of being a successful bowhunter. If anything, I think it gave him more determination and a willingness to learn everything I had to teach him.

I want to note therefore that people in wheelchairs do face a mobility issue when it comes to bowhunting, but it in no way prohibits or limits how much SKILL they can gain as a bowhunter. This includes bow compound bows and crossbows. There is really nothing stopping them from gaining all the skills they need to successfully bowhunt, and then some.

As shown below, many people - regardless of age, sex or creed - can get into bowhunting.

And the mobility issue? Well, that can easily be overcome with a little ingenuity. Brain power + a little brawn, and you've got yourself a nice shooting platform - preferably something high enough that bears cannot climb up to it.

I know plenty of stories of flatfooted bowhunters who got surprised when a black bear turned out to be a better climber than they were, so when in doubt always have a platform you can easily defend when hunting for bears.

Or better yet, kill the bear on the first shot lest the bear come looking to EAT YOU instead of you eating him.

Thus below are some ideas for wheelchair bowhunters who want to have a nice safe treestand.

Easy to go up and down in a hurry.

This one looks comfortable. Note the safety bar.

One way to transport your treestand.

Skip the treestand, build a bear-proof shooting fort.

Hunting gators is also possible.

Note that the last one would not be a good idea for hunting black bears, at they are surprisingly good at swimming and climbing into and/or capsizing boats. But for deer or smaller game it would be more acceptable for a person in a wheelchair to use that as their method of getting around.

For more bowhunting tips, sign up for bowhunting lessons. (Please note that I am currently "full" for 2016, and I will not be accepting new students until 2017.)

NOTICE - In the future I am also going to be offering a 10% discount to individuals in wheelchairs or having some other form of mobility issue. I really enjoyed teaching the student from two years ago and I would totally love to teach like-minded people who are not going to let their disability prevent them from having a good time bowhunting.