IWF Introduces Disabled Veterans Special Hunt Sponsorship Program

Starting in 2021 the Idaho Wildlife Federation will annually sponsor an application for a special big game hunt tag on behalf of a disabled veteran and raise funds to cover the expenses for the hunt.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program allows a qualified organization to apply for a special big game hunt tag on behalf of a disabled veteran. The Idaho Wildlife Federation is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission to provide outdoor opportunities and experiences to all Idahoans, including disabled vets.

“We fight every day for fish, wildlife, habitat, and hunting and fishing opportunity for the average Idahoan.  Now we want to expand that work to provide an opportunity for veterans who have given so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy,” said IWF Executive Director Brian Brooks. “The value of Idaho’s outdoors is immeasurable. We want to help in any way we can to bring that experience to more people.”

Idaho Fish and Game makes five tags available each year. Tags are eligible for any hunt for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, black bear or mountain lion except controlled hunts with less than 5 tags are not eligible. Participants are exempt from licensing requirements and the tag is free. The tag is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The application period is January 2 through January 31 of the calendar year of the hunt. Each year, the Idaho Division of Veterans Services will first screen all applicants and provide a list of screened applicants to Idaho Department of Fish and Game in priority order of issuance. The top two candidates sponsored by Idaho Divisions of Veterans Services will receive a tag and Fish and Game will issue the three remaining tags to candidates sponsored by other qualified organizations.

If you are a veteran or know one who qualifies, and want IWF to be the organizational sponsor, please contact Brian Brooks at bbrooks@idahowildlife.org.

For more information and the application form, follow this link.