FlatlanderAZ
Well-known member
But why are the rules different for hunters than for campers and recreational atv riders? This is what leads to the ambiguity of enforcement. It doesn't make any sense.
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Thanks for that reply. I assumed the application of the law was much more nuanced than it would appear just from reading the rule.
I too had a lot of questions about this rule as it really is super confusing the way it is worded. They also have a lot of text in the rule to try to clarify it and it only seems to muddy it up even more. So I called the Idaho Falls office and talked with an officer there and here is what I found out by asking some very specific questions and scenarios. I called the Salmon office and again talked to an officer there and got the same confirmation of what I learned from the officer at Idaho Falls. That was good enough for me.
Basically you cannot use a motor vehicle on an ATV or motorcycle only trail for hunting specific purposes. This literally means traveling the road actively looking for game or traveling to an area with the intent of hunting that area. You can however use a motor vehicle on these trails to scout or to travel to an area with the intent of establishing a campsite. I asked him specifically what "establishing a campsite" meant and the response from him was actually a question: "if you travel the road, do you intend on returning after the hunting day? If the answer is no, you are camping". I also asked about retrieving game and he again asked me a question: "if you return to your truck, drop your gear off and head back on the trail to get your downed animal, do you think you are actively hunting at that point?" I said no and his reply was "you got your answer".
Not true. If your not hunting, there is no law stating you have to have your hunting license on you.Remember, it's unlawful not to produce a hunting license when asked by an officer.
That is the same answer I have received everytime I have talked to a fish and game officer or called the field office.I too had a lot of questions about this rule as it really is super confusing the way it is worded. They also have a lot of text in the rule to try to clarify it and it only seems to muddy it up even more. So I called the Idaho Falls office and talked with an officer there and here is what I found out by asking some very specific questions and scenarios. I called the Salmon office and again talked to an officer there and got the same confirmation of what I learned from the officer at Idaho Falls. That was good enough for me.
Basically you cannot use a motor vehicle on an ATV or motorcycle only trail for hunting specific purposes. This literally means traveling the road actively looking for game or traveling to an area with the intent of hunting that area. You can however use a motor vehicle on these trails to scout or to travel to an area with the intent of establishing a campsite. I asked him specifically what "establishing a campsite" meant and the response from him was actually a question: "if you travel the road, do you intend on returning after the hunting day? If the answer is no, you are camping". I also asked about retrieving game and he again asked me a question: "if you return to your truck, drop your gear off and head back on the trail to get your downed animal, do you think you are actively hunting at that point?" I said no and his reply was "you got your answer".
Isn't Palisades Lake in unit 67?I live in Unit 69 and have hunted the zone a few times. Yes there are quite a lot of hunters in the area and a lot of elk. The open roads give plenty of access to hunt and disperse the hunters well. Expect to see outfitters and camps along the roads with horses and atvs, although once you get away from roads, you might not see other hunters. I wouldn't bother with the Tex Creek Management area that early and concentrate on the higher elevations. I like the area south of Palisades Lake and towards the Wyoming border. Usually glass up a herd of elk early and try to get to them when they're out feeding. It can be steep and what seems like an hour hike, is usually double that. Hunt uphill in case you shoot one to have a downhill haul. Off Palisades, very few trails for atvs to be on (illegal anyway) just because of the rugged nature. Just my .02.
Its hard to get back when there is a road or motorized trail every 2-4 miles lolTheres a reason we in Idaho call it the war zone or 7 day war. TON of people. But, it can be done. My suggestion, get back as far as you can before the ones on horseback.
Yes it is, but the West Side of it is in 66.Isn't Palisades Lake in unit 67?
Agreed. Only a few areas that are somewhat remote. If youre hunting it, I know a ranch that usually gives permission for people to hunt, just no atvs. All walk in. You can pm me.Its hard to get back when there is a road or motorized trail every 2-4 miles lol