PRATT – Accessibility, a barrier to outdoor participation for many with disabilities, shouldn’t keep anyone from enjoying the outdoors. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is launching a new program – Adaptive Sportsmen of Kansas (ASK) – to ensure that hunters and anglers with disabilities have a new option for safely getting around outdoors.

KDWPT has secured eight electric, all-terrain track chairs that will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis at pre-approved events. Each chair, which is controlled by a joy stick on the right armrest, is camouflaged and equipped with several useful accessories, including a gun holder, fishing rod holder, LED headlight, and utility box for storage. Operators can also sit comfortably using the chair’s head rest, padded armrests and flip-out foot rest, all while having peace of mind they’re secure, thanks to the chair’s front stabilizer wheels and four-point harness.

“There are a lot of sportsmen out there who want to be hunting and fishing, but they just can’t get to where they need to. And it’s time we did something to fix that,” said Todd Workman, KDWPT Assistant Secretary for Administration.

What started as just an idea earlier this year has since blossomed into a fully-fledged program, backed by the support of Bushnell Optics and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Workman hopes other conservation-based organizations will see the value and impact of this program and consider helping it grow.

“I’m excited to begin working with conservation groups and people who need these chairs,” said ASK program coordinator, Jessica Rice. “We want these chairs in the field, helping people enjoy the outdoors.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about reserving chairs or donating to the ASK fund can contact Rice at Jess.rice@ks.gov or 913-278-2362.

Additional information on the program can also be found at https://ksoutdoors.com/Outdoor-Ac-tiv-ities/Track-Chairs-ASK-Program.