FAQs: ATVs, UTVs, fishing lights and dip nets from bridges
April 24, 2013
By: Bureau of Law Enforcement
Frequently Asked Questions - April 24, 2013
The Frequently Asked Questions features recent warden-related questions taken by the DNR Call Center. The Call Center is staffed daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., and offers bilingual service in Spanish and Hmong. The number is 1-888-936-7463.
Question 1: Can a person who is operating an ATV or UTV for snow removal purposes drive that vehicle across a state highway to get to a property on the opposite side -- even if the highway has a speed limit of over 45 mph?
Answer: If the person is of legal age to operate the ATV or UTV, any person may operate the vehicle across the road, with or without snow removal equipment, according to state statutes -- provided the operator complies with the following conditions:
- the crossing is done in the most direct manner practicable;
- the crossing is made at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; and,
- if the operator stops the all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle prior to the crossing and yields the right-of-way to other vehicles, pedestrians and electric personal assistive mobility devices using the roadway.
Question 2: On page 5 of the new UTV regulations booklet, it lists “Municipal Government Use” and says that UTVs used for cities need to be registered. But, then I noticed a note below that section which says they are exempt from registration if the name of the owner is displayed on the outside of the machine. OK, so now I’m confused. Municipalities don’t need to register their UTVs as long as they have that name displayed? Please clarify.
Answer: The answer is a municipality can do either. They can register their UTVs or they can display the name of the owner. The exemption also applies to ATVs owned by municipalities as well.
Question 3: Is it legal in Wisconsin to fish using submerged lights? Apparently, they attract bait fish, which in turn attract the bigger ones.
Answer: Generally speaking, the state does not prohibit use of a light for fishing with hook & line or for spear fishing. Except—it is not legal to illuminate the water with any artificial light when sturgeon spearing during the period beginning 48 hours before and continuing through the open season for sturgeon spearing. It is common to have a lantern hanging off the edge of a boat while fishing at night. And, there have been battery-operated lights attached to lines that are lowered into the water for attracting fish on the market for many years and are legal to use.
Question 4: Can I use a dip net from a highway bridge?
Answer: If the local highway officials post the bridge against fishing, then it would not be legal. The DNR does not have any specific rule that prohibits fishing (hook & line or dip netting) from bridges. However, if the bridge is within 200 feet of a dam, lock or fishway, it would not be legal to fish with a net in that area, and only allowed in other areas if dip netting is allowed for rough fish on that particular waterbody.
If you have information regarding natural resource violations, please call: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay reported information to conservation wardens. Anyone who calls the Violation Hotline or provides information can remain anonymous.