Hunters with disabilities will have special mobility equipment at SIU’s Touch of Nature to help them experience maximum independence as they participate in an assisted hunt Nov. 11-13. (Photo provided)
November 09, 2022
Media Advisory: SIU’s Touch of Nature hosting largest hunt for people with disabilities Nov. 11-13
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s experiential learning facility, will be hosting what organizers believe will be the largest accessible hunt in the state of Illinois in 2022. About 30 hunters with disabilities, along with their helpers, will be traveling to the facility from all over the Midwest to participate in the event Nov. 11-13, and media are welcome to cover it.
Making deer hunting accessible
The participating hunters will receive assistance as needed with all aspects of their archery deer hunt, including transportation to and from tree stands and blinds and help with tracking, retrieval and processing of game. Trackchairs on site will enable hunters to experience maximum independence, organizers say.
Reporters, photographers and news crews will find appealing stories during the weekend.
A few opportune times to visit the camp to secure video, photographs and interviews include:
- Nov. 11 and 12 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Camp 2. You can view the equipment being used and meet with staff and the hunters who choose to come in for lunch.
- Nov. 12 at Freeberg Hall in Camp 2 between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. as hunters will be gathering for a meal, and they (and the equipment) will then be available for media to connect with.
Partnerships make event possible
Several organizations come together to make the hunt for people with disabilities possible. Partners for this year's event include the National Wild Turkey Federation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In addition, Halfmoon Outdoors is supplying Action Trackchairs.
For more information
To learn more about the hunt or arrange a visit at a different time, contact Lindsay Meverden, inclusive recreation program coordinator, at lmeverden@siu.edu or 618-453-3954.