ATVs and Hunting

[UtahHunter]

I have been reading another post and a there has been some discussion on the value of ATVs in camp and how we use them.

I like to start some good thoughts and I know this one is probably going to get all ranges of comments. I dont want to start a nasty discussion but a open and free thought one.

When I was a kid (which was not long ago I am only 33) I remember being in Elk and deer camp every year and doing nothing but walking and riding a horse to hunt on. There are lots of areas in Central Utah that are now nothing but ATV trails. I grew up in this area and now live here again. I am probably part of the problem as I own two myself. But the thing I have a problem with is that no one seems to actually hunt anymore. Everyone just rides around on their atv and does not get out and hunt. I guess this is good for us that actually hunt. I was in Colorado Unit 47 last year hunting deer, we went up this atv trail to get into some good hunting area. We talked to MANY other riders as we went up and down the trail and asked if they have seen anything, the general answer was no. We went up anyway and only walked 100 yards off the trail and immidiately started seeing deer. In the next two days we shot 6 deer on this road as people just kept driving on past as the animals were just out of site. We even shot a 210" buck as two guys were up above us on the road talking. The deer was 100 yards below them but they could not see it as it was soo steep. They were amazed when we shot the deer and come down to see what the heck was going on.

I guess I agree with ATVs if they are used properly and with respect but I want to see how crazy this topic gets and what everyone out there thinks................................

[Kellyelk]

I agree with you. I do not own any nor have any plans to purchase any. I do NOT have a problem with those that do, except the ones who do not use common sense and follow the rules. They are a tool when used properly are an asset. My only gripes have been exactly what you have described. I see the few knuckle heads who abuse them. Maybe the states should institute some sort of education classes for those who use them to hunt. Kind of like the registration and hunter safety classes that are mandatory to hold a hunting license. Just some sort of basic guidelines and rules for use as a hunting aid. Kind of like a "This is the law regarding use of ATV's for a hunting aid." Just my opinion. I mean most people would take the time to learn about the care and proper uses for horses before they would use them in the same situation. So why not ATV's?

[Arnie Oakley]

I'm not saying I like or dislike ATV's, but I sure liked the solitude of Wyoming before their arrival.

Gary

[UtahHunter]

Arnie.....I agree with the solitude comment. It seems that they are everywhere now days. Like I said maybe I am part of the problem as I own two, in fact I just bought my second one this weekend. I just wish people would use them to get to an area and then hunt.

Kellyelk......A training class just for hunting would be a great idea. I just dont know if they will ever implement it. Utah lawmakers are chicken and would just rather ban them all together than spend the money or time to educate people on anything. That is what I am afraid of I guess is that I enjoy them and spending time on them and I think the bad seeds are going to get them banned for all of us!

[CHAVEZ CHAVEZ]

I myself think the atv is good to use to a extent when it comes to hunt'n ,they have there place either it be hunt'n or not . i've used them afew times and see were they are real handy helping with game,or at camp, and getting way back in some area away from other's.but not joy rideing all day hopeing something is gonna run out in front of you, i seen that this past yr 2 older men with a child me and a friend were sitt'n in a clearing of sage i spotted a forker buck passing trough so i told him let's just sit here and see what happen's.the 2 hunter's rode there atv's from the other side right straight trough the clearing stopped and asked did you see that buck!! i replied back that lil forker ,yes , he replied wich way did he go ! so i told him ,these 2 hunter's still drove right trough the clearing chaseing these deer
all over god's creation without ever getting off there atv's ( also 1 hunter just had his rifle slung over his back ,and if your gonna hunt here your rifle must be scabbed while useing a atv )

[Arnie Oakley]

I really don't have a problem with them if their use is minimal. I can honestly say I wish that kid that decides to go muddin' everytime I want to bowhunt would throw a piston!!

[UtahHunter]

I really don't have a problem with them if their use is minimal. I can honestly say I wish that kid that decides to go muddin' everytime I want to bowhunt would throw a piston!!


HAHA yea I hear ya....throwing a piston on some of them would be funny......as long as it is not me! :)

[tjen]

I agree

Usually when someone askes "is this still hunting what happen to the tradition or the sport aspect of hunting " they get bashed. Well it happens to me alot. Things like baiting deer, electronic devises, some uses of ATV's ect.. It

just seems like people just wait short cuts to getting a game animal instead of putting more into the sport to get more out of it. The realy agressive people who argue there right to do it seem just defensive because it hit a issue they ant delt with yet. My uncle taught me the more you put into hunting the more you get out of it. He was a achery hunter and thats how I started hunting. I hunt with rifles and shotguns to. But will not use dogs or bait for deer even if its legal. Its not what I what too experance when hunting. Using a ATV to come and go to some stand or area seems fine, but in the case mentioned on elk hunting a whole morning or afternoon of walking would be required for me to call it hunting.

[rayderluvr]

I think ATV's are great when used as a tool to hunt, not as a platform to hunt off of or chase game with. I am a deer hunter in a state where the timber is not anything like the vast expanses of montana or wyoming, but I personally like to walk in to my stand, and if I get a deer, go in and haul it out on an ATV. Lazy, maybe)
Other than transportation OR as a tool for someone who is disabled, ATV's do not belong in the woods during hunting season.

[gqucool]

Hey Utah Hunter this is a good post. I too am from Utah also but north of you in Utah County. I actually Hunt by Mt Nebo. This area is restricted because part of it is classified as a Wilderness Area. I can't count of the times I have had to drag a deer out by hand and thats too much work for me anymore!! Plus there use to be a general rule that if you shot your deer or elk in this area in certain places where it wasn't a wilderness area you could take your atv 1 trip in and out again to retrieve your game. But that was slso with the ruling you left your rifle in your truck , camp etc. Talk about a bunch of hooey!! But thats what we were stuck with there are other areas of the state you can use atv's to hunt with but in the removal of game again? Not certain but I have 2 atv's my self I think they are a great tool in hunting and fishing and farming and general activities and fun. But like anything else they too can be used to the effect that we can lose area's to ride in because of people that don't care for the repect to property owners and such. Your area does have more riding areas because of the Piaute Trail system and such. But I personally give a thumbs up in general for the use and recreating with atv's but there also comes a responsibility with this as well!!! But I own recreational property in Central Utah just below the Sky Line Drive and all I can say it wouldn't be nearly as fun with out a ATV!!!

[pre6422hornet]

The only time my butt is in my 4 wheeler out in Colorado is the 10 minute ride from camp to whatever ridge I decided to hunt and at the end of the day back down to camp. I think in 5 seasons of hunting out there ( I envy you guys who live there) the only time mine has been running in daylight is the 4 times I was heading back to camp with either a mule deer or half an elk loaded on it.

I have seen my fair share of road hunters during my time out there. It just makes me laugh sometimes. This one time I was watching three really nice bucks on a sage hill about 1/2 miles away. All of a sudden they all three dropped out of sight. I sat there waiting for the shot..... Nothing. Then about a minute later I heard the drone of a wheeler coming down one of the roads. He stopped right above me ( engine running) glassed the hill, saw nothing, and continued on his merry way. As soon as he topped the next ridge and disappeared, those bucks stood back up and continued feeding. I watched them for 5 hours that morning. I could not move on them until they fed around the corner of the ridge. When they did, I made a stalk and 2 hours later I shot a 4x4 with eyegaurds and a 28 inch spread from 120 yards....
I miss going out every year.

[H2O Dog]

I've had an ATV now for four seasons and they are awesome. I'm getting older and the thought of having to go back to dragging game out of the woods is not a pleasant one. I compensate for their distraction by going into the woods very early and staying past sunset. Most of our land is private, but it does intersect others's land. Most guy's I know who use them strive to be responsible, however like many other things it only takes a few bad apples.

H2O Dog

[garrymny]

For Non residents who have no option of owning and using horses for their western hunts, I think that ATVs and cycles are a good aid, but there should limits. Also, for those of us who cannot afford guides with Horses, they are a good option. We use dirt bikes in Idaho, as we can go on trails that do not allow ATV's. I DO NOT like to be way back in and hear an ATV/Cycle. It ruins my experience, and from what I undetstand scares the **** out deer and Elk. I wonder about that, because here in the east, the game animals exhibit no fear of motorized vehicles, in fact my farmer neighbor goes "tractor hunting" and also have driven right by deer when cutting firewood. So, I support limited use of ATVs and Cycles, but I DO like to see areas that are closed to them. I don't mind walking in, but as I get older, it is getting more difficult, especially for those with health issues. I think it would be great if the Game Commission just allowed them for the retrieval of game only (I would recommend only during midday hours), as someone has described. that solves the biggest problem, and keeps encroachment to a minimum. This would be a great alternative.

[Arnie Oakley]

When I was a kid, my sister was always crazy about horses so my dad brought 4 of them home from his employer. While she seemed to be a natural, I've been kicked, bitten, stepped on, bucked off, stomped on, stampeded, dragged, clotheslined and rolled on. I think I would like an ATV.


Gary

[biliff]

I guess I'm lucky in that I have access to a ranch with only a few other guys. We have one ATV that we share and it only gets used to bring out dead deer. For that purpose it is absolutely fantastic, but nobody gets to use it for actual hunting. Too much noise and disturbance.

[BEARBOB]

In Ontario Canada we have been allowed to party hunt for a long time without much affect on tag availability. 25 Years ago it was one man one bull moose tag.

Then the ATVs showed up and now in most areas of Ontario it takes 5-15 people to get a tag. When I questioned a biologist about what happened he said (off the record) it was the atvs causing the problem. He stated that since the atv introduction the percentage of tags filled had gone way up.

In the early years of the atv, their success rate was unbelievable, as the moose were not use to them and as a result more and more hunters bought them because of the sucess. Now the Moose are more use to them but their success rate is still too high, especially in the first day or two until they figure it out.

He also said the ministry had two choices to make, they could ban the atvs or restrict the tags and he said the ministry did not have the courage (b**ls) to ban them, since almost every moose hunter has an atv and the uproar would be unbeliveable. So instead they just kept on cutting the tags (the political easy route) until we are now in this crappy position,

25 years ago I traveled 300 miles to moose hunt and I could get a tag myself, now I have to travel 1000 mile just to get into an area that you can get a tag if you have three people.

Last year I saw 6 guys who had 7 atvs and I asked them why he needed 7 and they said in case one broke down. We have got guys putting in 100-200 miles a day on their atvs.

I do not own one but I am going to have to get one, just to get to remote areas where the atvs can go, and then I can start to hunt on foot from there (I can hunt calves alone without a tag).

I believe atvs are great to get to your hunting area and to bring game out. Other than that they have ruined moose hunting in Ontario.

Do I sound bitter.

[MikeNC]

If not for my ATV, I could not hunt. The bottom half of my left leg is fake and my ATV is very helpful in getting me to my stands. I would gladly give up my ATV and walk if I could have my leg back to normal.

I agree, the use comes down to being responsible with how you opperate and ride and when and where.

[UtahHunter]

I think that everyone has agreed so far that ATVs are good if they are used properly and with respect. I think it is just like anything else with our sport. We just ALL need to patrol our mountains and when we see the "KNUCKLEHEADS" that are ruining it for all of us we need to call them out and report them.

ATVs are here and I dont think that they are going anywhere anytime soon so I think we need to get along with them. As for me, I really enjoy them. It has been a great activity for me and my family and a great way to cover a lot fo ground while scouting here in the West. I just hope all will keep it that way and not let the atv Antis get their way and take this away from us too.

[MOhunter]

eh, only if it bothers me. we can't use them here were i hunt. but they still wlk by. if they had atv, or horse they would ride by. either way it' normaly messes me up.

[C. Schutte]

When I was a kid, my sister was always crazy about horses so my dad brought 4 of them home from his employer. While she seemed to be a natural, I've been kicked, bitten, stepped on, bucked off, stomped on, stampeded, dragged, clotheslined and rolled on. I think I would like an ATV.


Gary


Gary,

Did you say that you are from Wyoming where men are men and sheep are nervous? You wern't trying to get friendly with those horses were you? ...................just pulling your leg

chs

[airborne]

When I was a kid, my sister was always crazy about horses so my dad brought 4 of them home from his employer. While she seemed to be a natural, I've been kicked, bitten, stepped on, bucked off, stomped on, stampeded, dragged, clotheslined and rolled on. I think I would like an ATV.


Gary


I bet if you call your life insurance company, they would buy it for you. lol

I think, like anything, if used properly they are ok. As posted before, in PA game is not affected by motorized vehicles until you stop. Then they run. On our state gamelands, horses are permitted but nothing motorized. My thing is, these game lands are covered with logging trails. Yes they are still logged and the state gets the $$$. Since my taxes and license payed for the purchase, I should have a vote. If I shoot a 500 pound black bear, I am expected to drag it out. Fine if I hunt with my buddies, but what if I am alone. Getting a permit to retrieve game should be allowed. Dragging a bear like that isn't going to happen. In PA, we have to register, get license plates, insurance and permits to ride, but are not permitted on the road. Insurance scam I say and $$$ for the state.

[Arnie Oakley]

C. Schutte,

To quote former President Bill Clinton, "I never got friendly with those horses." BTW, one of those horses was about 90 years old and blind as a bat. That one was never a trouble maker.

Gary

[4x4]

ATV's are a Great Hunt'n "TOOL"
I also have somewhat of a beef with people rip'n and tear'n around the woods and fields which I hunt even when it isn't hunt'n season.
Here is a couple pics of what I use mine for mostly:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f188/wtz4x4/rifle2006002.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f188/wtz4x4/rifle2006001.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f188/wtz4x4/200410pt.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f188/wtz4x4/doe4rifle2006003.jpg

[Lodiman]

4X4 does your wagon dump?

[highcountry]

I love mine in area's open to them, if you have ever hauled a bull out whole on a fourwheeler you know how nice it is, having said that, I only hunt areas open to atv if i don't score a permit, I get really chapped when guys go around gates and claim stupid when I confront them. I have called the gamies on a group three days in a row and they just laugh at the $400 tickets....must be nice to not give a rip.

[4x4]

4X4 does your wagon dump?
Yes Sir !!
Its made by John Deere.
What I love about it is that you can dump it and drag the deer right up in it and once the weight is in the cart it automaticly flips and locks in place !! Also it makes it very easy to transfer from the cart to the back of my pickup truck.
I just pull up to the back flip down the tailgate and drag the deer right in !!
It is truely a blessing to have if you hunt alone as I do many times.

[Madawaska]

Two minds about ATVs (as I guess a lot of folks are). I do know that it has made it a lot easier for more people, some of whom don't have a lot of bush sense, to get further back in (particularly in our WMU where there are some new logging roads). This has definitely resulted in fewer deer being taken in our WMU. Not sure if the cause was the logging or the fact that more people are racing around on the roads and on new bush trails. I know one large gang (12 or 15 guys) that comes in like Hells Angels and just sweeps through the bush. They are not real successful though. Stirs the deer up but also moves them out. That's the part I don't like. But once the deer is down and you've dragged it to an ATV trail, it sure is nice to just lash it on and haul it back to camp. That's the good thing. I also appreciate the fact that ATVs have given some of our older hunters the chance to keep their hand in. A couple of gents from another nearby gang were able to hunt into their 80s because of their ATVs.

BearBob. A few years back I had the chance to talk over a beer with the Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines (who also happened to be the Member of the Provincial Legislature for Porcupine-Timmins). He told me that the one item he received more complaints about than anything else from his constituents was the Ontario moose draw system! Don't know if ATVs were the cause (I'm sure they influenced things) but it is so complicated that I knew one gang that used a simple computer program to decide from year to year who would apply as a member of a party and who would not. When the Ministry asked if we wanted the deer draw to go the same way, I think something like 90% of respondents said "NO!" Bit off topic but just a comment on BearBob's posting.

[BEARBOB]

Madawaska

I agree that the atvs have a good use like you and others have stated.

As I mentioned in my post, it was the ministries inability ( lack of B**ls) to deal with the issue that is the real problems,

They have taken a small step to control the atvs, that most moose hunters are not even aware of. I think it was two years ago or last year they added the requirement that each members of the party has to hunt within 5 kilometers (3.2 miles for our USA friends) of the person who holds the tag . This was to stop the atvs from being miles and miles apart.

They also made it a requirement that each member has to be able to RELIABLY and IMMEDIATELY communicate with other members of the party. Again this was a direct effort to try and stop the atvs from being 5-10-20 miles apart which was not uncommon and contributing to the high kill ratio.

Madawaska where are you located.

[Madawaska]

If you look up the Madawaska River you'll come pretty close (WMU 58) . I'm just outside of Ottawa. I was aware of the new restrictions on party hunting (which also applies to deer). It means that party hunting must now really be party hunting. We hunt over a broad area (particularly second week of the season) and it would not be very hard for us to be more than 5km apart. So we watch that a bit now. And we now all have radios. But that happened years ago after one guy who hunts with a camp next to us, spent the night out in a cold November rain and wet snow because he got "turned around". Know why? Couldn't find his way back to his ATV (LOL) which was no more than about 100 metres from him when dawn finally broke and he could see it! Get some of these guys away from their ATVs and you got a problem. He had a late afternoon shot at a buck that he though was wounded and he took off after it. First mistake. Left his pack and just about everything else at his ATV. Second mistake. He's lucky it wasn't real cold that night. We all carry radio's now but they are only used when the deer is down or someone is in trouble. No chit chat.

[BEARBOB]

Madawaska

Be careful when you throw stones across the Madawaska, as you might hit me when I am hunting deer on the north side of White Lake in 63A.

[rooster52]

This will be the first year that I plan on taking an ATV to Wyoming and Colorado for hunting .Where I plan to hunt they are legal to use and I will use the ATV to pack out my deer and antelope.I do not think a person should hunt from there ATV but to pack out game they will be a great help.

[EcoRover]

Problems with ATVs can be solved with a new licensing method.

The license comes as a four part sticker.

One part must be displayed on the front, one on each side, and one in the rear.

The license looks like a big old bullseye.

[grandzillaa]

ATV's....can be a good hunting tool to get you into some hard to reach places. Here in Alberta you cannot hunt with quads before 12noon. The thing I don't like about quads is the way people destroy good land just for hours of fun. The good hunting grounds that I have once hunted are now over ran by ATV geeks. I want one for hunting reasons, but for now I will continue to use the quads God gave me. My all terrain feet.