How to Qualify for the Disabled Sportsman Hunts
In order to qualify for a disabled hunt permit, you must possess one of the following:
A Disabled Veteran or Totally Disabled License or a Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification.
A Disabled Veteran License is issued only to an individual resident of North Carolina who is a fifty percent or more disabled veteran as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, remaining valid for the lifetime of the individual so long as the individual remains fifty percent or more disabled. Certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs must be submitted with this application.
A Totally Disabled License is issued only to an individual resident of North Carolina who is TOTALLY disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and remains valid for the lifetime of the individual so long as the individual remains totally disabled. Certification from the SSA must be submitted with this application.
The Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification is a medical certification used to establish eligibility for participation in disabled hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the applicant does not possess a disabled veteran or totally disabled license. This certification is not a license; therefore, a valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required when participating in a disabled hunt opportunity. There is no fee for this certification and it shall remain valid as long as the qualifying disability persists. Possessing a Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification qualifies you to apply for Tier II and Tier III hunts.
Qualifications for the Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification:
To qualify for this certification, Medical certification is required in one of the following disabilities:
- missing fifty percent (50%) or more of one or more limbs, whether by amputation or natural causes;
- paralysis of one or more limbs;
- dysfunction of one or more limbs rendering the individual unable to perform the task of grasping and lifting with the hands and arms or unable to walk without mechanical assistance, other than a cane;
- disease, injury, or defect confining the individual to a wheelchair, walker, or crutches;
- legal deafness.
Note: Keep in mind that just because you might qualify for the Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification does not make you automatically qualified for Disabled Sportsman License. You must be declared disabled by the Social Security Administration to qualify for it. The Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification is not a license. A valid hunting license is stilled required in addition to the Hunt Certification for those sportsmen age 16 or older.
Note: Remember, even if you are a qualified handicapped sportsman, you are still able to apply for any of the General Hunts: Either as an individual or part of a party. In the case of the Youth Hunts or Youth/Adult Hunts, even handicapped sportsmen must meet the age requirements the same as non handicapped sportsmen.
MPORTANT: This information does not serve as a regulatory guide and is compiled from the 2011/12 Permit Hunts Publication as an aid to the hunting public. Hunters and trappers should always refer to the North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for regulations and local laws.