Newsroom_News Release_2023-11-10 Make It Back To Deer Camp Safely

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2023-11-10

Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Make It Back To Deer Camp Safely

Wear A Helmet And Seatbelt When Operating ATV/UTVs

group of 3 hunters wearing blaze orange stand around talking next to a UTV Include ATV/UTV safety gear as part of a safe hunt this season. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to include helmets and seatbelts as part of a safe hunt this season. These essential pieces of safety equipment are vital to ensuring the safety of operators and passengers in the field.

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.

“ATVs and UTVs are great machines to aid in setting up tree stands, going to your favorite hunting spot or retrieving game. However, they must be operated with safety being the top priority,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-highway Vehicle Administrator. “Wear a helmet and use a seatbelt if provided. When hunting on public lands, make sure you are aware of the local regulations for use of ATVs or UTVs on these properties.” 

Be sure to follow all rules related to ATVs/UTVs and hunting:

  • 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.
  • Find additional ATV/UTV hunting rules in the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Regulations.

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, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR within 10 days of the incident.

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

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