FAQs for the People with Disabilities

Why do I need to purchase a license?
How do I reapply for a Class Q Permit?
Where can I get more information on where to hunt/fish?
What’s being done by the DNR to provide access for hunting and fishing?
What is the Physically Challenged Advisory Board?

Why do I need to purchase a license?

The WVDNR is responsible for the conservation of the state’s fish and wildlife species, while providing recreational opportunities for the state’s wildlife enthusiasts. Though these programs benefit the majority of the state’s citizens, more than 95% of the funding for these activities comes from hunters and anglers. Because the majority of this funding is derived from hunting and fishing license fees, these programs have limited revenue sources.

To put it into perspective, the expense involved in the construction of a single accessible pier is approximately $20,000. The DNR will be spending nearly a quarter of a million dollars of license revenue over the next 10 years for the enhancement of accessibility sites. Since 1999, the DNR has developed 22 accessible sites; again, paid solely from license revenue. Therefore, the DNR hopes you would agree that the small fee you will now be required to pay to fish or hunt is reasonable to assure that recreational opportunities exist for everyone.

In regards to the original intention of the Class Q permit being offered as a free license; the Class Q permit was created in 1981 to allow hunters with disabilities the ability to hunt from a motorized vehicle. Class Q holders were still required to buy a hunting license. In fact, it wasn’t until years later that the fees for a Class A and B license did not apply to Class Q holders. The Physically Challenged Advisory Board recommended that the Class Q be treated as a permit and not as a free license, and supported the change in legislation that took place in 2005.

The Board strongly believes that all wildlife enthusiasts (which includes the people with disabilities) should be treated the same and that recreational opportunities exist for everyone?

How do I reapply for a Class Q Permit?

Class Q applications are available by contacting the DNR license unit at (304) 558-2771, your local DNR District Office, or the County Clerk’s Office, or they can be downloaded by visiting the DNR Website at www.wvdnr.gov

Where can I get more information on where to hunt/fish?

Information on hunting and fishing opportunities for people with disabilities is available by visiting the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov or by contacting your local DNR District Office.

What’s being done by the DNR to provide access for hunting and fishing?

The Physically Challenged Advisory Board, along with the West Virginia Coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act, recently approved a Strategic Plan developed by the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Section to improve access areas for anglers and hunters with disabilities. Under this Strategic Plan, the DNR will develop 12 additional public fishing access sites for anglers with disabilities and designate Class Q roads on Wildlife Management Areas across the state over the next 10 years, providing a variety of access opportunities over a wider geographic area.

What is the Physically Challenged Advisory Board?

The DNR recognizes the importance of providing hunting and fishing areas accessible to wildlife enthusiasts with disabilities. In 1999, the DNR created the Physically Challenged Advisory Board consisting of representatives appointed by the Director who represent a variety of disabilities and geographic areas of the state to address the special needs of our citizens. Over the past six years the Board has done a great deal of work resulting in the addition of 22 accessible sites for anglers, provided additional lakes for seasonal use by Class Q, provided additional Class Q roads for hunters with disabilities, and established the Class Q antlerless deer seasons.

The Physically Challenged Advisory Board is working on this plan to guide the Wildlife Resources Section towards the improvement of accessible sites. The development of new public access, as identified in our Strategic Plan, will provide the diversity of hunting and fishing experiences expected by hunters and anglers with disabilities.