As the number of off-highway vehicles in Montana grows, so are complaints from some landowners and hunters about illegal and irresponsible use. Last year, the Montana Wildlife Federation asked the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission to adopt recommendations to reduce the "negative impacts from improper use of ATVs while hunting." The group sought to establish a number of OHV restrictions and to increase penalties for violations. In Montana, OHV registrations have increased from 23,000 in 2001 to 47,000 in 2006. FWP estimates that nearly 30,000 people use OHVs during Montana’s hunting seasons. "We recognize that most OHV users are respectful of others and that they obey the law, but we’re increasingly fielding complaints regarding the illegal and irresponsible use of OHVs while hunting," said FWP spokesman Ron Aasheim. "OHV users need to address these issues or they may soon face the kinds of restrictions and penalties the FWP Commission was asked to establish." OHV users, hunters, landowners and others are urged to report illegal and irresponsible OHV use by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT, or 1-800-847-6668. Callers will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. A recent survey by the Montana Wildlife Federation found that the number two problem landowners have with public hunters, second only to not asking permission, is improper use of motorized vehicles. Landowners also listed OHVs as among the top reasons for not allowing public hunting on their property. On most public lands, OHVs are required to stay on designated routes determined by the land management agency responsible for those lands. It is also illegal to retrieve harvested wild game by going cross-country, or going off designated routes. Private landowners often have additional restrictions or requirements of hunters with OHVs. Information on the proper use of OHVs, and OHV educational opportunities, is available online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "OHV Education."
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