Here at Copper Ridge Outdoors, we are all dedicated hunting enthusiasts, and we know that ATVs can offer the opportunity to travel further, faster, and spend more time in the outdoors. Not only are they useful, but they can also be incredibly fun. However, when it comes to hunting with your ATV, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that you don’t spoil anyone else’s experience. In part two of this series, we’ll cover two more important tenets of responsible ATV hunting. Keep reading to prepare for your next trip and turn to Copper Ridge Outdoors for the ATV implements you need and outdoor hunting gear you can trust!
Respect the People Around You
Complaints about off-road vehicles often involve the noise and exhaust, which can disturb animals and other people enjoying the outdoors, such as campers. There are a few measures you can take to reduce the effect of both sound and exhaust. First of all, you should keep your ATV tuned and muffled to minimize emissions and noise. You may also try installing a secondary muffler to further reduce the volume of your vehicle’s engine. To minimize the disruption to local game and other hunters, drive to your hunting grounds before shooting hours and then hunt on foot. You should also be respectful to anyone you meet on roads or trails by slowing or stopping.
Respect the Land
One of the least avoidable effects of an ATV is the impact it has on the land. Driving off-road will inevitably cause damage, but you can still take action to minimize that damage. Stay on existing roads and trails where you can to avoid destroying animal habitats and encouraging erosion. As we mentioned in a previous blog post, riparian areas near streams are especially vulnerable to damage, and so are steep slopes. If you notice unofficial social trails branching off into these environments from the main paths, ignore them. You should also avoid driving down trails that are too narrow for your ATV. While your vehicle could probably widen the trail, you need to balance your personal convenience with the health of the land you are exploring. Respect the environment around you, and you will likely have the opportunity to revisit it for years to come.
Be mindful of your impact on the land, the animals of that area, and the other people who enjoy the outdoors, and you will naturally be able to reduce the negative effects of using an off-road vehicle. In doing so, you’ll also be doing your part to make sure that other outdoor enthusiasts and ATV drivers can enjoy the same beautiful landscapes you do. Minimizing your impact may even be the extra step that ensures you’ll be able to come back with your off-road vehicle for future trips with friends and family!
Prepare for your next trip with help from Copper Ridge Outdoors. We have a wide selection of outdoor hunting gear and ATV implements to help you enjoy more time outside. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable two-man deer stand, high-quality hunting targets, or landscaping ATV gear, we can offer you strong, durable products at high-value prices. Explore our hunting collection today and make your next adventure the best one yet with Copper Ridge Outdoors!