ATV RULES AND LAWS Safety Issues

Ride Safely This Fall and other safety tips.

By RVL / September 6, 2024

 

 

Ride Safely This Fall

 

Always wear a seatbelt and helmet, stay sober and follow posted stop and speed limit signs.

Riding your ATV or UTV through Wisconsin’s colorful fall forests can be some of the most enjoyable outings of the year. With fall only a few weeks away, now is the time to prepare for your upcoming rides and include safety in your plans.

Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful fall foliage:

  • Ride sober. Alcohol and drugs are among the top contributing factors in ATV crashes.
  • Watch your speed. Speed limits and route signs exist to prevent dangerous conditions and crashes.
  • Wear your helmet and seatbelt. They will keep you and your passengers safe in the event of a crash.
  • Be an example for other operators. The future of the sport depends on you!

So far this year, there have been 27 AVT/UTV fatalities in the state. Wearing a helmet, riding sober and following all posted trail signs can help ensure your fall outing doesn’t end in tragedy.

Learn more about ATV/UTV regulations and safe operation on the DNR’s ATV/UTV Riding webpage.

 

Where Did Fred Go?

Meet Fred, a frequent flier in the DNR’s Muskellunge Age and Growth Study. Fred’s been around the metaphorical lake a few times.

In 2009, he was raised in a hatchery. Upon reaching 10.8 inches long, he was fitted with a PIT (passive integrated transponder) tag and stocked into Sand Lake in Sawyer County.

The next time Fred made an appearance was in 2015. Scanning his PIT tag showed that he had more than tripled in length, measuring an impressive 34.5 inches. However, Fred must have liked saying hello because he was picked up and scanned again in 2016 and 2017.

In 2021, Fred was picked up and scanned twice more, once by the DNR and once by an angler, totaling six PIT scans so far in his life.

Interestingly, both 2021 scans took place in Lac Courte Oreilles, meaning Fred had managed to move two lakes over! The most recent of these scans, in August 2021, showed him measuring in at a hefty 41 inches.

The data pulled from these specific intervals is currently helping scientists learn valuable information about musky growth rates and their stocking success; learn more about the study with the DNR’s Musky Age and Growth Study factsheet.

 

 

Public Access Lands Tool: Your Hunting Season Companion

Use our Public Access Lands Tool to discover new hunting grounds this year. It allows you to scout the landscape using detailed topo maps and find convenient parking spots to access hunting areas.

It’s completely free and available on desktop and mobile. Check out our Public Access Lands Tool today to find recreation options near you.

 

 

Brush Up On Tree Stand Safety

Archery season is rapidly approaching, and it’s time to review safety tips when hunting from a tree stand.

To avoid accidents and ensure a safe outing, always be mindful of the basic rules of tree stand safety before and during every hunting outing.

  • Connect your harness to your tether line and keep your tether line short.
  • Maintain three points of contact while climbing in/out of your tree stand.
  • Always use a haul line to raise/lower your unloaded firearm/bow in and out of the stand.
  • Be sure to let someone know of your hunting plans, including where you’re going and when you plan to return.
  • Carry a cell phone in case you need to call for help.

To learn more about tree stand safety rules and take a free course, visit the DNR’s webpage.

 
       
 

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