Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-4 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION
Subject 391-4-2 - HUNTING REGULATIONS
Rule 391-4-2-.62 - Vehicle, Horse, ATV and Other Conveyance Use on Wildlife Management Areas

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-4-2-.62

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) As used in this Rule:

(a) "all-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" means a tracked or wheeled motor vehicle powered by an electrical or motor fuel engine and generally characterized by low-pressure tires, an open operator area, a seat designed to be straddled by the operator or a bench style seat, handlebars, lever arms or steering wheel for steering, and is intended for off-road use by an individual or multiple riders on natural terrain. This includes off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes), utility vehicles, golf carts, 4 and 3-wheeled cycles and other off road vehicles.

(b) "Open roads" shall mean those roads not closed with a gate, sign, earthen berm, or similar device.

(c) "Bicycle" includes electric assisted bicycles as defined in O.C.G.A 40-1-1.

(2) Horses, bicycles and all motor vehicles, including off-road vehicles, are restricted to open roads. Provided, however, that horses and bicycles may use designated trails or designated areas; bicycles may be used on closed roads for hunter access; horses may be used off roads and trails during permitted field trials.

(3) Vehicles, including ATVs, marked by official handicap license plates, placard, or sticker for special handicap access may be used on roads otherwise closed for vehicular access but specifically designated by the department for handicapped hunter access. WMA users possessing a Department issued Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD) Special Use Permit may also use OPDMD's on handicap access roads or any other closed roads and locations as specified by the Department in the OPDMD Special Use Permit.

(4) Motor vehicles must meet safety, insurance, licensing, and registration requirements for use on public roads. However, 3-wheel and 4-wheel All-Terrain Vehicles, (ATVs) need not be licensed (tagged) to be operated on a WMA unless the WMA is on National Forest lands.

(5) ATVs may be operated only on roads within WMAs during the period between 2 hours before sunrise and 2 hours after sunset one day prior to and during big game, small game, and special hog only hunts by hunters actively participating in the hunt except where otherwise specified in 391-4-2-.70.

(6) ATV operators must be at least 16 years old.

(7) Trails and areas open to horses and bicycles may be closed during certain hunting seasons or certain times of day to avoid user conflicts.

(8) Horses and non-motorized bicycles may be used on National Forest lands not otherwise closed.

(9) No person may operate any motor vehicle, including off-road vehicles, in a reckless and negligent manner, or in a manner that willfully causes damage to improved roads, open roads, seasonal roads, ditches, wildlife openings, wildlife habitat, berms, firebreaks, campgrounds, or parking areas.

O.C.G.A. §§ 12-3-9, 27-1-4, 40-7-5.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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