Hope some of the Michigan folks can help me out on this. If, and I say if the snow they are talking of comes this week, is it legal for some of us to find some forest roads to rip on and break-in some new sleds. Or will that just piss off the locals, and the hunters getting ready for hunting. I really am getting the itch, and would love to grab a handfull of throttle and let'er eat some fresh snow. Just don't want to get to excited to early, and find out I can't go play without making waves. Any help I appreciate.
I know it's early, but let it snow, let it snow!!!!
I know it's early, but let it snow, let it snow!!!!
The UP trails dont open untill dec 1st. and technically you have to be on a trail. Does that mean that the locals wait untill dec 1st to ride.......No. But they no where and where not to ride. Also keep in mind the ground isnt froze, and it will likely rain before it changes to snow so your going to be riding on very wet muddy ground. If it was me I would wait. Oh wait, thats not right. If it was me I would load up and head west 
Eric
Eric
yammiman
Expert
Also during hunting season you can only ride certain hours of the day and/or night - I believe you can ride from dark to dusk at night and something like 11 to 2 during the day!? - you could ride other times but you might want to have on a bullet proof vest!! LOL
P.S. - you can ride on your own property, state land, and most of the couty roads
P.S. - you can ride on your own property, state land, and most of the couty roads
Superman
TY 4 Stroke Master
Its not a good idea. If you do I suggest only riding @ night due to hunting season.
Bowhunting season is also in effect right now, Oct. 1-Nov. 14. Would not make the hunters very happy. I cant wait to ride also, but I also like to bowhunt. Just my 2 cents. 
only way i would go out if i was u is if u had some land or a buddy that had some land or u knew a guy that had some land and there might possible be some areas u could ride on...other than that i would wait til winter when the snow is deep
dusk till dawn my friend. 11-2 pertains to and from your stand or blind.
Better just keep'er parked,
Shaf
Expert
Mess
Last time i rode in Oct i had mud over the top of my seat sled was buried in 5ft of mud and 5 of us could barely pull it out. new sled , new suit it was more than a mess.
Last time i rode in Oct i had mud over the top of my seat sled was buried in 5ft of mud and 5 of us could barely pull it out. new sled , new suit it was more than a mess.
This is right out of the DNR rules for Minnesota I don't see where it say's "pertains to and from your stand or blind" are you sure thats right or maybe thats just Mich? I ride when and if there is enough snow not before, but give me an early 12 inch snow fall and i'll be out there 
I do follow the rules and only ride 30 mins after sunset as well as from 11- 2 only been an issue once in the past 4 years where we even had enough snow in November but i did get to ride on my birthday : )
Also wondered about this statement: "a person possessing a
valid deer license may operate a snowmobile during the firearms deer
season only:" I don't have a valid deer license so does that mean the rule does not apply too me?
I do follow the rules and only ride 30 mins after sunset as well as from 11- 2 only been an issue once in the past 4 years where we even had enough snow in November but i did get to ride on my birthday : )Also wondered about this statement: "a person possessing a
valid deer license may operate a snowmobile during the firearms deer
season only:" I don't have a valid deer license so does that mean the rule does not apply too me?
yammiman
Expert
This is out of the MICHIGAN DNR rule book;
ORV and Snowmobile Restrictions
At all times it is illegal to operate an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) on public lands in the Lower Peninsula not posted open. Snowmobiles are prohibited at any time on state game areas or state parks and recreation areas unless posted open.
Time Restrictions—It is illegal to operate an ORV or a snowmobile between the hours of 7 and 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on any area open to public hunting during the November 15-30 firearm deer season. Exception: The time restrictions on the use of ORVs and snowmobiles do not apply during an emergency or while traveling to and from a permanent residence or hunting camp that is otherwise inaccessible by a conventional wheeled vehicle.
The time restrictions on the use of ORVs also do not apply to retrieve a legally taken deer, to private landowners and their invited guests, to motor vehicles licensed under the Michigan Vehicle Code operating on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic, to a disabled person using a designated trail or forest road for hunting or fishing purposes, or to a person with a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle
Hunters don't want you on it at all - most hunting takes place from before the sun comes up until 10 am and from 3 or 4 pm until dark - use good judgement and you'll be fine
ORV and Snowmobile Restrictions
At all times it is illegal to operate an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) on public lands in the Lower Peninsula not posted open. Snowmobiles are prohibited at any time on state game areas or state parks and recreation areas unless posted open.
Time Restrictions—It is illegal to operate an ORV or a snowmobile between the hours of 7 and 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on any area open to public hunting during the November 15-30 firearm deer season. Exception: The time restrictions on the use of ORVs and snowmobiles do not apply during an emergency or while traveling to and from a permanent residence or hunting camp that is otherwise inaccessible by a conventional wheeled vehicle.
The time restrictions on the use of ORVs also do not apply to retrieve a legally taken deer, to private landowners and their invited guests, to motor vehicles licensed under the Michigan Vehicle Code operating on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic, to a disabled person using a designated trail or forest road for hunting or fishing purposes, or to a person with a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle
Hunters don't want you on it at all - most hunting takes place from before the sun comes up until 10 am and from 3 or 4 pm until dark - use good judgement and you'll be fine
just dont go ridin with carhartt gear on
yammiman
Expert
Ditto that!!
yammiman
Expert
One other thing to take note of - the restrictions are only during firearm season - would not apply to bow or muzzle load season - trails open 12/1 but muzzle season does not end until around 12/10 - never understood why they didn't just extend trail opening until muzzle was closed - put an end to alot of turmoil - I guess that would be too easy!!
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