ATVs For Hunters With Disabilities

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Olmsted County is providing all-terrain wheelchairs to hunters with disabilities in an effort to give them a high-tech way to enjoy their hobby.

Four hunters recently used the modes of transportation during a hunt in Chester Woods Park, which is east of Rochester, the Post-Bulletin reported. The vehicles resemble a cross between a wheelchair and a tank.

Rich Daly, Rochester Mayo-Hiawatha Chapter 28 commander of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota, said two chairs from Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch were borrowed the last couple of years.

"Those chairs were purchased by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Committee, and it was just obvious how much these chairs have helped the hunters," Daly said.

The county's two chairs allow users to go off-road and off-trail through the woods and fields. Their battery life provides up to 10 miles of travel.

Olmsted County Parks superintendent Tom Ryan said one chair at Oxbow Park and another at Chester Woods will be available every day year-round, not just during hunting season.

Olmsted County spent $20,000 on the chairs, and area veterans groups raised nearly $25,000 for the effort.

"These chairs are phenomenal for veterans like me who have a hard time walking around," said Mike Cassen, who served two tours in Vietnam. "I'm able to access ground that I couldn't with my crutch. I really appreciate having the chairs out here. It helps a lot."

Disabled hunters are able to have one of their dependents accompany them on a hunt, which Cassen said he's done with his sons in previous years.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)