Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas.

Travel only in areas open to All Terrain Vehicle use.

On slick trails, moderate the throttle and use the clutch to gain maximum traction with minimum tailspin.

On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail.

Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.

Cross streams only at designated fording points or where the trail crosses the stream.

When retrieving game, don’t travel cross-country on your ATV. Get as close as possible on a trail or road and then travel by foot to the site of your kill.

Never ride with a loaded firearm. When traveling on the trail, keep your firearm secure in a protective case separate from the ammunition.

Buddy up with two or three hunters. Traveling solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.

When winching, always inspect your equipment, use the right winch for the situation, find a good secure anchor, and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum.

When using a tree as an anchor, use a wide tree strap to avoid damage to the trunk of the tree.

Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.

Be a sportsman and practice ethical hunting.

Never take a shot unless you see the animal clearly, you can identify it, and you know what lies between you, the target, and beyond.

Don’t shoot across roads, trails, and waterways.

Don’t leave animal remains in wetland or riparian areas, or on campgrounds, roads or trails.

Leave gates as you find them.

If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).

Yield the right of way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses.

Do not idly ride around in camping, picnicking, trailhead and residential areas.

Keep speeds low around crowds and in camping areas.

Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.

Know the hunter education requirements for your area. Whether required or not, take a hunter education course.

Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to ATVs.

Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.

Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.

Check the weather forecast before you go.

Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items.

Wear a helmet, eye protection, and other safety gear.

Dress in layers and carry a jacket. Know your state’s requirements regarding when to wear Hunter Orange.

Know your limitations. Watch your time, your fuel, and your energy.

Make sure your vehicle is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies, spares and a spill kit for trailside repairs.

Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.

It is damaging and unlawful to use a permanent tree stand, blinds or platforms as well as to place spikes, nails, wires or other metal objects into a tree to act as steps or to hold a tree stand on public lands.

Avoid damaging or removing trees or other plants when putting up hunting structures or enlarging sight lines.

Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.

Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in area designated as Wilderness.

Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

Carry a trash bag on your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.

Pack out nails, ropes, wire, rifle and shotgun shells and other trash.

Dismantle meat poles and other structures used while hunting.

Remove flagging and biodegradable tape used for route finding.

Provide information to wildlife managers to help manage game and determine wildlife inventories. Report any poaching incidents.

Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites, camping 200 feet from water resources and trails.

Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out.

Protect the soundscape by preventing unnecessary noise created by a poorly tuned vehicle or revving your engine without need.

Following a hunt, wash your ATV and support vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.

– Courtesy of TreadLightly.org.