accessible hunting

We’ve learned where to look for accessible hotels: match your needs through Wheel the World’s booking platform.

We can find short term rentals using things like BecomingrentABLE or filters through Airbnb.

We can even build loose travel itineraries based on the experiences of other disabled travelers.

But what if we’re looking for something a little more niche? What if we wanted to continue our annual hunting trip with our buddies, after a major spinal cord injury?

Accessible travel information doesn’t have to start with your biggest attractions. It can start with the things people already come to your destination to do.

That’s where we tend to hit a roadblock.

Not in South Dakota.

South Dakota’s Game, Fish & Parks website has a page dedicated to Accessible Hunting Areas, opening the gate to opportunities that feel impossible to find.

The state has identified specific Game Production Areas where hunters with a disabled hunter permit can use all-terrain vehicles or other vehicles on designated roads and trails. Some locations have accessible hunting blinds. Others have designated trails that provide vehicle access to areas where hunters can pursue deer, pheasant, turkey, waterfowl and other game.

DMO’s should pay attention. Not only is this website easy information on accessible outdoor adventures for visitors, it’s also an example of what an accessibility landing page could look like, detailing locations and what to expect. There are caveats, and South Dakota is upfront about them. The areas are unattended, terrain varies, not every portion of a Game Production Area will be accessible, and hunters are responsible for determining whether conditions are safe for them. That transparency is what makes this page so useful.

Accessible travel information doesn’t have to start with your biggest attractions. It can start with the things people already come to your destination to do.

Hunt. Fish. Camp. Golf. Birdwatch. Paddle. Attend a rodeo. Visit a shooting range. Go stargazing. Cheer for a local sports team.

Somewhere in your destination, there may already be accessible infrastructure, adaptive programs, special permits or designated access that travelers simply don’t know exists.

This is an opportunity where you don’t have to create something new. Find what already exists, document it clearly, and make sure the people who need it can find it.

↪Check out the website.