Mobile Hunting Blinds to Benefit Paralyzed Veterans

Paralyzed veterans in two regions of Idaho have access to a unique way to hunt this fall. The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) donated "Bud Huts" to the Southeast Region and the Panhandle Region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. They are metal deer blinds mounted on trailers. The nickname "Bud Hut" comes from the fact that Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Budweiser beer sponsors the program. Each blind is mounted on a small single axle trailer which includes a wheelchair accessible ramp. The outside is painted in camouflage colors, and there is an opening for shooting at the perfect level for someone who is seated inside the blind. The blinds will be available at no charge to hunters, with priority given to paralyzed veterans, followed by veterans with disabilities, and then any hunters with disabilities. If nobody from those groups is using the blinds they would be available to any hunter wishing to use them. "This is just one of many contributions the Paralyzed Veterans of America is making to provide adaptive outdoor equipment to state wildlife agencies," Hunter Education Coordinator Ron Fritz said "This contribution will provide a critical bridge which will allow physically challenged Idahoans to participate in the traditional outdoor sport of hunting." If the "Bud Huts" prove to be successful in the two regions receiving them now, Fish and Game will work with PVA to try to provide them to other regions of Idaho, Fritz said.