New Minnesota Restrictions for OHV Vehicle Use During Deer Season

[Corey Graff]

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Mark
Holsten announced new restrictions for off-highway vehicles (OHV) to be
in effect during part of the 2008 deer hunting season.

The Commissioner's Order affects recreational riding on DNR forest
trails but does not impact OHV use for big game hunting. Vehicles
affected by the restrictions include all terrain vehicles, off road
motorcycles, and off road vehicles such as jeeps and four-wheel-drive
trucks that are not being used in conjunction with deer hunting by a
licensed deer hunter.

The purpose of the restriction is to protect recreational OHV riders from
potentially unsafe riding conditions and, to minimize conflicts between
deer hunters seeking a quiet deer hunting experience and recreational
riders who may inadvertently interrupt the hunt.

In the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season, the
recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 23. In
the Minnesota 200 Series deer season, the recreational riding
restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. See the 2008 deer
season map at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html

There are no recreational OHV trails in southeastern Minnesota that
remain open during the deer season so no additional restrictions are
necessary in the southern part of the state.

This new restriction is in addition to the restricted hours of use that have been
in effect in previous years. Deer hunters possessing a valid deer hunting license
can operate an OHV 1) before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise),
2) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 3) after legal shooting hours
(one-half hour after sunset).

While many recreational OHV riders have voluntarily opted not to ride
forest trails during deer hunting and small game seasons, OHV riding has
become a year-around sport for many. That's why Commissioner Holsten,
reminds everyone who visits state forests in the fall to always consider
safety first.

[OHhunter]

I like it, let's hope more states follow.  Nothing ruins a hunt faster than someone driving through your set up.  Makes it worse if there's more than one and drinking is involved, which always seems to be the case where I hunt.  Hunting and finding property is hard enough without planning your hunts on where you don't think the fourwheelers will be today.