Ask a conservation officer

[Lee Borgersen]

      Ask a conservation officer:

              Time restrictions for deer hunters’ ATV use apply to roads.
 
Oct 18, 2015



 



Q: With a county ordinance now allowing the operation of ATVs on county roads in Lake County, what are the hours an ATV can be used during deer season? If they can be used during the day, is a rifle allowed to be onboard?

A: Several counties in Northeastern Minnesota, including Lake and Cook, have opened most of their county roads to operation of ATVs on the right shoulder. However, the restriction on operation of an ATV by a licensed hunter on public and private lands from morning shooting time until 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. until the close of shooting time still applies.


The rule establishing this restriction exempts only motor vehicles that are licensed for highway use (which ATVs are not), not just those that can lawfully operate on the roads. The restriction does not apply to people operating vehicles on their own private property, or on private property with the permission of that landowner.


If the ATV can be lawfully operated, an unloaded and cased rifle can be transported. See page 26 in the regulation book for more information on ATV closures during deer season, and page 22 for any restrictions or exemptions on casing of guns for transport.

Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer