While
sport utility (SUV) and all terrain vehicles (ATV) are providing
growing numbers of hunters with greater access to hunting areas,
there is also increasing concern about damage that these vehicles
potentially pose to wildlife habitat. In areas already impacted
by fires, the effects of ATVs can be especially devastating.
Use
of vehicles off established roads and trails can damage habitat
by causing erosion and by destroying vegetation that provides
food and cover for wildlife. It also reflects poorly on hunters
and can be used as a weapon by those who oppose recreational hunting,
said Mike Cox, staff wildlife biologist for the Nevada Division
of Wildlife. In fire areas, erosion problems already occur. With
ATV tracks, the problem is exacerbated.
SUV
and ATV users have found these vehicles offer real advantages
in hauling people and equipment over rough roads and in retrieving
downed game. But Cox cautions that driving the vehicles off established
roads to pursue game is unethical.
It
is not considered fair pursuit to drive off of established roads
to chase down deer or game birds, he said, and in most cases it
is also illegal. It's fine to depend upon these vehicles, but
hunters always need to be responsible and respectful of game and
other hunters.
Wildlife
managers note that vehicle tire tracks blazed by an inconsiderate
off-road driver are an invitation for other vehicles to follow
that same route. The cumulative effect results in habitat being
lost as a trail is created. It may also result in a hunter giving
away a favorite hunting location to others.
AI
think everyone who hunts has seen signs of unethical hunters using
vehicles to locate game, whether it be tire tracks in desert washes
or tracks through a mountain meadow. Ethical hunters find this
to be disheartening and a poor representation of our sport, said
Cox.
