October 11, 2019

SIU’s Touch of Nature offering three November archery hunts for people with disabilities

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center is hosting three special archery hunts in November for those with disabilities.

The events include a Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America Deer Hunt Nov. 11-14, a National Wild Turkey Federation turkey and deer hunt Nov. 15-17, and an Illinois Department of Natural Resources deer hunt Nov. 29-Dec. 1.

Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover any of the three November hunts. Media members are encouraged to attend between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the second or third day of each hunt for the best opportunities for photos, video and interviews. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Vicki Lang at 618/453-1121 or vickil@siu.edu.

Hunting at the SIU facility

People with a wide variety of disabilities will be able to hunt on Touch of Nature’s beautiful 3,100-acre site, located along Little Grassy Lake. The programs allow hunters to experience camaraderie with each other and participate in real hunts. Each hunter will have a partner to assist. 

Hunters will all be required to have current hunting permits and licenses and follow all federal and state guidelines.

The general public will be cautioned about visiting the experiential learning facility during these hunts and warning signs will be posted to assure the public’s safety and hunters’ privacy is protected.

The hunts

  • The Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America Deer Hunt is co-sponsored by the non-profit organization and Touch of Nature. PCBA was founded in 1993 to help people with disabilities actively participate in bow hunting and archery sports.
  • The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Illinois Wheelin’ Sportsmen are co-sponsoring the second hunt, which gives people with disabilities an opportunity to hunt turkey and deer.
  • The final hunt, an archery deer hunt, is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Chapter of Safari Club.

To learn more

For more information about any of the hunts, contact  Vicki Lang Touch of Nature Environmental Center at 618/453-1121 or by email at vickil@siu.edu.