Hunting Resources
Maine Resources
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) - Provides complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to eligible residents with disabilities, including for disabled veterans, paraplegic individuals, and those with brain injuries. These licenses encompass multiple hunting permits, such as archery, muzzleloader, bear, migratory bird, and more. While the licenses are comprehensive, applicants must still apply for lottery-based permits like moose and antlerless deer. Applications can be submitted through the MDIFW's main office in Augusta.
Adaptive Unit Moose Hunt (WMD 4A) - This specialized hunt in the North Maine Woods is designed to manage moose populations and offers a unique opportunity for hunters, including those with disabilities. Participants receive detailed guides, maps, and are required to attend pre-hunt briefings. The program covers guiding services, adaptive equipment, meat processing, travel, and lodging.
The Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) - Offers free, year-round adaptive sports and recreational activities for veterans of all abilities. Meeting every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, VAST provides a supportive environment where veterans can participate in activities such as archery, cycling, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, wheelchair sports, and more. The program emphasizes inclusivity and personal growth, tailoring activities to individual needs to promote physical health and camaraderie. Funded in part by a VA Adaptive Sports Grant and supported by donations, VAST ensures that all equipment and programs are accessible at no cost to participants.
Maine Hunters Helping Heroes - A nonprofit organization founded in 2018 by Shon Ellis and Steve Morse, dedicated to supporting disabled veterans through outdoor recreational activities, particularly hunting. The organization facilitates hunting trips and events that provide therapeutic experiences and foster camaraderie among veterans. They also engage in community initiatives, such as donating game meat to veterans and their families, exemplifying their commitment to giving back. Their active presence on social media platforms like Facebook helps in organizing events and connecting with the veteran community.
Regional Resources
New England Adventures (NEA) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing all-expense-paid outdoor sporting events and therapeutic adventures for veterans, current service members, and their families across the New England states. Their programs include activities such as moose hunts, bass fishing trips, whitewater rafting, skiing, and more. By fostering a supportive community, NEA aims to improve the mental and physical well-being of participants, helping them navigate life after military service.
Operation ReBoot Outdoors - A nonprofit organization that focuses on helping veterans, law enforcement officers, and service members reconnect with nature through hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. Staffed by veterans and Registered Maine Guides, the organization offers guided experiences designed to promote healing and rediscovery of one's "true north."
National Resources
NRA Adaptive Hunting Database - Offers an Adaptive Hunting Database that lists organizations providing outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. These opportunities include guided whitetail hunts, chartered fishing trips, and accessible hiking trails. The database serves as a resource for adaptive hunters and shooters to find adventures across the country.
Veterans Afield Foundation (VAF) - Provides disabled and at-risk veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families with healing, transformational outdoor experiences. VAF offers expert-guided hunts and covers expenses such as licenses, fees, food, lodging, non-local transportation, and meat processing. They utilize adaptive equipment like track chairs and eye-scope adapters to ensure accessibility for all participants.
National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) - Wheelin’ Sportsmen - A nationwide initiative designed to provide individuals with mobility impairments or other disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and shooting. By organizing events across North America, the program aims to foster independence and confidence among participants, enabling them to engage in outdoor pursuits they might otherwise find inaccessible .
Kidz Outdoors - A nonprofit organization where adults mentor youth hunters with disabilities, providing them opportunities to get outdoors and hunt. The program focuses on youth development and fostering a love for the outdoors among children with disabilities.
United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) - Dedicated to providing free outdoor adventures for critically ill and disabled youth, as well as disabled veterans. Entirely volunteer-run, USSA organizes hunting, fishing, and other outdoor trips to offer participants and their families a respite from medical challenges and an opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Since its inception in 2000, USSA has granted over 16,000 dream adventures across 44 states, collaborating with landowners, outfitters, and sponsors to make these experiences possible. The organization emphasizes holistic healing, aiming to uplift spirits and create lasting memories through these tailored outdoor experiences.
Empowered Dream Hunts (EDH) - Dedicated to providing adaptive hunting experiences for individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or other challenges. EDH aims to help specially abled outdoor enthusiasts overcome barriers and fulfill their hunting dreams. The organization offers no-cost hunting adventures, including whitetail and bear hunts, to selected candidates and their companions. While there is no fee, participants are encouraged to "Pay it Forward" by assisting in fundraising efforts to support future hunts. EDH emphasizes family involvement, inviting loved ones to share in the hunting experience. To enhance accessibility, the organization utilizes adaptive equipment such as Action Trackchairs, which are specially designed to navigate various terrains. Individuals interested in participating can apply through the EDH website by completing a nomination form and undergoing a face-to-face interview with EDH personnel .
National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB - A comprehensive, free online platform connecting U.S. military veterans to a wide array of outdoor adventures and therapeutic programs across the country. Its mission is to promote healing, wellness, and camaraderie through nature-based activities. Veterans can explore activities such as hunting, fishing, archery, equine therapy, hiking, scuba diving, martial arts, and more. The HUB features an interactive map and a searchable directory of over 220 vetted nonprofit organizations, organized by state and activity, making it easy for veterans to find opportunities near them. Each listing provides direct links and contact information, allowing users to connect directly with providers and schedule experiences.