ATV mis-use will cost you points against hunting privileges

[Oak]

DOW OFFICERS TO ENFORCE MOTORIZED VEHICLE REGULATIONS ON FEDERAL LAND

Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) officers will now be enforcing motorized vehicle regulations on federal public lands as specified in Colorado House Bill 1069.

This bill, introduced in January of this year, was signed by Gov. Bill Ritter on March 20.

The measure specifies that DOW officers along with other state law enforcement officers will now be able to enforce motorized vehicle restrictions on public lands. Officers can now issue tickets in the field to those who violate motorized vehicle laws.

“Our officers will certainly use substantial discretion during the early stages in carrying out this enforcement. It’s going to take some time to get signs in place and for people to have access to updated maps and information,” said Rob Firth, Chief of Law Enforcement for the Colorado DOW. “We recognize that motorized vehicles have a substantial role in enhancing outdoor recreation in many areas of the state. This legislation gives us the ability to act when it comes to the most blatant violators such as when sensitive habitat is harmed or when hunters or outdoor enthusiasts have their activities interfered with by those who knowingly violate the regulations in place.”

Enforcement will be incidental, as the DOW will not be adding any new officers or resources to specifically enforce this regulation. DOW officers will issue citations in conjunction with carrying out their current duties.

Penalties established for those who violate these regulations include a misdemeanor charge and a fine of $100. If the violation occurs while a person is hunting, fishing or trapping, 10 suspension points would also be assessed against their hunting/fishing privileges.

A person who commits a violation in a federal wilderness area would be charged with a misdemeanor and face a stiffer penalty, including a $200 fine and 15 license suspension points.

Anyone caught removing, destroying or defacing any sign related to motorized vehicle regulations will be charged with a misdemeanor and face a $100 fine. A penalty of 5 suspension points would be assessed to their hunting or fishing license.

All fines can be sent through the mail, and no court appearance is necessary unless otherwise requested by the defendant.

Ranchers, law enforcement officers and others with the authorization to operate a motor vehicle on federal public land are exempt from these regulations.

“This bill is the result of many people coming together in an effort to preserve public lands in Colorado. It addresses the growing problem of unauthorized motor vehicle use in prohibited areas and we look forward to assisting federal agencies in enforcement on public lands," said Tom Remington, Director of the Division of Wildlife.

Supporters of this bill include: State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) who sponsored the bill in the house, State Senator Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton) who sponsored the bill in the senate, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the Colorado Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited, the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, the Colorado Mountain Club, Colorado Counties Inc., the Colorado Bow Hunters Association, and other local and national organizations.

 

[BuzzH]

About time...and I hope ONE offense is enough points to lose hunting privileges for no less than 1 year. Second offense 5 years, and 3 offenses...life.

Hopefully other states will follow.

 

[1_pointer]

Sounds like a winner to me! I wonder if the state would then allow federal leo's to enforce game laws? That would be nice as well.

 

[elk_hunter]

VERY cool. Can someone explain what the license suspension points. If you get 10, is each point equal to 1 year of no hunting? Please say so...

 

[Dinkshooter]

About fricking time.

 

[Oak]

No elk hunter, but that would be nice. If a person accrues 20 or more points in a 5-year period they may be considered for suspension. The length of suspension is recommended by the officers involved in the case(s), and the Wildlife Commission makes the final decision on the suspension. Usually a person is not suspended when they reach 20 points, unless there are aggravating circumstances. For example, trespassing is a 20-point violation, but one trespassing ticket is likely not going to result in a suspension.

 

[elk_hunter]

Thanks for the explanation, Oak. Damn, it sucks that the point value doesn't equate to years of hunting suspension. I wonder what it would take to lobby for that.

 

[lilbiggun]

I'm an avid ATV'er and I actually agree with this. I dont agree with with the loss of hunting privilidges though. Only time I agree with that part is to put them on a probation period (kinda sorts) and if they do again (break the law) while using an ATV, nail them. nothing wrong if he hunts on foot, horseback.

 

[ringer]

I used to fight on this one as an ATV owner but now I am ready to dump them all. There are a ton of people who are buying ATVs and Rhinos that are out there that don't hunt so they need a broader control but this will help with hunters. Around Arizona there are thousands of tracks now and they are expanding geometricly. Aerial photo last week in the AZ Republic was shocking and it is not from hunters.

 

[schmalts]

cool rule. All states need to follow

 

[cjcj]

See how "reasonable" we are all..... Its very simple... Enforce the law....Glad to see it.

 

[1_pointer]

Though this is a step in the right direction, I think the states/fed agencies that are really wanting to curb the ATV problem have two options.

1. Spend lots of money and increase the amount of LEO's on the ground to enforce the laws/regulations. I think in many cases the laws and travel plans are sufficient, but it's nigh on impossible to get adequate enforcement with the current staffs. For example, the office I work in has 2 LEO's (one's on light duty right now) for 3.2 million acres.

2. Make the punishment for ATV offenses hurt and I mean hurt bad! No more slap on the wrist, couple hundred dollar fine, I'm talking vehichle confiscated and $1K+ in fines. That way the few that are caught help get the word out that it may not be quite as worth it to take off cross-country as previous.

Any thoughts?

 

[Oak]

I think you're exactly right. I can tell you that, while this new law sounds good, the wildlife officers are not too excited about it. It's not like they're not already busy enough looking for game violations. It will be nice for them to write tickets for ATV misuse while checking for other things, but they don't want to start fielding calls specifically regarding ATVs.

 

[ringer]

1 pointer has it. Fine the crap out of the few that are busted and maybe cut the throttle hand off to send a message.

 

[noharleyyet]

Though this is a step in the right direction, I think the states/fed agencies that are really wanting to curb the ATV problem have two options.

1. Spend lots of money and increase the amount of LEO's on the ground to enforce the laws/regulations. I think in many cases the laws and travel plans are sufficient, but it's nigh on impossible to get adequate enforcement with the current staffs. For example, the office I work in has 2 LEO's (one's on light duty right now) for 3.2 million acres.

2. Make the punishment for ATV offenses hurt and I mean hurt bad! No more slap on the wrist, couple hundred dollar fine, I'm talking vehichle confiscated and $1K+ in fines. That way the few that are caught help get the word out that it may not be quite as worth it to take off cross-country as previous.

Any thoughts?

...aye.

 

[JB]

It's not like they're not already busy enough looking for game violations.It will be nice for them to write tickets for ATV misuse while checking for other things, but they don't want to start fielding calls specifically regarding ATVs.

who would be a better option to field these types of calls?
they that busy with game violations that they cant handle this? I find that hard to believe. Looks to me most of the time they dont do much of anything. JMHO.

2. Make the punishment for ATV offenses hurt and I mean hurt bad! No more slap on the wrist, couple hundred dollar fine, I'm talking vehichle confiscated and $1K+ in fines. That way the few that are caught help get the word out that it may not be quite as worth it to take off cross-country as previous.

Any thoughts?

I'd say much stiffer......."when it comes to the most blatant violators such as when sensitive habitat is harmed" major fines, maybe some quality time spent with Bubba.

 

[Oak]

who would be a better option to field these types of calls?
they that busy with game violations that they cant handle this? I find that hard to believe. Looks to me most of the time they dont do much of anything. JMHO.

Do you encounter them a lot in CO, JB? Just curious....

 

[ringer]

In 44 years of hunting in Arizona I have encountered a game warden off the main roads only 2 times. Odds are definitely in favor of the poachers and cheaters here.

 

[JB]

Do you encounter them a lot in CO, JB? Just curious....

no. thats why its hard to believe.
how about you?

 

[ELKCHSR]

I'd say much stiffer......."when it comes to the most blatant violators such as when sensitive habitat is harmed"

Skip the "Fines"

Make them pay for any subsequent damage and repair, plus they have to be out doing most of the work fixing what they broke...

But that would be to hard on the individual (alluding to downright slavery )