Iowa All-Terrain Vehicle and Off-Highway Motorcycle Riding Areas
Many Iowans enjoy riding Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) for recreation. Iowa has several OHV riding parks, many of which are managed by associations or municipal/county governments. The DNR provides law enforcement assistance for these areas. Riders should familiarize themselves with the laws and follow safety guidelines for OHVs in Iowa to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Rules and Regulations
ORV Park Rules [PDF] Off Highway Vehicle Reference Guide [PDF]
Resident machines must display a valid, current Iowa DNR registration decal and the registration certificate must be on the operator or machine.
Nonresident machines must display a valid Iowa DNR nonresident user permit on the machine. If the home state requires registration, this must also be displayed on the machine.
Iowa's OHV Parks
Alerts and Closures
OHV parks are open year round. Alerts are only posted when limited use or closure is required.
Bluff Creek OHV Park - Mahaska County
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Gypsum City OHV Park - Webster County
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Nicholson-Ford OHV Park - Marshall County
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Rathbun OHV Park - Appanoose County
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River Valley OHV Park - Pottawattamie County
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Online ATV Course
Iowa ATV Safety Course - Get Started Now
ATV riders in the state of Iowa (resident as well as nonresident) who are ages 12 through 17 are required to have taken, and passed, an ATV education course and have an education certificate in their possession when riding on public land, public ice, and designated ATV trails, if these areas are signed open to ATV use.
Registration is not required for the following machines:
Owned by the United States, this state, or another state, or by a governmental subdivision thereof, and used for enforcement, search and rescue, or official research and studies, but not for recreational or commercial purposes.
Visit our Recreational Dealer Registration page to learn more about becoming an OHV dealer and to find the appropriate application.
Economic Impact of OHV Recreation in Iowa
The Iowa Off-highway Vehicle Association (IOHVA) will be conducting an updated economic impact study of OHV recreation in Iowa.
The last study was completed in 2007.
A total of 1,500 surveys will be sent to registered owners of OHVs, with a breakdown of 500 for all-terrain vehicle owners, 500 for off-road motorcycle owners, and 500 for off-road utility vehicle (side-by-sides) owners.
This information will be valuable for showing where OHV money is invested in counties driving economic development, useful information for informed legislative decisions, and details needed when applying for grants for the OHV Program.
This survey is being completed by the IOHVA. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Justin Rath, President, at [email protected].
Bluff Creek OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
Google Map - Bluff Creek OHV Park ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Eddyville, Iowa (SW of Oskaloosa)
Managed by Iowa Partners of NOHVCC
Dale Witzenberg, 641-670-0240
Open to ATV and Off-road Motorcycle Use
Located in Mahaska County southwest of Oskaloosa.
This is a 350-acre park with most of the area accessible for riding. The area is an abandoned coal mine that has been developed into a riding area. There are approximately 20 miles of trails, steep hill climbs, deep pits, and four motorcross tracks. One track is dedicated to novice and beginning riders. One track is extremely challenging and is often called the "gravity cavity".
The park is open year round, but is closed when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.
Thirteen primitive camping sites are available, with flush toilets, shower stalls, and water spigots.
A current registration is required for Iowa residents and a nonresident user permit is required for out-of-state riders. If registration is required in the nonresident home state, it must be displayed on the machine. The park is not currently signed open to ORV, or side-by-side, use.
Amenities Within park:
Camping - Nonelectric, Fishing, Parking, Picnic Shelter, Restrooms, Showers
River Valley OHV Park
Along the Missouri River in Council Bluffs
Managed by the DNR
THE PARK REMAINS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Tama County OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Tama, Iowa
Managed by Club S.P.O.R.T.
http://www.clubsporttama.com/
This 300-acre park is located in Tama County which features tight, wooded trails with some hills, a 15-mile perimeter trail, a kids' track, and a motorcross track. Camping features 10 electric campsites and 13 primitive campsites. This park is open to off-road motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and off-road utility vehicle use.
Park is open year round, except when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.
Residents must display a current registration decal on their machine. Out-of-state riders must display a nonresident user permit. If the nonresident lives in a state which requires vehicle registration, then this machine must also display a current registration decal from the home state.
Gypsum City OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
Gypsum City Park Map and Flyer [PDF] Gypsum City Trails Map [PDF] Gypsum City Campground Reservations ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Fort Dodge, Iowa (SE of Fort Dodge)
Managed by Webster County Conservation Board
515-576-4258
Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use
The Gypsum City OHV Park is located on the southeast corner of Fort Dodge. The park is approximately 800 acres in size and includes 60 miles of trails for use by ATVs, side-by-sides, and off-road motorcycles. The park also includes a 1.5 mile motocross track, a .4 mile kids' track, and a beginner circle track. Trails within the park range from open prairie for novice riders to heavily timbered areas for more advanced riders and include water crossings and mudding areas. Trail head signs within the park will indicate what machines are allowed on certain trails.
An informational kiosk is located in the parking lot and at each phase entrance to help riders navigate the park. Some trails in the park have been closed and rerouted to improve riding experience.
Park amenities include an open shelter with picnic tables and grill, men's and women's restrooms, and fishing ponds.
Just in time for your summer planning, the campground at Gypsum City OHV Park is open for business. To reserve a camp site, go to www.mycountyparks.com. The campground offers both full-hook up and electric sites. Site amenities include water, electricity, sewer, picnic table, and grill. A men’s and women’s shower/restroom is also available. The campground will be open April 15 - October 15 annually.
A current registration is required for Iowa residents and a nonresident user permit is required for out-of-state riders. If registration is required in the nonresident home state, it must be displayed on the machine. The park's official sign plan has been implemented.
These signs indicate trail numbering, difficulty ratings, and vehicle-use type. As always, we encourage rider responsibility and assessment of abilities when choosing trails to enjoy.
Tremendous effort has been invested in developing this riding area. Please stay on marked trails and follow all posted signs.
Gypsum City OHV Park is located 2 miles southeast of Fort Dodge. To get to the park from U.S. Highway 20, take exit 124 north (P59). Go west on Mill Road, the park will be on your left.
For campground reservations: www.mycountyparks.com
Amenities Within park:
Fishing, Parking, Picnic Shelter, Pit Toilets
Lakeview OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
Google Map - Lakeview OHV Park ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Solon, Iowa (North of Iowa City)
Managed by Lakeview Off-Road Riders
Marck Dudrey, 319-936-0045, info@lakeviewohv.
com
The Lakeview OHV park has 160 acres of varying terrain. The park features an "A" level motorcross practice track, a "B" level motorcross practice track, an off-road utility vehicle practice track, a pit bike track, and two kiddie tracks. The tracks are designed to be used by both motorcycles and ATVs. There is also a very extensive trail network consisting of sand trails, mud trails, hard pack trails, some hill climbs, and single-track trails. There are restrooms on site. No camping is permitted. There are multiple state and federal campsites within a five mile radius of the park. The cities of Ely and Solon are each within five miles of the park and both communities offer places for food, fuel, and dining. Cedar Raids and Iowa City offer overnight accommodations. Park closes at dusk. Helmets are mandatory.
The park is open year round, with the exception of when weather and trail conditions do not permit riding.
Residents are required to display a current registration decal.
Out-of-state riders are required to display a nonresident user permit. If the nonresident is from a state which requires vehicle registrations, then a current registration decal from the home state must also be displayed.
The Lakeview OHV park offers something for everyone. From the beginning rider to the advanced rider, there is enough variety to keep things interesting for all skill levels. The park is maintained throughout the year to keep the riding area as safe as possible.
Amenities Within park:
Parking, Pit Toilets
Riverview OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
Google Map - Riverview OHV Park ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Waterloo, Iowa
Managed by Trailblazers Off-road Club
http://www.trailblazersoffroadclub.com/
This is a 180-acre park located in Black Hawk County along the Cedar River, which allows for scenic riverside trails.
The park has two motorcross tracks, a four-mile perimeter track, and a pee wee track. ATVs, ORMs, and side-by-sides no wider than 65" are allowed to operate at the park.
Park is open year round, except when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.
Resident operators must have a current registration decal displayed properly on the machine. Out-of-state riders must have a nonresident user permit affixed to their machine. If a nonresident lives in a state which requires registration, then their machine must also have a current registration decal from their home state affixed to the machine.
Amenities Within park:
Parking, Picnic Shelter, Pit Toilets
Rathbun OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
Rathbun OHV Brochure [PDF] ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Plano, Iowa
(SW arm of Lake Rathbun off of Highway 142)
Managed by South Central Dirt Riders
scdrrohva@gmail.
com
The 125-acre Rathbun Off-Highway Vehicle Area (ROHVA) is located at 14230 Highway S70 in the northwest corner of Appanoose County. Established in an abandoned rock quarry in 1993, the park provides riders of registered ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes an impeccable riding experience for novice and seasoned riders alike. Trails, consisting of dirt and rock, follow the lay of the land meandering around trees, rocks, hills, and along the lakeshore. Most are wide enough to accommodate off-road utility vehicles. Trails for leisurely cruising or testing the skills of advanced riders await visitors to the park. ROHVA also features a practice track and a tot lot, which is fenced as a separate area for safety and can be monitored by parents.
Helmets and current registrations are required to ride at the park. Decals must be affixed to the vehicle and registrations must be on the operator or the machine. Nonresidents can use the park with display of a current nonresident user permit.
Passengers are only allowed on vehciles designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers, and vehicles cannot have more passengers than safety restraints, which are also required. Passengers in an ORV must be at least 10 years of age.
The park is open year-round except for closure due to weather or trail conditions that do not permit riding, particularly during wet periods and whent the frost is coming out of the trails.
Amenities Within park:
Two shelters with picnic tables, two water hydrants, vault toilet, unloading/loading ramp, parking
Amenities close to park:
Lodging (Honey Creek Resort, cabins, hotels), camping, gas/fuel, food, restaurants
Nicholson-Ford OHV Park
Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.
Google Map - Nicholson-Ford OHV Park ORV Park Rules [PDF]
Marshalltown, Iowa
Managed by Iowa River OHV Club
Nicholson-Ford ia a 120-acre off-highway vehicle park open to off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road utility vehicles.
There are approximately 20 miles of tight, river-bottom, wooded trails for your enjoyment.
A current registration is required for Iowa residents and a nonresident user permit is required for out-of-state riders. If registration is required in the nonresident home state, it must be displayed on the machine.
Purchase from a Dealer:
Dealers are required to collect the registration and title fees for a machine that is required to be registered. The dealer will issue to the purchaser a placard bearing the words "registration applied for" and space for the purchase date. The placard entitles the purchaser to operate the machine for 45 days immediately following the purchase while the registration is being processed.
Purchase by private sale:
The purchaser of a machine with a valid registration may operate it for 30 days immediately following the purchase without having completed a transfer of registration. If the registration is expired, the machine must be registered prior to operating the machine in areas where a registration is required.
ALL MACHINES THAT ARE REGISTERED ARE REQUIRED TO BE TITLED. IF A LIEN IS PLACED ON A MACHINE, THAT MACHINE MUST BE TITLED. ONCE A MACHINE IS TITLED, IT IS ALWAYS TITLED.
The ANNUAL renewal period for registrations without penalty is September 1st through December 31st.
Be sure to register your OHV. All newly owned machines, or machines not yet entered into the recreational vehicle and vessel registration system (RVVRS), must be registered through the County Recorder’s Office in the owner’s county of residence.
To register you will need:
Off-Highway Vehicles which have been entered into RVVRS may be renewed through a County Recorder's Office or the Iowa DNR Online License and Registration site.
You will need to provide your DNR customer number, which is printed on your vehicle registration.
Iowa DNR Nonresident User permits can be purchased through the Iowa DNR Online License System. Permits purchased online will be delivered via USPS mail in 5 - 10 business days.
DNR Online License and Registration Sales:
The State of Iowa administers a grant program for the acquisition and development of all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-road motorcycles (ORM), and off-road utility vehicles (ORV) trails and the upkeep and maintenance of designated OHV parks in the state. This program is funded from vehicle registration fees. Fees are placed into an account and can be used for the development of riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, operation and maintenance of sites and equipment, insurance, and land acquisition.
Who May Apply?
When to Apply
ATV applications (1 original, 5 copies if submitting paper copies and one original if submitting electronic copies) must be received in the DNR offices on or before the close of business (4:30 pm) on February 1st annually.
How to Apply
Applications are provided:
Mail to:
OHV Program Contact
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Jessica Flatt, [email protected], 515-975-8569
Whenever an ATV, ORM, or ORV is involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or property damage amounting to $1,500 or more, the operator of the vehicle or a person acting for the operator shall immediately notify the county sheriff or another law enforcement agency in the state.
If the accident occurred on public land, a designated riding area, a designated riding trail, or ice under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resource Commission, the operator shall file a report of the accident with the Department of Natural Resources within 72 hours. The report shall be on DNR Form 542-8093.
All reports shall be submitted to the Iowa DNR State Parks Bureau, 502 E 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319-0034, and shall include a full description of the collision, occurrence, or other casualty. If you have any questions, please call the DNR Des Moines Office at 515-725-8200.
Operator Incident Report Form: 542-8093
ATV riders in the state of Iowa who are ages 12 through 17 are required to have taken and passed an ATV education course and have an education certificate in their possession when riding on public land, public ice, and designated riding areas and trails, if these areas are signed open to ATV use. This also applies to nonresident riders. The focus of the DNR ATV Education Program is to provide an education course that reduces the rate of accidents, injuries, property damage, and fatalities, while at the same time promoting the development of environmental stewards by educating our students about environmental concerns, energy conservation and proper maintenance of ATVs, and promoting the practice of only riding in legal areas and with landowner permission.
ATVCourse.com The DNR has collaborated with Fresh Air Educators to make an online certification offering available for the ATV Education Program. The curriculum underwent a thorough review with industry leaders as well as representatives from numerous state agencies responsible for ATV safety education. State-specific information regarding riding opportunities, laws, and regulations is a component of the course.
This is a managed course which features interactive exercises for students as well as narrated content to assist with different learning styles. The study guide is free to all users, as well as Chapter 1 of the course. In order to progress past Chapter 1, students will be required to register for the course. The course fee is $34.95, which includes the $5 DNR fee for the education certificate. Students must pass a chapter quiz in order to progress to the next chapter and must pass a final exam with 80% accuracy to earn their certificate. There is no riding component for this course.
Topics covered by the course include, but are not limited to, parts of the machine and how they work, riding positions and when to use them, safety gear, personal responsibility, and conservation principles.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to download their ATV Education Certificate and be ready to hit the trails. Students must be 12 or older to earn their ATV education certificate through ATVCourse.com.
When individuals and groups want to use public land and water for events, they must apply for use of that resource through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These events are compiled by the Special Events System and are displayed on a calendar of events and can be searched by type, location, and date.
To find events which may be of interest to you, please go to https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.
The Department may authorize the holding of organized special events at the designated OHV parks as defined in Iowa Code Chapter 321I.
The Department shall issue permits which address the conduct of special events and shall designate the equipment and facilities necessary for the safe operation of OHVs and for the safety of operators, participants, and observers in the special events. Endurance races, head-to-head competition, and nonmotorized events will not be permitted. A special event shall not be conducted without written authorization of the Department.
Residents participating in a special event must display a current registration on their vehicles. Nonresidents must display a valid, Iowa nonresident user permit on their vehicles.
At least 30 days before the scheduled date of a special event, an application must be filed with the DNR using the Special Events web-based application found at https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.
For more information, contact DNR Customer Service: 515-725-8200 or [email protected].
Iowa DNR Nonresident User Permits - $17.
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By Derrek Sigler
Many of us have ATVs and/or UTVs in our garages or barns, and one of the reasons we own them is that they’re so handy in the deer woods. But are we really getting the most use out of our machines? Sure, they work great for transportation to and from the stand and are handy for hauling deer and gear. But there also are a lot of other ways in which an ATV/UTV can lead to better hunts this season, and in seasons to come. For a relatively modest amount of money, you can tweak your machine to be more useful than ever.
Most of these machines, as they come off the showroom floor, are a blank canvas in terms of accessories. Extras allow you to customize your machine to fit your specific needs. For anyone looking to get the very most out of a machine in deer season, the right accessories are a must. But with so many choices, do some serious homework before bolting on extra parts.
One of the first areas people look into changing with any machine is the tires. ATVs and UTVs come from the dealer with good all-around tires that work decently for general terrain. However, think of your truck tires. An automaker selects a tire that’s going to help it meet certain criteria that in turn will get you to buy the truck, including fuel economy and road noise. Of course, while the tire might be a good selection for those needs, it isn’t going to help you get maximum traction under the worst off-road conditions. That takes a different design.
The same basic idea applies to ATVs and UTVs.
To truly get the most from your machine, you need deeper lugs for improved traction in all types of conditions. As a group, we deer hunters face loose soil, mud and snow, depending on where we are, so a good, deep-lugged tire helps us dig in and keep moving under those conditions. It also helps keep the tires moving when using the machine for food plot work. Trust me, getting an ATV or UTV stuck with a disk attached is no fun.
Another reason to consider a tire swap is to get better puncture resistance. Many of the more aggressive tires offer this. Yes, it can add weight to the tire, but that won’t matter much with most modern machines. Besides, minimal added weight is much better than walking all the way back to the truck or camp after a flat tire leaves you stranded.
Looking specifically at UTVs, next on the list of accessories popular with deer hunters are what we often lump together as “cab parts.” These include some sort of roof, as well as windshields and doors. Such components add protection from the elements for you and increase the comfort level.
A roof is the most important of these, as it helps block the sun as well as provide a little shelter from rain and snow. A windshield adds still more protection from the elements and helps keep dust and debris out of your face as you ride. Just keep in mind that if you add a whole windshield on the front, you need to add the back panel as well. Otherwise, you’ll be pulling in dust, snow and everything else as you ride down the trail.
Some other accessories are designed to secure your stuff. For instance, there are several nice gun scabbards that can mount virtually anywhere on a machine. You can get soft, bag-style cases and hard-plastic boot-style cases. Having a gun scabbard mounted to your machine is far more secure than tossing your cased gun in the bed or on the rack.
For many hunters, UTVs are becoming the go-to option for hauling people, gear and game. If transporting a deer, try to wash off blood before it dries. Adding more aggressive tires, auxiliary lighting and a winch can help you set up deer camp farther off the beaten path.
(Photos courtesy of Yamaha Motorsports)Although bows and crossbows are harder to secure, Kolpin Outdoors makes several mounts that work well with them. Just remember to check your local laws first, as some states require that a bow (vertical or crossbow) be cased while in transport on an ATV/UTV.
Among the best ways to increase your vehicle’s versatility is to add a winch. Unlike those made for mounting on trucks, ATV winches cost very little; even the best winches from Warn are only a few hundred dollars. For that, you get several thousand pounds of pulling power. That makes ATV/UTV winches great for clearing fallen logs, moving permanent ground blinds, etc.
I use my winch every time I set up a ladder stand. I pull up behind the tree and use the winch to securely hold the stand to the tree while I’m affixing the straps. That added tension on the ladder really helps keep it secure when I’m climbing up to set the straps. Of course, you still need to wear a safety harness when setting up or hunting from any type of elevated stand.
One bit of advice with a winch: Be careful. Unless your winch has synthetic rope instead of cable, always carry something you can drape over the cable while it’s under tension. A cable with thousands of pounds of pressure on it can turn into a serious weapon if it snaps. However, avoiding this problem isn’t difficult. Even something as simple as a shirt draped over the middle of the tight cable can reduce the risk of it lashing out and hurting someone. We all know how important it is to be safe in the woods. Never let your guard down, people.
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Every year, we see new products that make deer scouting better, quicker and more efficient. Trail cameras always amaze with innovation, and scouting software and phone apps make things easier to track exactly where you want to be and when. The fun thing is, this applies to your ATV or UTV, too. New GPS and phone applications are available that work directly with your machine to make plotting exactly where you are, what you see and where you want to hunt easier while on the go.
This is good news, because it makes it simpler to record information. That lets you spend more time doing the fun parts of scouting — watching game, looking for sign, etc. — and less time worrying about recording locations.
Yamaha recently teamed up with GPS company Magellan to offer the Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS system, a tablet-style GPS device that offers everything you’d expect in a GPS, plus tracking info from your ride, photo logging, social media sharing integration and more, all in a completely portable system. The newest Yamaha Wolverine X2 and X4 models are prewired for the system for even more enhanced integration.
Imagine it this way: You can go on a scouting trip and be able to replay the entire trip back, including data on exactly where you were, when you were there, weather data, images, video and more — and have the ability to share it with others, should you wish, through social media or other digital forms.
One scouting concern some hunters have with ATVs and UTVs is noise.
Whitetails have excellent hearing, and let’s face it: Even the quietest machine creates some noise. I’ve been looking at this very issue for years and have experimented with several scenarios on my own farm. My results have shown me that deer react less to the noise of an ATV then you’d think. Unless we’re talking about 100 percent isolated deer populations, the animals you’re hunting have heard noise from engines and other vehicles. Speaking from my experiences alone, I can say that you can scout deer with an ATV and have less impact than you’d ever think.
I’ve used electric vehicles and have spooked more deer due to the sounds of the tires rolling on the ground. I’ve also rolled right up to within 10 yards of deer while driving a 1942 John Deere Model B tractor. My point is, don’t be afraid of the noise you might make using your ATV to scout. It’s honestly less impactful than you’d think.
One of the easiest ways to get the most use from your ATV is by developing food plots for whitetails.
So much has been written on this subject that I won’t bore you with rehashing all of it here. Let’s just hit the high notes.
One of the most important features an ATV/UTV offers for food plotters is remote accessibility. With one of these machines, you can go places that are hard to reach with a tractor, truck or other big machine, if not impossible. And with the plethora of implements available these days, you can really hammer in some secret “sweet spot” plots.
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One of the best systems I’ve used for working up a food plot with an ATV is the Kolpin Outdoors DirtWorks System. This versatile system starts out with a hydraulic 3-point hitch that attaches to your machine’s battery for power and connects only by way of the 2-inch receiver on the back of the machine. From there, you can select from a number of interchangeable tools to attach to the machine and control them from the cockpit. This includes a chisel plow for tough dirt, a harrow disk and more. The whole setup is a significant investment, but still cheaper than buying a tractor.
If you’re looking for something smaller, maybe to work a small plot near your stand to hold deer as they transition, the Groundhawg Maxx harrow plow is a good fit. It’s a 6-blade disc plow that cuts a 21-inch-wide swath. It plugs directly into your receiver and uses the machine’s weight to cut into the ground. I’ve been using one for years, and it works great. You do need ramps to get the machine up off the ground to install it on site, but that’s not a big deal.
I’ve also found that ATVs and UTVs make food plot maintenance much easier. A small portable sprayer makes weeding and watering a breeze. You can buy spreaders that attach to the rear of the machine for seeds or fertilizer. The important thing to remember about ATVs and food plots is that you have access to the most remote terrain you’re hunting. Take advantage of that by using your machine to manage whitetails.
Hauling out your whitetail after the hunt is much easier, obviously, with a UTV or ATV.
How many times have we heard of a hunter who has a fatal heart attack while trying to drag out his buck? As more machines are becoming available with 2-inch receivers, the popularity of gambrels that lock into the back of the machine is on the increase. Think of how easy field dressing could be with one of those and a winch.
When you’re transporting your machine to and from your hunting area, be sure to do so safely. Whether in the back of the truck or on a trailer, make sure the ramps you use to get it to the ground are secure. And while in transit, check those tie-downs. A word to the wise: When tying the machine down, put a twist in the strap. I learned this from a veteran truck driver. The twist keeps the wind from whipping the strap and causing it to rub on things. A strap that rubs will eventually break, which of course can lead to disaster.
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If you’re going to truly get the most use out of your ATV or UTV, it obviously has to run.
So maintenance matters.
Always check your oil before using the machine. Make sure it’s at the level it should be, and change it periodically. I like to do so annually. While I might not use the original factory oil, I do use the weight and type called for in the owner’s manual.
Also, periodically check your radiator fluid. Overheating can be an issue on hot days, especially when you’re doing serious stuff such as working in food plots. If you go for long periods not running the machine, use a fuel system stabilizer and a battery tender.
Another part of maintaining the machine is cleaning it. Mud, blood and other nastiness can lead to bad things, including rust and mold. If you live in a northern climate, as I do, and deer season runs late in the year, blood can be an issue. Do yourself a favor; don’t wait to wash it off your machine. Load it up and head to the local car wash if you have to.
Other parts to clean include the air filter. Keep in mind that a clean, well-maintained ATV/UTV is less likely to leave you stranded in the backcountry, or at home with no machine to take to the woods.
Breakdowns stink. I know.
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A clean, well-maintained and properly accessorized ATV or UTV is something every serious deer hunter can use and benefit from. It will make your hunts better, too. There’s the old saying: “Hunt smarter, not harder.” But I slightly disagree with that; I use my machines to hunt smarter, so I can hunt harder.
A farmer friend uses a new, state-of-the-art tractor equipped with full GPS and multiple plotting systems. He can map out his property to get the exact perfect placement of corn planted to maximize every inch of available real estate. He said he’ll use whatever is at his disposal to get the maximum return each fall. I hear ya, brother.
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Having completed a multi-day opening of hunting in the Ryazan region, I would like to share with you a little experience in using and operating an indispensable assistant in spring goose hunting - an ATV. Personally, I consider an ATV, along with all ammunition and transport, if not the basis of success, then at least an integral part of goose hunting. Having in the command arsenal a prepared fleet for goose hunting, as well as the experience of using a specially prepared GAZ-66 in goose hunting for a comfortable rest in between hunts (you can read about this car here), now I would like to note how much effort it saves and how many opportunities gives our team a quad bike.
When entering impassable fields broken by spring thaw for a successful hunt, any goose hunter dreams or at least wishes that this hunt would be successful and no one would interfere with it. The lion's share of hunts, if you approach them without attention to preparation and choose a place with a very accessible entrance for transport, is spoiled by the neighboring team.
Many hunters, having a great desire to get a goose, but not having the proper training and understanding of the correct hunting with a wind call, a large number of stuffed animals and ambush, try to shoot a goose, sitting on a chair in the middle of the field, blocking themselves with a burlap curtain or simply putting on a goblin suit, with large shot on a flight at exorbitant distances. Experienced goslingers often encounter such a neighborhood, which makes them look for a way to prevent such situations.
Having experience in our Vladimir region of using prepared vehicles for driving into very hard-to-reach places and a small distance from the hunting grounds of the camp, we limited ourselves in mobility. The preparation of the camp and the place of hunting require a lot of time and effort, so the hunt was done for many days in one place without adjusting for the movement of the goose. There are many advantages for the body and soul in such a hunt, but there are also significant disadvantages that we have eliminated or partially eliminated with the help of ATVs.
Large prepared vehicles, as you know, are very exhausting for a hunter on large transitions from area to area: cruising speed is 50-60 km / h. If in our team we are talking about hunting in other areas, with unknown quality of the fields and an unclear situation with the bird, we put mobility and extensive reconnaissance at the forefront of success. This is where our quadrics came to the rescue.
With them hunting is very positive, fully equipped after a long winter break. Having determined the most interesting areas of flight of the goose in other areas and choosing the access routes on the map, we are preparing for the hunt, as I say, with a swoop. The traction car, which is maximally prepared for moving over long distances with maximum comfort for hunters, is equipped with a large trailer to accommodate an ATV and ammunition for hunting. With such a hitch, one can afford to cross long distances to search for a goose in areas unknown to the hunter.
The basis of hunting is reconnaissance, and everyone knows about it. After a long time on the road and on reconnaissance before the opening of the hunt, we often find a goose on the maps of hunting grounds and, having decided to hunt, we unhook the trailers with quadrics and ammunition and go to take vouchers. This saves a lot of time: vouchers cost a lot of money, and there are a lot of districts, and often the goose moves so unpredictably that buying vouchers even in several districts is a very expensive pleasure. After determining the hunting area and acquiring permits, our assistants come into play. Preparing the quad is very simple and takes very little time: drove the quad bike out of the trailer - and it is ready for work.
The main task of the hunter is to conduct a thorough reconnaissance of the area in which the goose is found in order to select a place for short-term hunting. It is short-term: in this case, the goose can be successfully hunted literally one, maximum two hunts.
The fodder field on which the hunt took place, the shot goose changes very quickly and does not fly to it for several days. I want to say right away that our team never chooses night goose perches on the water and commercial fields for hunting. When going to the fields on ATVs, we try to comply with all written and unwritten rules for the operation of ATVs as high-risk vehicles. We exclude driving on winter fields and choose the way of travel on technical agricultural roads. An ATV in a fairly short period of time allows you to make a very high-quality reconnaissance of the area and collect as much information as possible about the places of promising hunting fields. Further, the decision on the choice of the field is made by the general decision of the team. And this is where a very important phase of the hunt begins: the quality preparation of the hunting ground with the equipment of the field with recumbent ambush and the arrangement of stuffed animals and, of course, the equipment of the camp.
Leaving the cars in a nearby village and agreeing with the locals on looking after the cars, we hitch the trailers to the ATVs and drive out into the fields.
These four-wheeled beasts are as strong as ants, and are practically not afraid of spring thaw, if the trailers are not overloaded with belongings. Here we are helped by our many years of experience in completing the expedition with only the most necessary things for hunting and recreation. But if you don’t dissemble, then you always take more belongings than you need, from food to wardrobe. As they say in Rus', a spare pocket does not pull, but it can be difficult for an ATV to pull a loaded trailer across a muddy field. You have to distribute the load between several ATVs or leave some in the cars. Crossing the fields on reconnaissance to select a hunting place, we pay attention to the possibility of driving with a trailer, the possibility of competitors driving, the distance of the perch from the camp and the camouflage of quadrics during the hunt.
Quadric climbs through the spring fields and mudslides very confidently, on full drive, even without blocking on arable land with two hunters, it calmly tows a trailer with a load of up to 200 kg. Arriving at the place, we very quickly arrange stuffed animals and equip hideouts, at this time some of the hunters equip the previously unloaded camp. While the preparation of the hunting place in the field is underway, the ear is already boiling in the camp. After the hunt, the team decides whether to continue hunting at this place or change the place of hunting. And here begins a new phase, which is possible only with quadrics. The first thing we do is send one hunter with binoculars to go around neighboring fields. Upon the return of the scout, based on his story, we decide to move to the camp. Immediately, part of the hunters begins to quickly collect the camp, and the second part leaves for the field to collect perch. The time savings are simply incredible. Having put skradki and stuffed animals with the camp in the trailer, we move quickly and without much loss of strength.
I would like to note that we do camp crossings at night.
For multi-day and multi-year hunts with the use of ATVs, more than one hundred kilometers have been covered. There were many incidental situations, but if you put the merits of the ATV for the faithful seven-year service on one side of the scale, and the shortcomings on the other, the merits will outweigh. I am unconditionally and unshakably convinced that an ATV is an indispensable assistant for a goose. The maintenance of ATVs is very pleasing: if it were not for refueling with gasoline, then, one might say, hard workers who absolutely do not require attention to themselves. We have Yamaha ATVs, with careful attitude they serve very worthy. The only minus of the ATV is the dirt on the hunter and the constant hysteria of the washers at the car washes after the hunt. But we must not forget that everything can be broken and killed. Despite the fact that the ATV is very difficult to plant in the mud and easy to pull out, it can be hung on the engine by hanging the axles.
This happened to me last week on reconnaissance: an inconspicuous snowdrift concealed a trap for a quadric under it - a banal stream that was not noticeable at all. Having failed, I had to take a shower and make my way. I spent almost 40 minutes on this. So, if desired, you can plant a quadric firmly.
Unfortunately, this is only a small part of the information that I could share. Books can and should be written about such a great hard worker and assistant to the goose.
Russian hunting magazine, May 2019
4044Recently, an ATV has become an increasingly popular and fashionable vehicle, and it is used not only to get adrenaline on amateur "rides", but also for quite utilitarian purposes - as a vehicle for hunting or fishing .
Some might think that this is a luxury! That you have to walk while hunting, that it’s much healthier... Perhaps...
But when you have a heavy backpack behind you, and you have to walk for long kilometers, and there is no road - just the name, and you are no longer young, and your back needs to go to the doctor, and not for hunting ... That's when this wonderful unit comes to the rescue, which will deliver both you and your cargo to the hunting place, and save strength and health for the main goal.
Why do modern hunters prefer quad bikes to any other means of transport?
ATV solves almost all tasks that a hunter or a group may have. And without exaggeration, it can be argued that there are simply no competitors for an ATV in the forest.
On a good hunt, nowhere without good cross-country ability! A hunter moving on wet grass, crumbly ground, stones, clay soil, etc. without high cross simply can not do. If earlier the companions of a real hunter were strong, fast horses and a whole pack of dogs, now the horse has become iron, hardy, unpretentious and comfortable. Unlike animals, the ATV does not require special care and attention, while it is capable of with easy ease 
At the same time, it can maintain a very high speed of movement, providing its owner with comfortable off-road movement.
Because of its light weight, the ATV rarely gets stuck in muddy ground and is much easier to push onto hard ground than a Jeep. Of course, an ATV does not provide the same level of comfort as a Jeep and can only fit one person, but in terms of other features, such as transporting equipment, an ATV is not inferior to a Jeep
Today, ATV manufacturers offer a whole line of specialized 
A lot depends on the right choice of an ATV for hunting: speed and convenience of movement, the ability to overcome obstacles and self-delivery of significant hunting trophies. Modern ATVs are capable of transporting a hunter with full equipment and up to 350 kilograms of cargo, and models equipped with a winch can also rake forest debris or pull themselves out of a swamp.
You should not approach the purchase of the right ATV from the position of buying a car. An ATV is like a tank, its lifespan depends entirely on “combat” conditions. The more actively the owner uses his ATV, the shorter his life. It should also be noted that when hunting, an ATV is an individual vehicle, the behavior of which is completely controlled by the driver.
Contrary to popular belief that the ATV is an exclusively seasonal mode of transport, it is quite often used in winter. One of the most striking illustrations of this statement is ice fishing in the winter. Due to its low weight and large area of contact with the surface, it easily moves on the icy surface.
ATV accessories for hunters
Almost any utility ATV sold in Ukraine can be prepared for the forest. We would recommend choosing trusted and reliable manufacturers - Kawasaki, BRP, Yamaha. Reliable, hard racing trophy-tested helpers. After a little refinement (about 2-3 thousand dollars), the quadric will be able to do many more interesting things.
For beginner quad bikers -
Winch
You are in a difficult situation in the forest, your ATV is stuck in a swamp, and there is no one around and there is no way to call someone for help. In such a situation, a winch can help you out. With a winch mounted on the front of your ATV or UTV, you always have a way out. Just remember to always have a back-up plan, so include a winch on your list of essential accessories! Experienced ATVs often install a second winch, back.
Additional light
Additional optics are a great helper in extreme night races.
Additional light helps to drive away the darkness when the main headlight is stained with dirt, expanding the viewing horizon. High quality optics will perfectly cope with the task of lighting on the road in any weather conditions.
There are many options for lighting when traveling on an ATV early in the morning or late in the evening, but LED optics remain the most advanced today.
High-quality LED optics are primarily needed in order to see the road better. It is used in order to improve visibility, scare away a hare, highlight next to an ATV. In addition, there are combined headlight options - they scatter light up close, while other LEDs shine into the distance, which is very practical.
A searchlight can also be useful for the hunter. Such headlights are able to effectively illuminate the area with a powerful beam at long distances, even in heavy fog. There are halogen, xenon and LED searchlights, with batteries and powered by a cigarette lighter, manual and underbarrel.
Tires
Since the ATV is mainly used for moving over rough terrain, sand, swamps, it needs reliable tires.
Depending on the terrain on which the ATV will be used, you will be able to use mud tires (ITP Mud Light, ITP Black Water, Kenda Bear Klaw, Highlifter Outlaw) or all-purpose tires (ITP Terracross, Interco Swamp Lite)
Underbody protection kits
Reliable and high-quality protection for an ATV is an almost mandatory attribute for an ATV, on which extreme rides are planned. The ATV protection itself is a set of special lightweight plates, usually made of aluminum. They are installed on the bottom of the ATV and maximally protect all elements of the undercarriage of the machine from dust and dirt getting there, as well as from mechanical damage. Protection for an ATV is usually lightened with special holes, so the total weight of the machine with the installation of protection practically does not increase
ATV panniers
For a hiker, hunter or fisherman, it's important to be able to carry more gear and transport it with minimal hassle.
The main advantage of modern ATV trunks is their capacity, rather simple installation in the front or rear trunk. Each of the boxes is equipped with locks, and the models mounted on the rear trunk are additionally equipped with brake lights.
In addition, the case provides additional protection. It is made of heavy-duty plastic and in case the ATV rolls over, the case will protect the rider from impact.
Heated seats, heated handles
For comfortable movement on an ATV in winter, heated handles and throttle grips, steering wheel clutches and seat heating are used.
Universal Gun Holder
Universal holder attaches to the handlebars of any ATV or virtually any tubular or composite ATV rack. With this set of 2 carriers, you can transport anything on your ATV, including a shotgun with or without a case, fishing rods, small tools, large tools, chainsaws, skis and more. Two 10 cm high steel U-brackets are covered with thick rubber to gently hold the equipment.
Each holder can be rotated 360 degrees. for more convenient arrangement of the equipment. Two rubber straps 2.5 x 23 cm resistant can stretch up to 50 cm.
Rifle case
When riding a quad bike, your gun may get wet or muddy. A canvas cover for a gun in this case will also not help much. ATVs are provided with a plastic case for weapons. Such a cover will not allow the weapon to get dirty, and will also prevent moisture from getting into it. A special mount will help you conveniently and safely mount the gun on an ATV. A special insert inside the case will protect the weapon from hitting the body.
Helmet and goggles
The use of a helmet when riding an ATV is a prerequisite for the operation of this type of transport. When hunting, a helmet can protect you from many injuries. When buying a helmet, you need to make sure that it has a special certificate of quality, which confirms that it has passed the necessary tests and will withstand strong enough impacts that can be life-threatening.
Wearing glasses is also a great way to protect your eyes. Riding through the forest involves a number of dangers, there is a risk of running into a branch, which can become a serious problem and lead to injury.
GPS navigator
Being in the forest, you can easily get lost and then try to find your way home for a long time. In such a situation, you will resemble game rather than a hunter. There are a lot of navigators currently being produced - we chose Garmin for ourselves. In the navigator it is worth uploading a topographic map of the area where you are going to hunt.
Tracks for ATVs
Indeed, why not go hunting or fishing on your favorite ATV in the winter, in deep snow, or in the autumn to hunt ducks in the swamp?
After installing the tracks, your ATV will help you to fully enjoy hunting, fishing or traveling to uncharted places, allowing you to quickly move from one place to another. With a set of tracks for an ATV, the size of the covered area, thanks to the caterpillar ATV, will increase significantly.
Severe storm damage from the derecho toppled almost every tree. We are working to get a professional on-site to help us develop a plan for clean-up and reopening. Updates for the status of the park will be posted on this page. For your own safety, please do not attempt to ride in or access the park. It is signed closed and all attempts to access the area will be considered trespassing. 
The Department will post updates on this page when available. 
