OHV Patrols Continue This Fall on National Forests

Managing natural resources often is not so much about cutting trees or counting elk, as it is about managing how people use those resources. Once again this fall, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Forest Service will be working together to provide information to the public about the proper use of Off-Highway Vehicles on the Caribou-Targhee and Salmon-Challis national forests. Recent studies show that an increasing number of hunters use OHVs to enhance some portion of their outdoor experience. Fish and Game and the Forest Service are working together to make sure that the increased usage does not have detrimental effects on other sportsmen, wildlife or the environment. Today's machines are bigger, faster, and more plentiful than their predecessors. Unfortunately, because these machines can go just about anywhere, some individuals choose to take them off designated routes and into areas where they scar the land, disturb other hunters, and spook the wild game. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest's rules regarding proper OHV use are very straight forward. With a few exceptions, OHV users are restricted to designated routes. Forest travel plans are available at local ranger district offices throughout the eastern portion of the state. Travel plan maps for the Targhee forest are $6. Water proof visitor use maps for the Caribou forest are $10. An 8 1/2- by 11-inch map for the Caribou is free. The key is to get a proper map for the area in which you are traveling. In addition to Forest Service regulations, Idaho Fish and Game has rules for OHV use while hunting in certain units in the southern half of the state. "Motorized vehicle use as an aid to hunting for wildlife is restricted to established roadways open to motorized vehicle traffic capable of travel by full-sized automobiles. A full-sized automobile is defined as any motorized vehicle with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 1,500 pounds." In the Upper Snake Region, units 49, 50, 51, 58, 59A, 59, 66, and 69 are covered by this rule. Specific information is available from the regional Fish and Game office in Idaho Falls. Again this fall, the agencies will be using leased aircraft as spotters for violations during high use periods of the big game seasons. "This year both agencies have committed to an increased number of flights to ensure better coverage," Regional Conservation Officer John Hanson said. Officers from both agencies will be using trucks, OHVs and horses to contact individuals that have ventured into restricted areas. If questions arise about the access status of a given route, forest users should contact the Forest Service. For questions about OHV use or OHV use with hunting, contact the appropriate land management agency or Fish and Game.