thoughts on new coconino road rules

[naturegirl]

I have 2 upcoming hunts in 6a. I looked at their new map and about 90% of the roads are closed in the areas we usually hunt/camp. Im very dissapointed. I totally agreed with some closures but I wasn't expecting this and yes its partially my fault because I didn't go to any of the meetings.

 

our turkey hunt is in 2 weeks and archery bull in sept in 6a.

 

what is everyones plans regarding this? are you going to purchase map and comply as of may 1st or???

 

we have horses which helps but we weren't planning on using them for either hunt but now don't know. the restrictions they've placed really shock me.

 

if I go thru all the effort to comply I will not be happy when im hiking/riding for miles and then I hear other hunters zip by me on roads that are supposed to be closed since they have no plans on putting closure signs up.

 

im looking for thoughts/opinions on what others plans are.

[brian390]

Like you said, the closures went too far. I have a turkey hunt this weekend, and they've closed the road that goes into where I hunt. I don't think a lot of people are going to comply with the road closures, and they shouldn't.

[trophyhnter]

You can bet that some people will not know a lot about the restrictions and/or wont care and zip by you on "closed" roads. I can say that with certainty because I have seen quads on closed roads with physical barriers (4A and 4B) and in meadows with no roads nearby! Best of luck. Do your best to enjoy your time in the woods hunting....after all some of us dont have an elk tag this year.

[SHREK]

I called today. They will mail u a map for free. They also have a garmin app to download info to gps. Iphone app and android is coming soon ....and dont they start may 1??

[coues krazy]

My thoughts are its a joke. just another step in getting hunters out of the woods. These forest are supposed to belong to us. That is just not true anymore. You can bet thet wont stop here once we "accept" the new bull crap rules. I am so frustrated, I dont know were to begin... Just another freedom lost in a society thats being pushed around and made to conform.

[dzell]

Don't beat yourself up about missing the meetings if everyone in the state attended and was against it it wouldn't have stopped anything the forest service is going to do what they want

[robertramsey61]

I have not seen the map, so I cant get to mad about it yet, but if everyone followed the new rules there would be a ton more area to hunt and get away from people. A lot of guys will not get off the roads, so shutting off a lot of the roads will help eliminate some hunting pressure. The big problem with this, is when you are out hiking 3 miles in and a quad goes by you, I would probably confront them and I would be pissed, take down there info and turn them in. Another bad thing, is all the camping restrictions? I think this is the worst idea, try camping on a main road 30 feet off of it during elk season, you will get hammered with dust.

[chico]

info on Coconino Road closure map. Contact Coconino Supervisor office @ 928-527-3600 and request Motor Vehicle Use Map which is free and will get mailed to you with info on road closures effective 1 May 2012.

[WinMag]

Another bad thing, is all the camping restrictions? I think this is the worst idea, try camping on a main road 30 feet off of it during elk season, you will get hammered with dust.

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I agree 100%. I plan on doing a IH study on it this summer. Camping 30' next to some of the roads up there will be completely unhealthy. If I get it done I will post up what I'm sure is going to prove to be a very unhealthy situation the Forest Circus has created with this BS.

[KaibabHunter]

Not to mention what damage will be done to that 30' area of the road with the trucks, quads, and 5th wheels packed in there. And that's if it's dry, what if it rains?

 

Besides the dust, I also think its a safety issue to be that close to some roads.

[brian390]

I think that there will be more and more problems as people learn about these new rules. Like you guys are saying, camping within 30 feet of a roadway is dangerous.

[Critter]

If there is no "Closed" sign.... It aint closed and the tree cops can have fun writing tickets all they want but they wont get paid. If there is a closed sign the rule should be respected... but again they cannot expect to keep people off a road they Failed or were too lazy to put up a closed sign on. Thats my opinion anyway.

[brian390]

Critter, I definitely agree with you.

[JLW]

If there is no "Closed" sign.... It aint closed and the tree cops can have fun writing tickets all they want but they wont get paid. If there is a closed sign the rule should be respected... but again they cannot expect to keep people off a road they Failed or were too lazy to put up a closed sign on. Thats my opinion anyway.

this will be most peoples attitude and until there is proper signage most people even knowing the closure is in effect will be driving on every road and the smart azz off road drivers will continue to drive off road even when there is proper signage.

 

James

[brian390]

The Forest Service is treating these new road closures, just like how Colorado treats its private land to hunting. In Colorado you have to know by gps where the private land is, and they don't have to post it. This mentality could eventually be used on the private land in Arizona, and I'm sure we don't want that.