Few deer and elk hunts in the Southeast Region are affected by the new restrictions on the use of motor vehicles while actively hunting. False rumors have many off-road vehicle users worried about fall hunting plans and use of their ORVs.

- Fiction: All deer and elk hunting is closed to the use of off-road vehicles.

- Fact: Only two big game hunting units in southeast Idaho (units 70 and 73) have limited restrictions on off-road vehicle use while hunting general archery, rifle deer and elk seasons. Two other late November and December archery and muzzleloaders deer and elk hunts have off-road vehicle use restrictions.

Rumors and bad information fueled the disgruntled hunter's anger and unhappiness. After a short chat, it turned out that the area he hunts is not affected. Most hunting units in our region are not.

This year the Fish and Game Commission placed limited restrictions on the use of motor vehicles while actively hunting in 16 units out of 99 units statewide. Before the ink dried on the changes, the rumor mill went wild. Rumors spread convincing some hunters and off-road vehicle users that all hunting units had restrictions on ORV use.

What Does Fish And Game Regulate?

Fish and Game regulates the method of taking big game, not the use of off-road vehicles on private or public lands. Hunters must follow all Fish and Game regulations if they are actively hunting. Hunters using ORVs in areas with restrictions on the method of take using ORVs must follow the new rules.

The regulation states, "Motorized vehicle used as an aid to hunting are restricted to established roadways open to motorized vehicle traffic capable of travel by full-size automobiles. A full-size automobile shall be defined as any motorized vehicle with a gross weight in excess of 1,500 pounds."

Vehicles may be used for the retrieval of game but are governed by the landowner or manager of the land.

Hunters with qualifying disabilities can continue to use the department issued permit that allows a handicapped person to hunt from a vehicle or ORV to aid their hunting.

Hunters using ORVs should read Page 4 of the 2003 Big Game Seasons Rules booklet. It has an explanation of the regulation and hunting restrictions regarding off-road hunting. If any confusion remains after reading the regulation, contact a conservation officer or call the nearest Fish and Game office.

Deer Hunts Affected In Region 5

- Fact: In southeast Idaho, units 70 and 73 are the only general deer hunting units effected by new vehicle-use regulations during the archery and general rifle deer seasons.

- Fact: Units 68, 71, 72, 73A, 74, 75, 76, 77, and 78 are the same as last year - no new vehicle regulations are in place during general deer season.

- Fact: The controlled muzzleloader deer hunt number 1082 in units 75, 77 and 78 have vehicle use regulations from Nov. 16-30.

- Fact: The controlled archery deer hunt number 1075 in unit 72 has vehicle use regulations from Dec. 1-19.

Elk Hunts Effected In Region 5

- Fact: Only two of 11 elk hunting units in Region 5 have new vehicle-use regulations during general rifle hunts and controlled bull hunts.

- Fact: In southeast Idaho, units 70 and 73 in the Bannock Zone have new vehicle-use regulations during all elk hunts. In the Bear River Zone, the A tag muzzleloader hunt is affected - all hunt units in this zone come under the new regulation during the muzzleloader hunt Nov. 16 through Dec. 19.

- Fact: All other elk hunting units remain as they were last year.

The Bottom Line

- Fact: Some deer and elk hunters using ORVs will be affected. The majority of hunters using ORVs will not.

- Fact: Hunters strenuously complained to the Fish and Game Commission asking them to do something regarding ORV use and its effects on their hunting experience and opportunity.

- Fact: ORV regulations are an important means of managing deer harvest in units like 70 and 73 where extensive off-roading and ORV use can limit buck carryover. Very short any buck seasons are the rule here because of extensive use of motorized vehicle use while hunting.

The regulations on use of ORVs while actively hunting are a blending of social and biological needs. Next year the commission will review how ORV restrictions worked and if they meet the needs of hunters and wildlife.

For more information, check the new 2003 Big Game Season booklet on page 4, contact a conservation officer or call the regional office at 232-4703.