The Alliance for Disabled
Sportsmen Rights
 
Formerly known as the Coalition for Disabled Hunter Rights

 
Using the Americans with Disabilities Act to end discrimination in the woods.
 

 

      
   
   


 

 

 

  

 
State Information Sheet
The Alliance has begun working on the last three states which still do not allow disable individuals to use crossbows -- Montana, Oregon, and Nevada. We are posting an out dated crossbow information sheet which will provide you with the addresses to send your requests for accommodation to these three states. An updated sheet is currently being worked on. Click here for the state information sheet. <<download>>
 
Victory in West Virginia

Update 2/9/2006: West Virginia's new Class Y Crossbow Permits are now available on the WV DNR website. Click here for the website.

On May 3, 2005, the governor of West Virginia signed SB575 into law. Starting in 2006, disabled hunters in West Virginia will be allowed to hunt with a crossbow during the entire WV archery season. Hunters with upper and lower extremity disabilities, as confirmed by a doctor’s note, will be able to receive the crossbow accommodation. Details of the new permit process have not been established, but will be posted once available.

The Alliance for Disabled Sportsmen Rights would like to thank Penney Hall (WV ADA Coordinator), David Stewart (WV Fairshake Network), the WV lawmakers, and all of the other groups and individuals that helped pass this law. To view a copy of the new law, please click here  >>SB575 Bill Text>>
     

  Victory in New Mexico

On September 23, 2004, the New Mexico Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to approve the use of crossbows for disabled hunters. Based on this vote, the New Mexico law has been modified. For more information, including a copy of the new law, please see the NM Update page.   <<more>>
 
Victory in Rhode Island 
On June 9th, the governor of Rhode signed H7913 into law. This law, for the first time, legalizes crossbows and modified bows for disabled hunters in the State of Rhode Island. In response to this new law, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has already included new disabled crossbow regulations in their proposed 2004-2005 hunting regulations. For more information, including a copy of the new law, please see the RI Update page.    >>more>>
 
Victory in Alaska
On June 6th, the Alliance received a letter from the US Fish & Wildlife Service showing that Alaska has responded to our discrimination complaints, and will now allow disabled hunters to use crossbows in the archery-only sections of the state. Disabled hunters will now be able to hunt as equals in 100% of Alaska's territory. Details of the new system are not yet available.
  
Victory in California
On April 22nd, the California Fish & Game Commission approved regulations that, for the first time, would allow disabled hunters to use a crossbow during the California archery season. See the News section for more information.  >>more>>
Victory in Washington State
 
On April 5th, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved regulations that, for the first time, would allow disabled hunters to use a crossbow during the Washington archery season. See the News section for more information.  >>more>>
  
Important NBEF Change
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation has voted to add a crossbow section to their Bowhunter education courses. The details of the new system are not out yet, but this should allow disabled crossbow hunters to receive a NBEF certification using the accommodation of their choosing. See the News section for more information.  >>more>>
  
Updates
 
  Updates on our efforts, which used to be listed on this main page, will now be listed on the News page. Please click the "News" button on the left to read all future updates.
  
Name Change
 
You will notice that the Coalition for Disabled Hunter Rights has changed its name slightly to be called the Alliance for Disabled Sportsmen Rights. This new name is a better reflection of our organization's mission and methods.
 
 

 


   

Need more Information?:
Please email the Alliance at Alliance@disabledrights.org


 "I is an island. Stands alone. We together, can accomplish amazing things."
          --Ron Mauck