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10/24/2005

HUNTERS SHOULD REMEMBER ATV ETIQUETTE

JACKSON – With big game hunting seasons in full swing, hunters using all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are reminded to keep other hunters in mind. It’s no secret; the use of ATVs while hunting has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. With the increased use have come more complaints from other hunters about their use scaring game away.  

                “The use of ATVs while hunting continues to be a hot topic amongst hunters,” said Mark Gocke, information specialist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “The biggest frustration we hear comes from those hunters who have worked hard to quietly hike into backcountry habitat only to have their hunting ruined by another hunter on a noisy ATV.”

He adds that hunters who use ATVs during hunting season should remember to “Walk when you stalk.”

In addition to the ethics, there are many state laws governing the use of ATVs that users may not be aware of.  “Many ATV users are unaware that they are required to purchase and display a Wyoming Off-Road Vehicle Permit when using them on public lands in the state,” said Tim Puskarich, Wyoming State Trails Program manager. “And ATVs are mostly restricted to travel only on established routes and trails on public lands across the state.” 

Motorists are strongly encouraged to contact the local land manager to see what is open for ATV use. Local land managers and permit selling agents provide off-road vehicle maps free of charge.

Most hunters acknowledge that ATVs can and are being used ethically for hunting, but with the increased use there seems to be a similar trend of increased conflicts in the field.

“Nobody wants more regulation regarding ATV use,” said Puskarich. “That’s why it’s so important for ATV users to take it upon ourselves to make sure we abide by the laws and lessen our impacts on other users and the land.” 

For more information on ATV regulations and ethical use, contact your local officials with the Wyoming State Trails Program, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or Game and Fish Department.

(contact: Mark Gocke (307) 733-2321 or Tim Puskarich, State Trails Program (307) 777-7550)

-WGFD-

 

 

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