ATV Questions and Answers

The Idaho Fish & Game Commission adopted rules regulating the use of motorized vehicles by hunters in some hunting units in southern Idaho. The rules are in response to concerns expressed by many sportsmen. Many hunters are concerned about how the use of off-road vehicles can disrupt hunts and disturb other hunters. Other concerns include maintaining the "fair chase" ethic of hunting, and the potential vulnerability of game and resulting low buck:doe or bull:cow ratios. The rules read, in part:

"In designated areas and hunts, hunters may only use motorized vehicles on established roadways which are open to motorized traffic and capable of being traveled by full-sized automobiles. Any other use by hunters is prohibited…"

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the rules.

Question: Why did the Fish and Game adopt rules limiting the use of motorized vehicles while hunting?
Answer: The rules are in response to many hunters, who, over the last 10 years, requested that something be done about the increase in off-road travel, particularly by ATVs, during hunting season. Fish and Game has the authority to regulate use of motor vehicles while hunting. Landowners, including the Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, Department of State Lands, and private landowners, regulate vehicle use on their property. The Fish and Game rules are an attempt to reduce conflict between hunters by limiting off-road travel.

Question: The rules restrict "motorized vehicle use as an aid to hunting" to "established roadways." What does that mean?
Answer: Using a motorized vehicle to travel off-road to and from hunting spots, to transport hunters or hunting equipment, or to hunt is considered an "aid to hunting." The rules do not affect travel on established roads. If in doubt, stay on the road.

Hunters may use a motorized vehicle to pack camping equipment in or out if such travel is allowed by the land owner or manager; however, hunters shall not hunt while packing camping equipment.

Question: When am I considered hunting?
Answer: Idaho Code broadly defines hunting as "chasing, driving, flushing, attracting, pursuing, seeking, following, trailing, shooting at, stalking, or lying in wait for, any wildlife" while in possession of a hunting weapon and appropriate tags and permits.

Question: What is an "established roadway?"
Answer: An established roadway was "established, built, maintained, approved or designated" by a landowner or agency for use by full-sized vehicles. An established roadway generally shows evidence of repeated use and may have depressed wheel tracks with little or no vegetation.

Question: What is considered a motorized vehicle?
Answer: Idaho statute defines a motor vehicle as any vehicle "propelled" by electricity or a fuel burning motor. This includes pickup trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, cars, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, motorcycles, snowmobiles or other similar vehicles.

Question: Do these rules ban all use of motorized vehicles during hunting season?
Answer: No. The rules only apply to the off-road use of motorized vehicles while hunting. Other outdoor recreational activities (camping, sight-seeing, berry-picking, etc.) are not affected.

Question: Are there exceptions to the rules?
Answer: Yes. If the land management agency (Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Lands, or agency) allows off-road travel, motorized vehicles may be used:

• By holders of valid Handicapped Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting Permit
  
• To retrieve game
  
• To pack camping equipment off established roads. Once the camp is established the vehicle may not be used for hunting.
  
• While retrieving game, moving camp or traveling before or after legal hunting hours, it is recommended that weapons be unloaded and fully cased with ammunition packed in a separate location. This will promote safe gun handling and reduce potential conflicts with other hunters.

Question: Do these rules ban the off-road use of motorized vehicles on private property?
Answer: Private landowners regulate the use of motorized vehicles on their property. The rules specifically state that landowners and their "authorized agents" (employees, tenants, family, managers, etc.) may use motorized vehicles on their private property during hunting season. Landowners may allow off-road use of motorized vehicles by others, however, the vehicle user must have written permission. In all cases, the individual may not hunt from the vehicle.

Question: Do the new rules apply to all hunting statewide?
Answer: No. Only certain hunting units are affected.

Question: Can I use an ATV, motorcycle, or snowmobile on USFS or BLM designated trails while hunting in the hunting seasons covered by the rule?
Answer: No. Designated trails are not open to full-sized vehicles and therefore do not meet the criteria for an established road. Persons not hunting may still use designated trails.

Question: What can I do to stay out of trouble or to avoid conflicts with other hunters?
Answer: When in doubt, stay on the road. Know the vehicle use restrictions for the area you are hunting and review these tips.