ATVs Not Allowed for Transport in Motorized Hunt Rule Units

Can I use my ATV to transport myself or others from camp to a hunting location prior to legal shooting hours in a unit where the Motorized Hunting Rule applies? No; unless the travel is on an open road capable of travel by a full-sized vehicle. Transporting yourself or others on a trail prior to legal shooting hours with the intent to hunt is a violation of the Motorized Hunting Rule, even if the firearm is cased during transport. This use is considered an aid to your hunt. Travel and/or transport can occur on established roadways which are open to motorized traffic and capable of being traveled by full-sized automobiles. AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT HUNTING, you can use an ATV to pack hunting equipment (including firearms) into camp in units with a Motorized Hunting Rule, if:

• You travel on roads open during hunting season to full-sized vehicles.
• You travel on trails open during hunting season to your vehicle type.
• Off-trail use is authorized by the landowner/land management agency (National Forest and IDFG lands restrict cross country travel).

Remember that some roads and trails are not open all year. It is possible the trail you were using while camping during the summer may be closed when you arrive during the hunting season. Please check with the land manager to see if your favorite road or trail is open to your vehicle type (ATV, motorcycle, etc.) during your hunt. Once you are at camp, you cannot use your vehicle to transport hunters to and from hunting spots unless you are on an established roadway capable of travel by a full-sized vehicle. Example: You cannot use your ATV to transport hunters on a USFS trail open to vehicles 50 inches or less in a unit with the motorized hunting rule. Once an animal is harvested, you are allowed to use your vehicle to retrieve downed game to the extent roads and trails are open to your vehicle type and off-trail use is allowed. Consult the landowner or land management agency.