Return to Deer Camp safely this year

Wear a helmet and seat belt when operating ATVs/UTVs

MADISON, Wisconsin. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges hunters to include ATV/UTV safety gear as part of safe hunting this season.

Every year people are injured in ATV/UTV crashes while hunting. A helmet and seat belt can be just as important to keeping hunters safe as wearing a bright orange harness or tree stand. 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.

“ATVs and UTVs are great machines to help you set up tree supports, get to your favorite hunting spot or retrieve animals, but you have to operate them safely,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR ATV manager. . “Please wear a helmet and wear a seatbelt if provided. When hunting on public land, make sure you are aware of the local regulations for using ATVs or UTVs on these properties.”

Follow these rules while using an ATV or UTV on your hunt:

  • It is illegal to shoot any firearm, including handguns, on 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 pistol.
    • The bow does not have an attached arrow.
    • The crossbow is not cocked or unloaded.
  • Find more ATV/UTV hunting rules at 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 web page.

Wisconsin law requires each operator involved in a crash incident to promptly report the incident to law enforcement officials. Additionally, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR.

For more information on ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR Wisconsin ATV/UTV Riding web page.