New ATV Rules In Effect For Colorado Hunters

With huge mountains, clear streams and lots of public land, Colorado has some of the most scenic backcountry on earth. Complimenting the beautiful scenery is the abundant and varied wildlife. This is partly due to Colorado's Division of Wildlife and the efforts of outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their resources plentiful. With the cooperation of ranchers, farmers, and private landowners, Colorado improves wildlife habitat with an ongoing system of management objectives and goals.

Resident hunters should be aware of important changes that have been initiated for all-terrain vehicles in the 2000 and 2001 hunting seasons. This is the first year for a season structure for big game.

*NOTE: Hunt codes have changed. Do not use last year's hunt codes.

New Regulations:

    The new regulations governing the hunting use of all-terrain vehicles specify that it's against the law: to carry on an OHV during deer, elk, antelope and bear season; firearms (except handguns) unless they are unloaded in the chamber and magazine. Firearms (except handguns) and bows carried on an OHV must be fully enclosed in a hard or soft case. Scabbards or cases with open ends or slides are prohibited.

This regulation, however, does not apply to landowners or their agents carrying a firearm on an OHV for the purpose of taking depredating wildlife on property owned or leased by them. As in past years, it is against the law to shoot from or use a motor vehicle, ATV or snowmobile to hunt from or drive wildlife.

Responsible OHV Use:

Please use your OHV responsibly while hunting. Respect the land and be considerate of fellow hunters; ride slowly and be cautious not to scare off an animal someone else hoped to harvest. Stay on designated trails and roads. Don't take shortcuts and create new trails. Avoid sensitive areas such as streambanks and meadows. Pull to the trailside and shut off your engine to let horses, and others pass. Contact land management agencies to find out what is open for OHV use. All hunters take a responsibility upon themselves when entering the forests to hunt. The situation becomes more pleasurable by adding an OHV, but adds an element of danger if not operated properly. Please think before reacting, and use good judgment while practicing safe hunting ethics.

Off-Highway Vehicle Registration:

    Off-highway vehicle owners, including ATVs, must have one of the following to operate in Colorado: Colorado OHV registration; valid registration or license from another state; or a Colorado nonresident OHV permit. Colorado State Parks will issue permits to nonresidents for OHVs not registered in another state. Out-of-state registrations or licenses are valid in Colorado for 30 consecutive days; after that, a Colorado nonresident OHV permit is required. A Colorado OHV permit is $15.25 a year.

Colorado State Parks registration Unit
13787 S. Hwy. 85
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-1920