The state Board of Game Commissioners on Tuesday gave final approval to a regulatory change to address violations of possessing, maintaining, operating, occupying or traveling on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile in violation of the state's Vehicle Code.
"Unauthorized ATV operation on state game lands and private lands enrolled in the agency's Hunter Access Program continues to be one of the top 10 violations our wildlife conservation officers (WCOs) encounter each year," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.
Current law does not give WCOs authority to enforce those Vehicle Code violations.
"This amendment will ensure safe and effective enforcement of these requirements occurring on lands under Game Commission ownership, lease, agreement or control," Roe said.
"Illegal ATV operation is a major source of wildlife habitat destruction across the state, and these violations are often accompanied by ATV classification offenses, such as a lack of registration or insurance, which are required under Title 75."
