Oregon cracks down on ATV violations
Friday, November 9, 2007 7:50 AM PST
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleSo far this hunting season, nine Oregon hunters have been cited for driving an ATV with a loaded weapon, a practice which besides being unlawful is dangerous, according to a news release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Ten people have been cited for driving ATVs on closed or prohibited roads. Another hunter was cited for driving an ATV in violation of posted restrictions meant to protect wildlife habitat.
A total of 44 hunters have been cited for unlawful ATV use this year, the agency said. In 2006, Oregon State Police cited 125 people for ATV violations and warned over 1,500.
"ATVs can be a great tool in the outdoors, but it's important to use them in a way that doesn't harm fish and wildlife," said ODFW Hunter Education Coordinator Chris Willard. "Hunters also need to operate their ATVs in a way that is respectful of others' outdoor experience."
The most common violations are driving with a loaded weapon, driving on prohibited areas such as closed roads, public roads/highways or railroad tracks, and driving in violation of posted restrictions meant to protect wildlife habitat.
Oregon hunters are reminded of new laws coming into effect Jan. 1, 2008. Anyone under the age of 16 operating an ATV will be required to be supervised by an adult over the age of 18. Also, anyone under the age of 18 will need to wear a helmet and have the chin strap fastened.
Beginning in 2009, all youth under the age of 16 will also be required to have an operator's permit to use an ATV. The education for the operator's permit will be administered through the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and is expected to be online beginning in 2009.
For more information on how to use ATVs responsibly, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/ATV/index.shtml or http://www.treadlightly.org/
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