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Class Q/QQ

An Opportunity for Hunters with Disabilities

Special Areas Accessible to Hunters with Disabilities
With Class Q/QQ Permit

Sponsored by the
WV Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife
Resources Section and the USDA Forest Service

What is the Class Q/QQProgram?

This is a cooperative program between the Monongahela and George Washington/Jefferson National Forests and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, providing access to suitable hunting areas for sportsmen who possess a Class Q/QQ permit. These Class Q/QQ roads have been popular and well received by hunters with disabilities on both our state and National Forest Wildlife Management Areas. Resident and nonresident hunters who qualify and obtain a West Virginia Class Q or QQ permit may now participate in special Class Q/QQ hunts and use designated Class Q/QQ hunter access roads (see annual WV Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary) or visit online: www.wvdnr.gov. Residents and nonresidents must also have applicable annual hunting licenses.

The Class Q/QQ permit holder may be accompanied by no more than one assistant when hunting within a designated area. Assistants may change from one trip to the next, but all assistants must be listed on the letter of authorization. A hunting license is not required for the assistant. All state hunting regulations are to be observed while hunting these designated areas. Authorized hunters will have access to specific gates via a special lock, for which the hunter will be issued a key.

While behind the gate, hunters must observe all applicable National Forest and State Wildlife Management Area regulations. All off­road driving is prohibited.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources allows certain bowhunters with dDisabilities who cannot ordinarily use a conventional bow to modify a long bow, recurve bow or compound bow, by attaching a device to hold the bow at full draw. These devices can only be used by bowhunters who have a licensed physician certify their need. Application forms for this “Modified Bow Permit” are available at all Division of Natural Resources District offices and hunting license agents. If an individual has a Class Q/QQ permit, he/she is eligible to apply for a Class Y “Crossbow Permit.”

For specific information about applying for a key to access National Forest Class Q/QQ roads, including road location and road length, contact the respective National Forest Ranger District. For information on State Wildlife Management Area Class Q/QQ roads, call the Division of Natural Resources office in Elkins at 304­637­0245 or visit theWVDNR website at www.wvdnr.gov.

Who do I contact for access to these designated Class Q/QQ areas?

After a doctor attests to the applicant’s permanent disability in the lower extremities on forms provided by the DNR License Section to all license agents around the state, a permanent card is issued by the Charleston DNR License Section. Both resident and nonresident hunters with a Class Q or QQ permit must apply in person or by mail at the appropriate National Forest Ranger District office or appropriate West Virginia Division of Natural Resources district office. Hunters applying by mail must include a copy of their Class Q/QQ permit. Approved hunters will be issued a letter of authorization, which must be in possession while hunting.

Holders of the Special Class Q or QQ permit may possess a loaded firearm and hunt from a motor vehicle but only under the following circumstances:

  1. The motor vehicle is stationary;
  2. The engine of the motor vehicle is not operating;
  3. The permittee and one individual, who is at least sixteen years of age, to assist the permittee are the only occupants of the vehicle;
  4. The individual assisting the permittee may not hunt with a firearm, bow or crossbow while in the vehicle;
  5. The vehicle is not parked on the right­of­way of any public road or highway; and
  6. The permittee observes all other pertinent laws and regulations.

When is a permit available?

Class Q/QQ permits are available for spring and fall hunting seasons.

What do Class Q/QQ Hunters have to say about our program?

“For the first time in several years, I saw the excitement in my father’s eyes. He was thrilled to get a chance to go hunting again.”

­­­­­Tony Wheeler, Charleston, WV

 
“I really enjoy meeting the Forest Service staff each year and I always enjoy the Class Q roads. Thank you very much for all you do for Class Q hunters.”
­­­­Lloyd B. Fowler, White Sulphur Springs, WV
 
“The Class Q program is wonderful for people who can’t get out. The people who work with this program do a wonderful job.”
­­­­­Glen Shrewsbury, Lashmeet, WV
 
“The country is very beautiful for hunting, I enjoyed it very much.”
­­­­Stephen D. McCarty, Sr., Green Bank, WV

Who may we contact for further information?

If you are permanently disabled in the lower extremities and would like more specific information, please call the WV Division of Natural Resources office in Elkins at (304) 637­ 0245 or visit the DNR web site at www.wvdnr.gov . You may also contact the Monongahela National Forest by calling (304) 636­1800 or The George Washington/Jefferson National Forest at (540) 265­5100 or visit the forest websites at www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/ and http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/.

It is the policy of the WV Division of Natural Resources to provide its facilities, services, programs, and employment opportunities to all persons without regard to sex, race, age, religion, national origin or ancestry, disability, or other protected group status.

WV Division of Natural Resources
324 Fourth Ave
South Charleston, WV 25303
(304) 558­2771

P.O. Box 67 ­ Ward Road
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
(304) 637­0245

www.wvdnr.gov

Nondiscrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720­2600 (voice and TTY).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326­W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250­9410 or call (202) 720­5964 (voice and TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Monongahela National Forest
200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
(304) 636­1800 Telephone/TTY
www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/

George Washington/Jefferson National Forest
5162 Valleypointe Parkway
Roanoke, Virginia 24019­3050
(888) 265­0019 (540) 265­5100
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/


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