Hunter's Ed For Disabled Hunters

[Chas]

Does anyone here have any information on hunter ed for disabled hunters?
My wife has had severely limited use of one side of her body since she was a baby. When we met she was a "save the Bambi's, anti-hunter" out of pure ignorance. She didn't grow up around it and as such had no exposure to it and no understanding about it.
Fast forward, she became marginally tolerant BEFORE we said our vows (there was a pre-nup written up on a bar napkin somewhere) and for the last few seasons she's actually been asking why I never take her hunting with me.

The issue is hunter ed. I remember when my nephew took the course he had to shoot several rounds offhand at an 8" plate at 200 yds. to qualify for passing. There's no way in he(( my wife can do it...safely, hence the need for me to either shoot for her or get her prone, shoot from a mono/bipod or shooting stix or something but unaided offhand is a definite no-go. She would fail and she'd be crushed. Plus being somewhat safety minded there's no way I'd consider her attempting it "safe".

So boys and girls in the know, are there any hunter ed courses that are geared to disabled hunters and their partners?

Sorry for the long post, I'm normally very quiet in forums.

I sincerely appreciate any information or advice you can offer. Especially from someone who went through the process of getting a disabled first time hunter properly licensed.

[winshooter88]

Under current hunter education rules in this state live fire is optional. Also most instructors would probably work with you if you talked to them before you enrolled in the class.

[elk247]

The issue is hunter ed. I remember when my nephew took the course he had to shoot several rounds offhand at an 8" plate at 200 yds. to qualify for passing. There's no way in he(( my wife can do it...safely, hence the need for me to either shoot for her or get her prone, shoot from a mono/bipod or shooting stix or something but unaided offhand is a definite no-go.

  That's awesome that your wife has come around to wanting to hunt. Get her in asap. Although it might be very tough to find an open class before hunting season. As far as hitting a 8" plate offhand  at 200 yards  That's the first I've ever heard of that test. Pm Pianoman or bob33 or timberghost, they are instructors will know if there is a specific class for disabled hunters. I'm almost positive any class will accommodate your wife. She should be able to shoot a crossbow or rifle from a bench or chair.

[Bob33]

"I'm almost positive any class will accommodate your wife."
 

She is not required to shoot but will be required to demonstrate she can safely handle a firearm/bow.

If she has not shot before it could be a good place to start.

[Chas]

Thanks guys!

Bob33, safely manipulating the rifle without help is another thing that worries me. In my opinion, that's what I'm for...I'm her partner. She can, will, and has adapted it just may not be viewed as "proper" or "correct" as far as conventional wisdom goes. But realistically, in the field I will tee up every shot for her and let her break the shot if we can get her supported.

Elk247,
No kidding, right? She's turned around completely! Too many resorts, room service, and spas growing up I guess, and not enough dirt, trees, mud and blood. I think she's cured now. I figured she was ready when she helped me skin out a coon a couple years ago.
As far as hitting the plate went there wasn't a requirement to actually ring the steel, just to hit the berm backstop. Easy-peasy for most folks but not so much when her supporting hand/arm has a mind of it's own.

I figure if we're too late this year she can apply for the deferral. I might be wrong though?

Winshooter88,
As I recall, there was no option to opt out of the live fire portion. This was 6-7 years ago though... maybe the instructors weren't aware that it was optional. They even made the female bowhunters shoot at the plate.

[ndcasla]

Chas, I teach Hunter Ed at Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club outside of Bremerton, and have taught a young man with a similar disability. it is not a major obstacle. It can be done, even the shooting. I would be glad to help you out if I can.