Hunters Reminded of Oregon ATV Laws

Hunters that use ATVs are also being reminded of new laws coming into effect Jan. 1, 2008.

An Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division Trooper practices safety on one of the departments enforcement ATV's. Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Hunters in Oregon are being reminded of the dangers of driving an ATV with a loaded weapon.

So far the season, nine hunters have been cited by Oregon State Police for driving an ATV with a loaded weapon. Ten were cited for driving ATV's on closed or prohibited roads, while another hunter was cited for driving an ATV in violation of posted restrictions meant to protect wildlife habitat.

A total of 44 hunters have been cited for unlawful ATV use this year. In 2006, Oregon State Police cited 125 people for ATV violations and warned over 1,500.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Police, and Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation are reminding hunters to use ATVs responsibly. “ATVs can be a great tool in the outdoors, but it’s important to use them in a way that doesn’t harm fish and wildlife,” said ODFW Hunter Education Coordinator Chris Willard. “Hunters also need to operate their ATVs in a way that is respectful of others’ outdoor experience.”

“Oregon State Police are concerned about unlawful ATV use and will cite individuals that violate the law,” OSP Lieutenant Dave Cleary said. Penalties can vary from $90 to $1,250.

Here are some guidelines ATV users should follow:

1. Stay on existing trails and roads. Don’t go off trails to scout for or retrieve game, as doing so can harm wildlife habitat or create trails where they shouldn’t be. Carry harvested game by hand to a road or trail and then use your ATV the rest of the way.

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2. Respect closed roads and trails. ATV operators are advised to obtain maps and check with land managers about road closures to get the most accurate information.

3. Be mindful that operating an ATV in wet conditions can damage sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. Avoid operating an ATV in wetlands, streams, and shorelines.

4. Limit ATV use in and around campgrounds. Be respectful of other campers’ desire for quiet and minimal disruption.

5. Make sure kids driving ATVs are being supervised by an adult and drive carefully, especially on uphill or uneven ground where many rollover accidents occur.

Hunters that use ATVs are reminded of new laws coming into effect Jan. 1, 2008.

Anyone under the age of 16 operating an ATV will be required to be supervised by an adult over the age of 18. Also, anyone under the age of 18 will need to wear a helmet and have the chin strap fastened.

Beginning in 2009, all youth under the age of 16 will also be required to have an operator’s permit to use an ATV. The education for the operator’s permit will be administered through the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and is expected to be online beginning in 2009.

For more information on how to use ATVs responsibly, visit Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: ATVs or Tread Lightly

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I was not aware that it was legal to ride an atv/dirtbike on ANY road, open or closed. I own several, but do not use them for hunting. As far as I know, the only time it's legal to ride an atv (4 wheeler) on the raod is if you have a farm permit that allows you to ride from field to field in the daily business of running your farm. This seems like a "past practice" type of thing. You know, where soemone has been getting away with something for so long, that it just becomes "ok" for people to do it. Makes it hard on us law abiding types, trying to teach our kids the correct thing to do.

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