I can say that I do not use an ATV but that is only because I do not have one. I have used a horse to pull my deer out. I have asked my grandfather about the good ol' days of hunting and his theory is if they had it they would have used it, if thats not true he said we would all still be using flint locks and never even heard of inline muzzleloaders. I can tell you from a winded man in his 20's with a buddy helping him drag a 200# dead weight buck out of the woods and ATV sure would have looked good to me that day.

Just my opinion, I know they all stink.

Rod

Only thing I can think of is I love our freedom. We live in a place where we can hunt how we choose. I don't have a problem with horses, ATV's or anything else you can think of. The only problem I have is with those who do not use those things responsibly.

If you hate ATV's because someone idiot broke the law and acted irresponsibly then you just justified the reason why some want to outlaw guns. I have never heard of an ATV starting itself up and tearing up a hillside on its own just like I've never heard of a gun walking to a gas station and robbing someone. If you think they are loud and annoying go where they can't. I don't like smoke so I don't hang out at bars. No reason everyone else should stop just to accomodate me.

Very well said rather_be_huntin!!!

:smile:

Your first paragraph was right on the money.You probably misunderstood my opinion.I do not "hate".I just think that there is a proper place for everything.Riding up and down a mountain looking for animals is not hunting.Anyway in my book.Therefore your spin about guns or smoking was out of place.But how can I argue with the younger generation.Good luck on your next hunt regardless of your prefered "hunting toys".

I don't look at ATV's as a hunting "method." Thats a road hunter. ATV's are a hunting "tool." I use them to recover downed game and get down those trails that trucks can't. They are also a much faster mode of transport on the dirt roads usually. Once the ATV is parked then a long hike begins. I don't think anyone should be on top of a wheeler all day looking for game, thats not hunting. So I suppose your comment was a little out of place assuming that I meant using them as a hunting "method."

Just thought I should mention my original post wasn't directed you Oldman. It was just a general argument to the topic. Good luck on your hunts also.

[ This Message was edited by: rather_be_huntin on 2003-06-25 16:40 ]

Isn't it great that we speak the same language?We were able to come to the same conclusion.Keep your gun powder dry and good luck on all the hunts to come.

Another few points to ponder on the ATV question. My dad is 79 and he has bad knee's, but he still enjoy's going out to hunt deer, God bless him. My cousin has a Honda 4X4 and gives him a ride right up to his deerstand just so he doesn't have to make the walk up the rather large hills where we hunt. I also consider them as a "tool" as well. Me personally, I walk in where I hunt, but for older guys who have a tuff time getting around and still have a desire to get out, there great!!

I dont use an ATV nor do I want to. I agree that they are noisy and they do tear up the ground. But on the other hand I dont know of and have never seen anyone hunting with an ATV doing anything wrong with it but I have seen the joy riders who are not even hunting romping around on them. There was a 58000 acre management area that was closed to public hunting because of these rompers running over saplings and making "motocross courses" thru the woods. I hunted there all of my life and knew the woods like the back of my hand but now I'll have to pay $2500.00 a year to hunt there. I dont blame hunters on ATVs for this and I think they should be able to use them but its those rompers that should be dealt with harshly when caught. ATVs are banned from all public hunting areas here now but they (rompers) still can be seen and heard doing their dirty deeds. Just my 2 cents while I can still afford 2 cents.It wont be long and I'll have to spend a small fortune just to hunt a lease.

Interesting JTapia, the ATV situation there sounds kind of like gun control. Take away the ability to use something and only those that are law abiding (and use it responsibly in the first place) will feel the effects.

Meaning the hunters that benefited from ATV's and used them correctly cannot now on public land and the rompers are still running around. Good example of why banning something does not necessarily have the intended effect.

[ This Message was edited by: bitmasher on 2003-09-09 22:27 ]

I know i am a little late on the conversation BUT, I agree that inconsiderate fools are the downfall of good hunting.
For instance my opening day experience 2002. I hunt private land owned by a very liked and easy to get along with gentleman who doesn't want to quarrel with anyone.
I was in my stand opening morning. Just after sun up I here a noise. Looking across a corn field I see a Bobcat driving up the side of the field it comes to a wooded corner and turns in smashing small trees and making all kinds of racket. a little while later it comes back out and returnes the way it came. Of corse i couldn't just sit there, I went to investigate. Some idiot used the Bobcat to put up a tree stand at prime hunting time on opening day!
Sorry I rambled but that HONKS ME OFF!!

Happy Hunting!