Everyone Benefits When Hunters Follow OHV Rules

OHV riders who obey the laws and regulations during a hunt may not realize that their conscientious behavior is protecting wildlife, wildlife habitats and the traditional hunting experience their fellow hunters treasure.

"Unfortunately, as the number of riders grows, the potential for land damage by those who don’t follow the rules also increases," said Walt Timmerman, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recreation bureau chief.   

Hunters on OHVs who leave designated roads to retrieve harvested game; travel on wet or muddy roads; or drive through noxious weed patches that have gone to seed are virtually guaranteed not to be invited back to hunt by landowners.

Here are some tips for hunters to help reduce the impact of OHVs during hunting season.

• Know the vehicle use regulations for the area you are in.
• Stay on designated public roads or trails. It is the law.
• Access your hunting area before shooting hours and then hunt on foot.
• Retrieve harvested big game from the nearest designated road or trail.
• Respect other hunters and recreationists by slowing down or stopping as you approach them on the trail.
• Avoid wet areas.
• Reduce emissions and engine noise.
• Pass in a safe and courteous manner when overtaking others.
• Limit OHV use in and near campgrounds.

FWP encourages hunters and others who observe hunting violations involving OHVs to report them to 1-800-TIP-MONT, that is 1-800-847-6668, and to gather appropriate evidence when it is safe to do so, including license and registration numbers, photos of the OHVs with the license plate in the image, and photos of tracks and other evidence of damage. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information leads to an arrest.

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Source: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/article_8531.aspx

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