Facts

Since 1995, the number of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in Idaho has increased three-fold. There are now over 81,000 ATVs registered in the state.

Studies have shown that the harvest of bull elk increases with increased hunter access. Eventually this can lead to reduced hunter opportunity.

Elk use declines in areas adjacent to roads open to motorized vehicles.

Slow-moving vehicles on primitive roads and trails are more disturbing to elk than fast-moving vehicles on highways.

As motorized vehicle access increases, the quality and amount of elk habitat are degraded. An open road density of three linear miles of road per square mile of land seriously reduces the value of that area for elk. An open road density of six linear miles per square mile can reduce elk use to near zero.

Hunter check station information has shown that hunters using ATVs are often less successful than other hunters.