Idaho F&G considers more ATV restrictions in state

[Ithaca 37]

This is terrific!! How long have some of us been telling you this is the wave of the future?

".......The department is considering expanding ATV restrictions already in place in 16 units to 16 more big game hunting units. The rule would limit all motorized off-road vehicles to roads capable of travel by full-sized vehicles, unless hunters are retreiving game or setting up or taking down a camp.

Expanding the motorized vehicle rule would include all big game hunting in units 22, 29, 30, 30A, 36A, 37A, 39, 40, 45, 52, 53, 56, 66, 75, 77 and 78......"

http://www.idahostatesman.com/Features/IdahoOutdoors/story.asp?ID=62520&S=

On another note; how about some more predictions in the "Dateline November 8" topic? That could be fun

 

[Bullhound]

I've been asking, no begging, for the restrictions in the Units 14,15,16,11,11a,8a,10a...................

I'll just keep beggin

 

[Washington Hunter]

That sounds great. Idaho really has the right idea. What's amazing is that a law is even needed to keep vehicles on roads...that should be common sense.

 

[T Bone]

Originally posted by Ithaca 37:
" unless hunters are retreiving game or setting up or taking down a camp.

Why leave such an easy loophole for an ATV to drive through? Can't people use their own bodies to get camp and/or game in and out?

 

[Ithaca 37]

T Bone, I agree, but it's been a tough battle to get any restrictions at all. I think Idaho is leading the way on this issue. How are you guys down in Nevada doin'?

I hope they throw the book at anyone of those fatassed ATV riders who try to slither thru the loophole. For one thing, if they are using an ATV to retrieve game they shouldn't be allowed to have a gun with them. If they are setting up or taking down camp they should have to have the gun cased.

 

[Bullhound]

"For one thing, if they are using an ATV to retrieve game they shouldn't be allowed to have a gun with them."

I've been begging F&G to include language in the ATV restrictions that indicates "if you're just retrieving game, there is no need to have your weapon (rifle or bow) with you, therefore anyone caught "retrieving game" while having their weapon along for the ride will be cited for unlawfull use of an ATV for the purpose of hunting."

The F&G people I've spoke with mention older people that may not be able to get an animal out without the use of an ATV. They tell me the biggest whiners that don't want the ATV restrictions are rifle hunters for the most part. They indicate that alot of people say that more restrictions will exclude alot of the older crowd from hunting.

I see a system in place soon that will have a larger portion of the units here in Idaho having a "no off road ATV use period" type restriction, while a smaller portion of units will allow ATV's off road. This is what I'm hoping for anyway. There's to much money in ATV's and they will always have areas they can be used during hunting seasons.

 

[1_pointer]

There's to much money in ATV's and they will always have areas they can be used during hunting seasons.

Unfortunately true...

 

[JoseCuervo]

In "theory", hunting from ATVs has always been illegal, but it has been the biggest joke that they were not being used to "located" game.

I love to see the trailers of 6 ATVs being hauled up to the hills to retrieve downed game.

I actually see more kids using ATVs than older people, and I think that is a horrible example and method to teach kids to hunt.

 

[Oak]

I brought up the suggestion of a rule that would restrict the carrying of a weapon on an ATV during hunting season, and another member here cried that it would be an attack on his 2nd Amendment rights (Ten Bears, do you want to step to the podium now?) What do you guys think about that?

Oak

 

[T Bone]

I can't see the weapon restriction while riding an ATV passing. It treads too close to 2nd amendment rights IMO. Also, when I retrieve dead animals, I usually want a bow, gun or sharp stick in case a festering old bear is on the kill.

I say make it clean and restrict ANY and ALL use of motorized vehicles offroad in specified units. Until that happens, I think the current restrictions are a step in the right direction.

Here in NV its a free for all with motorized vehicles and hunting. As always, there are areas that you can get to easy enough by doing some leg work to avoid them. The funniest thing I've seen so far was this winter watching a guy trying to chukar hunt off his ATV. He almost rolled it twice before giving up.

 

[JoseCuervo]

Tbone,

Won't the festering old bear be running for the high country when he hears the ATV coming?

 

[T Bone]

Not if he was fed all summer by ATV tourists.

 

[Ten Bears]

Sorry it took so long to get back with ya, but I've been out riding my ATV all weekend. Shed hunting hasn't been bad either.

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed .

Is that what you where looking for OAKY? I expect the ability to carry a handgun (at least) when I go to retreive game. Whether I ride the road system to the animal, or whether I pack the animal to the closest road/trail for ATV retreival, I will be carrying my handgun. I am waiting for someone to prove that I am wrong in doing so. If the roads/trails are open for ATV travel, I will be riding them, and I will be carrying a handgun.

 

[Bullhound]

"can't see the weapon restriction while riding an ATV passing. It treads too close to 2nd amendment rights IMO. Also, when I retrieve dead animals, I usually want a bow, gun or sharp stick in case a festering old bear is on the kill."

"Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed ."

I'll try to address both of these comments. Ten, you're right, you would be able to carry your hand gun or side arm. But you WILL NOT be able to carry your hunting weapon, (rifle or bow). Here is the explanation I got. F&G went to the State AG office and asked if they could enforce this rule. AG says yes, and here's why. Fish and Game has full authority to mandate and enforce method of take during any and all hunting seasons. If a person is utilizing an ATV while deemed hunting (ie: have their hunting weapon with them off the road while on the ATV) then the use of that ATV is deemed to be a Method of Take. F&G can identify "use of ATV" as a method of take. They then have full authority to enforce the method of take on ALL property within the state. This includes private property as F&G does have full authority over "Method of Take" anywhere in the state.

 

[Ten Bears]

BH, can you show me which law define ATV's as a "method of take". I can't find it.

I thought OAK wanted a copy of the 2nd Amend.

 

[Bullhound]

Ten,

No I cannot. As I understand it, Method of Take clarifications, or classifications are not laws. F&G has full authority to define and enforce though. So, when identified and defined by F&G as a Method of Take, I guess you'd be breaking the law by not abiding by the F&G rule.

I went through discussions with a couple F&G commissioners while they were dealing with the AG's office on how this would work. That's how I got the information. From what F&G Commisioners had to say, the AG's office felt comfortable with this position. I'll try to dig and see what else I can come up with.

 

[Ten Bears]

Thanks.

 

[Bullhound]

Give Hadley an email and see what she has to say. She could probably give some clarification that I'm not capable of. I don't know how involved she was during the discussions on this though.

 

[1_pointer]

I guess it's sorta the same with states making carrying a firearm of any type illegal when in the process of bowhunting?

 

[JoseCuervo]

Ten,

I think you got this one figured out. The AG doesn't have a clue what they are doing. Why don't you pick one of these units, tell the F&G you are going to go hunt with your rifle and ATV, and the location. Have them meet you there, issue you the citation, and then you can fight this one all the way to the supreme court.

Go for it.... and keep us advised...