Doctor’s Note for a Disabled Archer Permit

July 7, 2011

Question: I have recently been advised by my doctor to discontinue shooting archery equipment due to my fourth reconstructive shoulder operation. As an avid archery hunter, I am really having a hard time with this! When I stopped into my local archery shop, they informed me of a device that locks the draw cycle back on a compound bow. What would I need to do to be able to use such a device during archery season? Is there a doctor’s note or something that I would need, and if so, what would I do with that note? (Tim S.)

Answer: You may qualify for a Disabled Archer Permit if you have written verification from a physician regarding your medical condition (check section 354(j) in the 2010-2011 Hunting Regulations available online at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/).

For more information and the Disabled Archer Permit application, please go to: http://dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg537.pdf. There is no fee for this permit.

I have a Disabled Archer Permit. It allows the use of a Crossbow during archery and rifle season. I downloaded the one-page form from DFG and my hand surgeon filled it out and signed it. Sent it in and two weeks later received the permit in the mail. It's lifetime for permanent disabled, one season for temporary. Don't know if the locking mechanism on a regular compound necessitates the permit or not.