Montana Fish, Wildilfe & Parks Warden "Saddles Up" For The Summer

Dave Hagengruber, Montana FWP Conservation Education Division

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The image of a Montana game warden saddling up his horse and riding out to patrol the backcountry seems true to the West, but it isn’t a common sight.  

"I love horses and riding, and we do use them, but horses are a lot of work!" said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game warden Jim Miller, of Livingston, a warden since 1989.   Miller said he has to be as efficient as possible in patrolling his district, so that means he often trades his Stetson, reins and saddle for a throttle, clutch, and motorcycle helmet.

"What would take a day on a horse or a half day in my truck takes just a couple hours on the bike," says Miller. "After trying to get a full-sized truck up some of the rougher roads, you realize the time and energy a motorcycle saves."

Riding a 400cc dual-sport motorcycle, made for highway and trail use, Miller can cover a lot of ground and contact more hunters and anglers. During summer months, he’ll use it to check anglers at high mountain lakes by traveling forest trails and roads.  

Along the way he may talk to OHV riders he sees to make sure they are aware of trail designations and that the OHVs are registered. FWP wardens are authorized to assist with enforcing off-highway vehicle laws incidental to their other duties.

"When I’m on a motorcycle, it is easier to have rapport with the other riders I meet," Miller said. Miller said there is also a lot less maintenance required for a motorcycle than a horse. "Change the oil twice a year and keep the tank full—it’s hard to beat that," he said.

Motorcycles are an efficient way to travel and Miller said he can see why they are popular.   "But to do it safely and responsibly takes skill, and good judgment and shouldn’t be underestimated."

Miller urged that beginning riders take care to build their skills and good judgment from the first ride.

"First and very importantly, be sure that the trail you want to travel is actually open to motorized traffic," he said. In Montana only trails specifically designated as open to OHVs are open. All others are closed. Also, OHV use is not allowed in Montana’s designated wilderness areas.

Miller also strongly urged riders to wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, boots, and padding.  

He added that a little common sense prevents a lot of problems. "Know what you and your bike are capable of, and don’t push your limits."

A few common-sense steps and courtesies make the trail safer and more pleasant for everyone:

* Wear protective clothing, including helmets, padding, boots and gloves.

* Follow all rules and trail designations. Do not ride on closed roads or trails, or behind locked gates.   Leave gates as you find them.

* Do not travel crosscountry.

* Be courteous.   Don’t blow by horses, hikers and backpackers. Instead, stop and shut your vehicle off, remove your helmet and wait until they pass.  

* Always know where you are, and do not enter private land without permission.

* Be careful around blind corners on trails and roads.   Slow down and use caution.

* Wash your OHV after each ride to help prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

Game Wardens patrolling their districts on horseback may always be a part of the Montana scene, but motorcycles and other OHVs are an efficient way for wardens to protect the state’s natural and wildlife resources. You can help by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT, that is 1-800-847-6668, if you observe OHV violations on U.S Forest Service lands.