America’s first national park spans nearly 3,500 square-miles, the bulk of which occupies the northwestern corner of Wyoming. Known for its geothermal wonders the park is a filled with gurgling geysers, bubbling mudpots and hidden hot springs. But Yellowstone is much more than geysers, as it also features dramatic canyons, lush forests, and fertile valleys that are home to bears, wolves, elk, antelope and an extremely healthy bison population. And with a handful of western highways leading to the park, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore this diverse ecosystem.
Insider Tips
Although there’s accessible parking near the Brink of the Upper Falls Viewpoint in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the viewpoint itself is not accessible due to stairs and a steep grade. That said, you can get a better – and quieter — view if you continue along the North Rim Trail, past the left turnoff to the brink. And if you’d like a short hike through the woods that crosses Canyon Bridge and offers excellent views of the Yellowstone River and the Chittenden Bridge, then just continue along this accessible trail for another half-mile.
For a break from the congested traffic along the road to Old Faithful, take a short detour along Firehole Lake Drive. This one-way loop begins about a mile south of Fountain Paint Pot, and features accessible stops at Firehole Spring, Giant Fountain Geyser and Firehole Lake. As an added bonus, this route is pleasantly devoid of the bus loads of tourists that frequent the other area attractions, as larger vehicles are prohibited on this road.
If you’d like to overnight in the park in an accessible room with a great view, then choose room 202 at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel. This corner room, which features a bird’s eye view of Yellowstone Lake, is furnished with a 25-inch high king-sized bed and is equipped with an accessible tub/shower combination.
An avid South Carolina hunter, Jacob Beisecker had long dreamed about hunting big game out west. A bucket list item for many hunters, this dream trip seemed out of reach for Beisecker, a T11/L2 incomplete paraplegic. Says Jacob, “I knew that logistically and financially it (the hunt) would be a challenge.” Then after a few Google searches he stumbled upon Wyoming Disabled Hunters (WDH), which offers free accessible hunting expeditions. “When I found that my injury qualified me to participate with WDH it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” recalls Beisecker. Although he wasn’t selected in the first draw of applicants, one hunter subsequently dropped out and Jacob was notified in late July that he was selected to fill the open slot. And so his big game hunting adventure began.
Wyoming Disabled Hunters
Based in Cody, WDH (wyomingdisabledhunters.org) has been providing affordable hunts for disabled hunters since 2009. Their first disabled hunting adventure consisted of just four deer hunters, but today they usually accommodate 20 hunters a year at their elk, mule deer and antelope hunts. And according to Terry Skinner, WDH President, they have 91% success rate overall, and a 100% success rate in the past two years.
The first WDH hunt takes place in mid-September and it’s open to antelope hunters; while the second hunt includes deer hunters and some elk hunters in the last week of October. Says Skinner, “WDH utilizes consistent areas through generous permission from private landowners allowing WDH to hunt their lands. We go to great lengths ahead of time to understand each hunter’s disabilities and everything they may need to be successful.”
WDH provides complimentary accommodations, meals and guides for the hunters. The hunters must foot the bill for transportation to Cody, arrange for their own personal care and pay for incidentals. WDH also covers meat processing costs for elk and deer.
Additional financial assistance based on need may also be available for transportation to Cody. A financial assistance application can be found on the WDH website during the open application window. Says Skinner, ” Assistance includes reimbursement for a portion of motel costs (while traveling), and a rate/mile, or plane flight costs.” This is all in line with WDH’s mission statement, to provide an affordable hunt for disabled hunters.
The Accommodations
Snow covered landscape outside Cody
Jacob and his fellow hunters were housed at the Bull Moose Retreat, a VRBO property that borders BLM land. The eight bedroom house includes ramp access and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It sits on 35 acres surrounded by the Carter Mountains, with plenty of hunting locations nearby. And according to Jacob they all had their own rooms, with plenty of space to spread out.
Jacob’s group included six wheelchair users (two quads and two paras) as well as two hunters with low vision. Their disabled hunting adventure included airport transfers as well as transportation to the hunting sites. The guides also provided the hunters with assistance, whenever needed.
All meals were included in the package. They were prepared by WDH volunteers and served family style in the large dining room at Bull Moose Retreat. Says Jacob, “Everything is top notch with WDH and they have contacts with great landowners who have properties with incredible hunting opportunities. They can handle just about anyone with a mobility challenge so definitely sign up and give it a try if it’s something you’re interested in!”
The Hunt
Jacob and his harvest
Jacob’s cousin from Indiana also joined him on the hunt, for camaraderie and to help out whenever needed. The first day was a range day, just to make sure everyone was comfortable with their firearms. Adds Jacob, “That evening my guide took us out to do some scouting from the truck to try and figure out where we should start the next morning.”
The three-day hunt began early the next day when they hit the road with their guide. And after a bit of scouting, the hunt began in earnest. Recalls Jacob, “We had ‘shoot from vehicle permits’ and you only had to get 30 feet — I believe — off the main roadway; so we were able to utilize some of the roads through the ranches to get in close enough to shoot from the truck. After a few close calls, I finally sealed the deal and took my mule deer buck on the first evening.”
After he harvested his buck, the guide transported him on a deer sled over to the kill site, so he could take photos with his prize. Says Jacob, “It took several people to make it happen but I’m so glad they put hunts like these on, and have such awesome volunteers and guides willing to do anything you need.”
The majority of the hunters in Jacob’s group filled their tags on the first day, and everyone tagged out at the end of the hunt. “We easily saw hundreds to thousands of deer a day and that’s just something I’ve never seen in my life before,” says Jacob. Jacob and his cousin also got to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Yellowstone National Park. And they helped some of their fellow hunters out in the scouting department.
The Application Process
If you’d like to take part in a disabled hunting adventure of your own, the first thing you need to do is apply. Applications are available on the WDH website beginning on December 1. The application period runs through January 25.
Applicants must also obtain a Wyoming Disabled Hunter Permit in order to to participate in WDH hunts. To be eligible, you must have one of the following conditions, which must be certified by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, or a personal physician.
At least a 70% service connected disability
Permanently unable to walk without a mobility device
Lung disease
Cardiac condition
Physical disability that prevents applicant from holding or shooting a firearm
Visual acuity that does not exceed 20/200
More information about the permit can be found at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/129/download?inline. There is no charge for the permit, and a Shoot From a Vehicle Permit is also included with the Wyoming Disabled Hunter Permit.
Applications to participate in WDH hunts are available on the WDH website. And if you have any questions or concerns you can contact Terry Skinner at tkskinner25@outlook.com or (307) 250-3771.
Once the application is complete, the selection process is pretty simple. Says Skinner, “We always receive more applications than available spots. We first confirm all the applicants online application information is complete and then we simply perform a random draw for the primary hunter list. We also draw alternate hunters just in case anyone from the primary list has to decline their hunts later on.”
These hunts are really a once in a lifetime experience, so make plans to apply now. Says Jacob, “It’s definitely a must-do and they are all some of the nicest, most accommodating people! Definitely apply and give it a shot if it’s something you’re interested in.”
