Access North makes hunting accessible

Access North makes hunting accessible

For the fourth time, Access North is bringing hunters with disabilities into the woods.

For the fourth time, Access North is bringing hunters with disabilities into the woods to enjoy or try a Northland sport.

Access North partners with the Minnesota DNR and McCarthy Beach State Park. This year, Access North Executive Director Donald Brunette says 10 hunters are going. Of them, four are veterans. Six will use rifles, and four will bow hunt.

“We’ll provide them with lodging, transportation out into the field, we give them a deer blind, all of the supports they need, and then volunteers to help them track, field dress, process the deer,” Brunette said. “We try to make sure that they have all the supports needed to enjoy one of Minnesota’s greatest traditions.”

The hunt happens Oct. 27-28. Around 50 people will volunteer to transport, feed, and serve the hunters.

Registration for hunters typically opens in August.

McCarthy Beach, which is near Side Lake, Minn., also now has an Action Track chair to assist on the trails.

Access North has been serving the Northland for 38 years, helping people with disabilities and seniors live independently, among other things.