RALEIGH, N.C. – Disabled hunters and sportsmen will soon get a birds-eye view of deer and other wildlife, thanks to a unique partnership between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen.

The two have partnered to purchase ten Huntmaster hydraulic lifts that will allow handicapped sportsmen to be elevated some 20 feet above the ground. The media is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to present the lifts at 10 a.m. Monday, May 12, at the commission’s Butner Depot on Brickhouse Road, on the border of Durham and Granville counties.

“The acquisition of these lifts is another example of the leadership role that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has taken in advancing opportunities for handicapped sportsmen across the state,” said Steve Windham, vice chairman of the commission. “More and more of the commission’s work has focused on meeting the needs of our disabled friends and these lifts will allow those friends to better experience and enjoy the many natural wonders and outdoor activities North Carolina has to offer.”

The Commission provided $50,000 toward the purchase of the hydraulic lifts, and the N.C. Handicapped Sportsmen raised an additional $50,000.

Several government officials, including Congressman Robin Hayes, who represents North Carolina are scheduled to attend. Congressmen Brad Miller and David Price have been invited, along with the state’s General Assembly.

Maj. Gen. Randy West, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Member and board member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, is also scheduled to speak.

“I know of no other single piece of equipment that makes as much difference for mobility impaired hunters and wildlife watchers,” West said. “As a North Carolinian, I am proud of my state for paving the way and becoming the first state in the union to field at least one Huntmaster for every wildlife district!”

The lifts – which are attached to trailers – can be moved to any area of the state for the commission’s special permit hunts for handicapped sportsmen, which occur several times each year.

Media and other attendees will see the ten lifts displayed among the trees and fields of the commission’s Butner depot. They’ll also get the opportunity to see how the lifts work, as well as meet with some of the donors who made the purchases happen and the sportsmen who will use them.

The Commission offers a variety of opportunities for disabled sportsmen, as well as various permits, adaptive fishing gear and boating and gameland access.

For more information on the commission’s opportunities for disabled sportsmen, click here.