DNR Reminds Hunters to be Safe While Using an ATV/UTV

Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 -- 10:07 AM

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges hunters to include ATV/UTV safety gear as part of a safe hunt this season.

Each year, people are injured during ATV/UTV crashes while hunting. A helmet and seatbelt can be just as important in keeping hunters safe as wearing blaze orange or a tree stand harness.

Taking a few seconds to buckle up and put on a helmet can save your life and keep you in the woods for many seasons to come. Follow these rules while using an ATV or UTV during your hunt:

• It is illegal to discharge any firearm, including handguns, in or from any moving or stationary ATV/UTV;
• No person may place, possess or transport a firearm, bow or crossbow in or on an ATV/UTV unless one of the following applies:
• The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun,
• The bow does not have an arrow nocked,
• The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded.

One of the best things ATV and UTV operators can do to operate safely is to take an online safety course. A list of approved safety education classes is available on the DNR Safety Education webpage.

Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. In addition, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR.

For more information on ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin webpage.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.