Motorized Vehicles and Hunting

Last year, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved rules governing the use of motorized vehicles when hunting, and will consider extending motor vehicle rules to more hunting units when it meets in March. Some members of the public wonder why these rules are being approved. Over the past ten years, the number one complaint the Commission has received has been the unethical use of motorized vehicles during hunting seasons. In 2002, the Department of Fish and Game conducted a random public opinion survey to see how Idahoans felt about hunting, fishing, wildlife-related issues and department performance. The survey found that the enforcement of off-highway motor vehicle rules was very important. That fall, the Commission banned the use of motorized vehicles as an aid to hunting in Unit 47. Comments were very positive, even among owners of all-terrain vehicles. The program was expanded in 2003 to include 16 units. Again, the hunting public showed high approval. Compliance was good; there were a handful of warnings and one citation issued. There have been studies showing that areas with high road densities can have higher harvest rates, possibly enough to lower the buck:doe or bull:cow ratio in a big game population. The major reasons for the new rules, however, are to address concerns expressed by the public. These include the following: Hunter Conflict: Conflict is occurring where vehicle use has increased access into areas that were lightly used in the past. Noise: The sound of a vehicle may chase deer and elk away from other hunters. This creates hard feelings among hunters who used stealth and stalking skills to get into a prime spot only to have their efforts spoiled by a vehicle. Fair Chase: Increasing numbers of hunters are actually hunting with their vehicles rather than on foot. This behavior raises concerns of "fair chase" and can reflect poorly on hunting and hunters. Off-Trail Use: Cross-country travel on motorized vehicles can create a network of new travelways that cause soil erosion and damage to fish and wildlife habitats. Closed Areas: Operation of a vehicle in areas where they are not allowed irritates other hunters who have specifically selected their hunting area to avoid motorized vehicles. Fish and Game hopes that hunters will take the time to find out what, if any, rules are proposed in the areas they hunt, and offer comments at the regional big game meetings or offices prior to the Commission meeting March 25.