OHV's 50" width restrictions
- Thread starter Redbowman
- Start date
wy-tex
Veteran member
Definitely don't take it on the width restricted trails, but I'm betting there is access for it on other trails. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd497245.pdf this is the MVUM map for the bighorns, it shows the trails for less than 50 " and the other roads and trails open to your utv. While I have not hunted the Bighorns I do know that forest service roads can be very rocky and rough here and your utv may be the best for those roads. Many times we park the truck at camp and use our atv to move around the hunting area due to extremely rough roads.
Manualman
Active Member
I thought the roads were the only place you could use atv/UTV's over 50" in width on any federal land. I was looking at atv's in Cody,Wy a couple years ago, and the dealer said they do enforce it.
PlainsHunter
Active Member
My comment doesn't apply to the Bighorn National Forest but I think you can drive a side by side (over 50") on a BLM two track or BLM road the same as a 4 wheeler or pickup truck. Someone post if I am incorrect please. Sort of confused by the post regarding using on federal land.
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All I can add is just follow the laws as they are written.
Not sure how close this is monitored by the G&F Wardens, since I have never been checked for UTV width in the Big Horns, but you never know. Easier to just go by the regulations.
Just curious, what brand/model UTV do you have that is 54" wide?
Not sure how close this is monitored by the G&F Wardens, since I have never been checked for UTV width in the Big Horns, but you never know. Easier to just go by the regulations.
Just curious, what brand/model UTV do you have that is 54" wide?
wy-tex
Veteran member
Roads would be fine if it is registered or has an orv permit in Wyoming. BLM roads would be fine also but would need registration or an orv permit.
Thanks for the map wy-tex, I have a Kawasaki mule LaHunter. It looks like I could get by not using the restricted trails but I have 9 years invested in this tag. So I decided that now I am shopping for a atv that will allow me easier access to remote areas in this unit and most importantly the means to quickly retrieve the meat if I am successful.
JimP
Administrator
I am not sure about Wyoming since there are different regulation from state to state with the National Forest and BLM but don't get caught off of a marked ATV trail unless it is allowed to go off of the trail. There are big fines and the ATV can be confiscated if you get caught doing it. I know of a couple of hunters from California that lost their ATV's in Utah for driving off of the marked ATV trail and hauling out a elk in a National Forest.
wy-tex
Veteran member
Sounds like a good idea. Don't go off trail with that atv. Some areas of Wyoming forest allow up to 100 yards off trail for game retrieval but not all. Having an atv that will allow you to use the trail system will be a big plus during your hunt. Tread lightly and have fun on your hunt.
highplainsdrifter
Very Active Member
I have ATVed in the Bighorns quite a few times, but not for the last two years...so things may have changed. Check the regs. But two years ago, you could ride a 54" ATV/UTV on most trails and gravel roads. Only a few were restricted to 50 inch or less. A bigger problem is that they are sticklers against riding on pavement. They will ticket you unless you are street legal. This restriction causes a problem if you come off a trail and want to drive a short distance on pavement to get back to your starting point. Be careful with that. I say, definitely take your UTV.
robsev
Member
Yes, they are pretty strict on the 50" rule. Most of the trails designated as 50" have an iron gate at the trail head that is just 50" wide. I have heard of a few people who were stopped and measured. If it's 51 you could get fined. I have a Polaris RZR Trail which is right at 50 and is legal. There are plenty of roads and trails in 45 that don't have this restriction though.
PlainsHunter
Active Member
I remember seeing the gates that you are referring to. I'm guessing it is pretty effective at keeping oversize machines off the trail