11-14-2004, 05:38 PM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. - Hunters using ATVs and other off-road vehicles are reminded to unload and encase their firearms.[/size]
[size 2]Game, Fish and Parks Law Enforcement Program Administrator Dave McCrea said if hunters want to carry a firearm on their ATV, or any other off-road vehicle, which includes three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and motorcycles, the firearm must be completely unloaded and put in a case that encloses the entire firearm.[/size]
[size 2]McCrea noted there are exceptions that allow law enforcement officers to carry firearms on ATVs. He added that there are also exceptions for landowners and those who have a valid disabled hunter permit issued by the department.[/size]
[size 2]"An example might be when they are protecting their livestock," he said. "Because of this, there are some provisions for people who are on land[/size][font "Arial"][#0000ff][size 2] [/size][/#0000ff][/font][font "Arial"][size 2]they own or operate to carry an uncased firearm on an off-road vehicle. This exception does not exist for snowmobile use."[/size]
[size 2]All in all, sportsmen can use off-road vehicles to get to and from their hunting spot easily. However, unless the person meets one of the listed exceptions, all firearms must be unloaded and completely enclosed in gun cases.[/size][/font]
[signature]
[size 2]Game, Fish and Parks Law Enforcement Program Administrator Dave McCrea said if hunters want to carry a firearm on their ATV, or any other off-road vehicle, which includes three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and motorcycles, the firearm must be completely unloaded and put in a case that encloses the entire firearm.[/size]
[size 2]McCrea noted there are exceptions that allow law enforcement officers to carry firearms on ATVs. He added that there are also exceptions for landowners and those who have a valid disabled hunter permit issued by the department.[/size]
[size 2]"An example might be when they are protecting their livestock," he said. "Because of this, there are some provisions for people who are on land[/size][font "Arial"][#0000ff][size 2] [/size][/#0000ff][/font][font "Arial"][size 2]they own or operate to carry an uncased firearm on an off-road vehicle. This exception does not exist for snowmobile use."[/size]
[size 2]All in all, sportsmen can use off-road vehicles to get to and from their hunting spot easily. However, unless the person meets one of the listed exceptions, all firearms must be unloaded and completely enclosed in gun cases.[/size][/font]
[signature]