Written by Jill Temples

SMT Writer

Wappapello Lake- Wappapello Lake is sponsoring a Mobility Impaired Modern Gun Deer Hunt on October 19 and 20, 2013, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the national Wild Turkey Federation.  Applications are being accepted through August 30, 2013.  The drawing will be conducted on September 3, 2013.  Applicants must be at least 11 years of age and have a permanent physical condition that severely impairs their mobility, such as paralysis or amputation of lower extremities, and requires the assistance of a wheelchair, braces, crutches or similar aids of mobility. 

First-time applicants must also provide a letter from a physician to verify the applicant's physical condition that severely impairs their mobility without proper assistance.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Hunters will be selected by random drawing for the two-day hunt to be conducted at various locations.  Successful applicants will be notified by mail and a list of five alternates will be drawn in the event that some hunters are not able to attend after being selected.

Applicants must possess a valid Missouri managed firearms deer hunting permit for the Wappapello Lake Mobility Impaired Hunt.  Hunters will be permitted to have an assistant in the blind during the hunt, but guides and assistants will not be permitted to possess firearms or other killing devices.  Hunters and their assistants are restricted to the blind area only and may not hunt outside these parameters.  Missouri hunter education certification requirements are applicable.  The hunter and their guide or assistant must wear a solid blaze orange vest and hat at all times while hunting in the blind and during ingress and egress of the hunting area.

For applications or further information on the event, stop by or contact the Wappapello Lake Project Office at (573) 222-8562.  E-mail inquiries may be directed to Jeremy.W.Jackson@usace.army.mil.