Just in time for the upcoming deer hunting season, two new accessible hunting and wildlife viewing blinds are available at the Pinckney Recreation Area in Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

The new blinds join a growing list of accessible hunting facilities and programs on lands managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The list of resources includes additional accessible hunting blinds and features, as well as special hunting programs, permits, licenses and exemptions geared toward hunters with disabilities.

The DNR annually hosts programs designed for hunters with disabilities, veterans and youth. Hunters took to the field last month as part of the two-day Liberty Hunt, and others could register to participate by lottery in the Independence Hunt this weekend.

Situated at the western edge of Washtenaw County, Pinckney’s new barrier-free blinds were placed along an active wildlife corridor, perfectly situated for wildlife viewing or hunting. A partnership between Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors, the DNR, Washtenaw County Parks and the Huron Waterloo Pathway Initiative made the new features possible.

“Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors is excited to help expand accessible hunting infrastructure in southern Michigan, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching and photography,” said Tom Jones, president of Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors and vice chair of the DNR Accessibility Advisory Council. “We were able to secure the funds for the materials, while UAW Ford and the Union Sportsman’s Alliance provided the labor.”

The new blinds can be reached via the Border to Border trailhead in Lyndon Township off North Territorial Road. There is a short accessible path, designed and installed by the Huron Waterloo Pathway Initiative and Washtenaw County Parks. There is accessible parking available, and an accessible vault toilet will be installed later this fall.

“We’re especially excited to have the blinds in place and to have immediate interest in hunters wanting to use them,” said Chuck Dennison, Pinckney Recreation Area manager. “The placement of the blinds was two years in the making, and it was great to have so many partners willing to make this project a reality.”

MiOFO is working with the DNR to install additional accessible hunting blinds at other locations in southern Michigan later this fall.

Most state recreation areas are open to hunting, although it may be prohibited in some sections, such as day-use areas and campgrounds.

The hunting blinds are free to reserve, but a Recreation Passport is required to park in the lot. For more information or to reserve the blinds, call the Pinckney Recreation Area at 734-426-4913.

Visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility to find information on accessible hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.

To learn more about Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors, visit MiOFO.org or call 734-612-6677.