Ebikes ..... are they really useful for hunting anymore?

[HalfLungHunter]

I don’t like them either. If you can’t walk to your hunting spot then pick a new spot. Really upsetting spending time burning leather then get overtaken by guys on motorized bikes. Pretty lame really. Takes away from hunting in my opinion and fallows most trends nowadays of taking the easy way out, instant gratification, lack of patience, inability to put in hard work, etc.

Devils Advocate here, I legitimately only have 1 lung and have 30% lung function. I have a medical waiver and key from USFS for disabled access to the forest roads during hunting season. All legitimate, all legal. I could take my SUV all the way to within 100 yards of where I typically hunt and blow up 100 spots on my way through. Or I can run an ebike from the gate, all the way into my area, much more quietly and then walk the last 100 yards. Do I have any more right to be using the road during season than somebody who didn't lose the genetic lottery and only have 1 lung, I don't think so. For me, if the forest service is willing to let me use it, they should let all hunters use it. The idea that my use is any less harmful is dumb as are most ADA rules that give greater access to those with a disability or deformity. Should be equal access or no access.

 

[Jethro]

Do I have any more right to be using the road during season than somebody

Yes you do. Your post explained why you do.

If the argument from the medically exempt crowd is that everyone should be given access because medical exemptions are already being allowed, than I say get rid of the medical exemptions. Which would suck and be a huge step backwards. But I think your argument is ridiculous.

 

[WCB]

Make trails motorized or not. Motorized trails can have restrictions on motor size, speed, peddle assist, width, etc.

Non motorized simply nothing with a motor...ALL E-bikes peddle assist or not have motors period.

FYI, I comment on here earlier that I have an e-bike and use it where legal. get rid of them I'm fine with it.

 

[glassing]

I think Ebikes are great to accessing terrain up to a certain point where you know you will always be coming back to. Saving a few miles is amazing, but once you're off the beaten track, being able to adapt and pivot plans is much easier without always having to make sure your bike isn't completely out of the way. I think it depends on each persons hunting style and how they navigate terrain.

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

First time ever using an e bike I was archery hunting elk.

I stopped on the first corner I liked and cow called, while straddling the e bike.

30 seconds later I'm stuck staring at a small 5x5 bull at 20 yards hiding behind the e bike and my decoy. If I was on a dirtbike he wouldn't have come in.

Ken

 

[gbflyer]

I am beginning to loathe those who ride them. I live in a very rural community, off the road system. Speed limit is between 20 and 35. Not much shoulder. Like none. People have ridden bikes for years here. Bikers slow down so cars can pass and give them a wide berth. That's just what we do. Lately though, the e-bike folks think it's cool to race the cars along at 30 or more and you can't get past them. And also they ride 2 or more abreast instead of single file. Oddly enough it's usually local assholes, not visitors. Road rage is real even in rural AK.

 

[Huntnpack 2]

I just got a new e-bike & intend to use it where legal. The purpose use for me is to quietly get into areas I typically hunt as far as allowed. And if successful in harvesting an animal I’ll utilize the bike & possibly a trailer to haul it out.

I am not a zoomy rider & don’t want to be. I’m a responsible Outdoor person that enjoys access to as much of the great outdoors as possible without adversely impacting the environment.

Restricting e-bike use on off-road access should be considered solely on wildlife & natural resource impacts. Not totally restricted due to misuse or unlawful use of others. Enforce laws that are broken.