Shed hunters: Use off-highway vehicles with care this spring

By Ian Satter, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

A popular spring pastime for many is hunting for shed deer and elk antlers, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking shed hunters using off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to act responsibly and not harm the delicate wildlife habitats or wildlife.

“Responsible OHV use lies in the operator’s knowledge of the terrain, trail conditions, which trails are open to OHVs and wildlife that inhabit that area,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Assistant Director of Field Operations Mike Senn. “Traveling off of roads and trails, especially during the spring, can cause serious damage to delicate wildlife habitat areas that can take many years to recover.”

Riding off of designated roads and trails can cause significant erosion by creating ruts, which heavy rains and melting snow can expand into deep gullies, destroying critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Riding cross-country may also displace deer and elk from their habitat. This can cause them to avoid important foraging areas and deplete critical energy reserves while wandering outside of their normal, preferred ranges, especially for pregnant females. These effects are intensified by winter conditions like colder temperatures, the presence of snow, and the limited availability of food, which combine to make survival generally more difficult than during much of the rest of the year.

Below are a few suggestions for shed hunters to keep in mind when using an OHV:

• Stay on marked trails and roads, away from water sources and meadows.
• Avoid wet soil or climbing steep slopes.
• Do not harass or pursue wildlife.
• Avoid areas posted for wildlife and natural area protection.
• Know the terrain before you ride.
• Know the weather forecast and conditions.
• Make sure the OHV is in top mechanical condition.
• Wear protective clothing, as well as a helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injury from branches and twigs, stones, ice and other debris.

“Wildlife habitat can be protected, and most mishaps can be avoided if OHV users stay on marked roads and trails, stay away from wet or unfamiliar ground and operate in daylight when visibility is good,” Senn said.

For more information on responsible off-highway vehicle use, log onto the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/ohv.