Options Accessible Deer Hunt at Rydell National Wildlife Refuge marks 30

POLK COUNTY, Minn. – For three days every October, Rydell National Wildlife Refuge becomes a Northwoods deer camp.

It’s been that way since 1995.

This year, Options Resource Center for Independent Living in East Grand Forks marks the 30th anniversary of its Accessible Deer Hunt, an event for hunters with both physical and emotional disabilities. Open to 20 people, the Accessible Deer Hunt gives participants the opportunity to enjoy hunting and camaraderie in a deer camp environment they otherwise might not be able to experience.

This year’s Accessible Deer Hunt is set for Oct. 16-18.

“We try to get people that have hunted as a person with a disability, people new to hunting and give people an opportunity to talk between themselves and learn the ropes from each other,” said Randy Sore