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Responsible Hunters Stick to the Road
Many
hunters use all terrain vehicles (ATVs), commonly known as four wheelers,
while hunting. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is reminding those
hunters to stick to existing roads and use ATVs ethically.
“Keep ATVs on existing roads and be sure to respect the rights of other hunters, such as those who are hunting on foot or from horseback,” said Frank Chaves, NDOW supervising game warden. “I’ve received numerous complaints from hunters who have said that they have been quietly stalking game and the animal has been driven away by a hunter who drove an ATV through the area that they were hunting.”
Besides frightening game, improper off-road vehicle use poses a real threat to wildlife habitats. Such practices can cause the development of new trails, fragmentation of existing habitat, loss of security cover and roads and cause substantial harm to rangelands that are critical for wildlife and livestock.
“When in the field, avoid any practice that can be seen as unethical or destructive to the environment. We, as hunters, always need to demonstrate that we are true conservationists and that we value wildlife and wildlife habitats. Our actions in the field will reflect not only upon us but on all hunters,” Chaves said.
Wildlife managers have noted that vehicle tire tracks blazed by an inconsiderate off-road driver are an invitation for other vehicles to follow that same route. The cumulative effect results in habitat being lost as a trail is created. It may also result in a hunter giving away a favorite hunting location to others.
“It is not considered ‘fair pursuit’ to drive off of established roads to chase down deer or game birds,” Mike Cox, staff wildlife biologist said, “and in most cases it is also illegal. It’s fine to depend upon these vehicles, but hunters always need to be responsible and respectful of game and other hunters.”
Some sportsmens groups and others have been looking into further regulation limiting hunting use of ATVs in some areas. There is a lot of debate from ATV users, hikers and hunters on various sides of this issue. “There are some compelling reasons for owning ATVs, such as easier access to mountain roads and hauling harvested game,” said Chaves. “Even though eventually, ATV users could see some new rules and regulations in place, the best possible solution is to use these machines responsibly now.”
