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Off-highway vehicles now norm for hunters

Oct 13, 2001

BY THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

DENVER — The popularity of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) has skyrocketed in recent years. Motorcycles and four-wheelers have become common equipment for many hunters across the nation. But as popular as they have become, OHVs can either be a useful tool or ruin the hunting experience and damage Colorado’s backcountry.

An OHV is any motorized, wheeled or tracked vehicle that is designated for use off of a public highway. They generally are used to transport persons for recreational purposes.

OHVs provide greater access to areas previously inaccessible to handicapped persons. They also make carrying out game easier. But overuse and inappropriate use can negatively impact our public lands, big game and the overall hunting experience.

Hunters who plan to use OHVs this fall need to be aware of regulations that govern their use. It is illegal for hunters to carry a loaded firearm (chamber or magazine), except for a handgun, on an OHV. Firearms and bows must be fully enclosed in a hard or soft case. Scabbards or cases with an open end or side are prohibited.

OHV users also must have a Colorado OHV registration or valid registration or license from another state to operate their OHV in Colorado. Out-of-state registrations are valid in Colorado for 30 consecutive days. After the 30 days, a Colorado nonresident OHV permit is required. A Colorado OHV permit is $15.25 a year.

It is illegal to shoot from or use a motor vehicle, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, snowmobile or aircraft to hunt, chase, harass, or drive wildlife.

Being a responsible OHV user goes further than just following the laws. There is an edict to OHV use that hunters should follow.

"Hunters on OHVs should keep in mind that their actions should minimize or completely alleviate the impact of OHVs on other hunters," said Pat Dorsey, hunter education coordinator for the Division. "In most cases it comes down to using common sense."

Bill Rice, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, said the major concern with Forest Service officials concerning OHVs is their impact on the ecosystem.

Rice said riders can follow some simple guidelines to minimize the effect of OHVs on sensitive areas:

- DO know the OHV regulations for the area in which you are hunting.

- DO stay on designated trails and roads.

- DO be courteous and pull to the trailside and shut off your engine to let horses pass so the animals won’t be spooked.

- DO wear blaze orange, a helmet and other safety gear while riding an OHV.

- DO use an OHV to carry out game or ride from camp to a hunting spot

- DO avoid sensitive areas like streambanks, meadows, sand dunes and alpine areas.

- DON’T ride into remote or undesignated areas.

- DON’T scout for or track game from an OHV.

- DON’T scare game when someone else is stalking or is on a stand.

- DON’T take shortcuts or create new trails.

- DON’T ride an OHV during prime hunting hours. Many hunters are on stand and game is moving in the early morning and evening hours. Operating OHVs during these hours risks disturbing other hunters and scaring game.

- DON’T disturb livestock with OHVs.