improper use of a 4 wheeler

[Powder]

A buddy and I were discussing something that I'm hoping someone here can help with. If you shoot a deer, tag it and use a 4 wheeler to get it out at the improper time, what happens? Is it simply a fine or do they take the deer, the 4 wheeler or something else?

[nofishfisherman]

Like most violations I think the CO has a little bit of wiggle room in terms of how far they want to go.

I'd expect a fine for sure. I kind of doubt they'd take the deer or wheeler as long as the deer was legally harvested. The deer isn't illegal nor did you use the wheeler illgeally to harvest the animal so the only violation is driving the wheeler at the wrong time.

With that said I don't see any reason why you'd need to run a wheeler during the restricted times. If you shoot a deer right at sun up worst case scenario you have to wait a few hours. Just go get it dressed and wait until legal hours.

Hunting requires patience in more ways than just waiting for the deer to walk by.

[bogwalker]

"Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

[Dave S]

Without knowing the specifics or the background that prompted your inquiry, here's is a copy of the Hunting Regs on page 21:

To reduce disturbance during the prime hunting times, a person must not operate an off highway vehicle during the firearms deer season and muzzeloader season where deer may be taken by rifle, except on designated forest roads. Persons possessing a valid deer license are restricted to the following hours of operation for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs*)during the firearms deer season, and the muzzleloader season.

Such vehicles may only be operated:

a) before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise),

from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and

c) after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).

• These regulations apply to all public and private lands except private

landowners or persons authorized by private landowners may operate snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles on their property at any time.

• On public land, a permit to operate snowmobiles or ATVs during

the closed time periods may be issued by a conservation officer in an

emergency or other unusual situation.

• ATVs and snowmobiles are not allowed in State Parks, National

Wildlife Refuges (see page 116), Scientific and Natural Areas, or

most Wildlife Management Areas. ATV use is regulated in state and

national forests. (See rules on using public lands, pages 109-112.)

[LakeoftheWoods]

Without knowing the specifics or the background that prompted your inquiry, here's is a copy of the Hunting Regs on page 21:

To reduce disturbance during the prime hunting times, a person must not operate an off highway vehicle during the firearms deer season and muzzeloader season where deer may be taken by rifle, except on designated forest roads. Persons possessing a valid deer license are restricted to the following hours of operation for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs*)during the firearms deer season, and the muzzleloader season.

Such vehicles may only be operated:

a) before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise),

from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and

c) after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).

• These regulations apply to all public and private lands except private

landowners or persons authorized by private landowners may operate snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles on their property at any time.

• On public land, a permit to operate snowmobiles or ATVs during

the closed time periods may be issued by a conservation officer in an

emergency or other unusual situation.

• ATVs and snowmobiles are not allowed in State Parks, National

Wildlife Refuges (see page 116), Scientific and Natural Areas, or

most Wildlife Management Areas. ATV use is regulated in state and

national forests. (See rules on using public lands, pages 109-112.)

so the way i interpret the underlined text; if its private land you, or someone you authorize can ride ATV at any time, assuming you own said land?

but out in public land you must abide by the time rules?

[Dave S]

that is correct.

[Wensel]

With that said I don't see any reason why you'd need to run a wheeler during the restricted times. If you shoot a deer right at sun up worst case scenario you have to wait a few hours. Just go get it dressed and wait until legal hours.

Hunting requires patience in more ways than just waiting for the deer to walk by.

AMEN!

[LightningBG]

We've had times when we were all done hunting by 9am and sitting in the bar by 11am. So there are times when you'd want to use the ATV earlier. We wont drive it back in the woods if the neighbors are still hunting, but they are normally done before us.