โFeb-21-2015 07:44 AM
โOct-06-2016 05:23 AM
westernrvparkowner wrote:alaskan-rver wrote:By far the most logical, well thought out, practical post on this issue. That is totally unacceptable on these forums. You really need to go someone else to post your knowledgeable, useful advice.
As a fellow ATVer, let me warn you that you are focusing on the wrong risk.
As a previous poster mentioned, the engine noise of an ATV will give bears plenty of warning that you are coming. As long as you stay relatively close to your ATV, and away from salmon streams and rivers during a run, you will probably never see a bear, even at a great distance.
Bear spray is more than adequate protection, and much less hassle taking it across provincial and international borders than firearms.
Risks you should be worrying about (because, unlike bears attacking ATVers, these do actually happen, and frequently):
Getting lost. Apart from a few mining roads, most ATV trails here are unmaintained hunting or recreational trails. Trail maps are usually either non-existent or out of date. Riding with someone who knows the area, and having a topographical GPS with descent maps, and HIGHLY encouraged. Hardly any ATV trails have cell phone access once you get a mile or two from the highway.
Getting stuck (in mud). Much of the terrain up here can be boggy/swampy. You will encounter mud holes--big ones...not just filled with dirty water, but also porridge-consistency bottomless muck. Invariably, these occur in areas without trees (so you don't have much in the way of convenient anchor points for your winch line). Ground clearance and mud-capable tires are a must. A winching anchor (like a boat anchor, or a several foot long piece of rebar and a sledge hammer to pound it in) can really save your day in instances like this, unless you are riding with a group who all have strong winches (and extra line).
Rock damage or obstructions. You'll do better if you have skid plates under your rig(s), and tires tough enough to withstand rock punctures (unfortunately, a weak point for many mud tires). Since our trails are unregulated, they are also used by off-road trucks, who can dig ruts far deeper than what an ATV can, as well as clear boulders we can't.
Water immersion. Almost any trail you ride will have stream or river crossings. Rivers move fast up here, and is always carving new channels. Miss "the shallow path" by a foot or two and you can unexpectedly find deep holes. Swamping CVTs (and occasionally even engines) is common up here. Raising your air intakes (such as with snorkels), sealing your CVT housing, and having a quick way to drain it, are all important modifications.
Given the low population density, unless you are riding at a popular area on a weekend, it could be hours or days before you encounter another rider to help you out of a jam. Make sure your party has ways to handle these on your own, as well as carrying some rudimentary survival gear should you have to unexpectedly spend the night on the trail, particularly if you are riding with just one machine.
Until you have ironclad protections against these, don't worry about the wildlife. More people get injured by moose than bears.
This is the place for people to tell you that a well placed shot from a BB gun will stop an enraged grizzly. All you need to do is be proficient with that firearm. I mean who can't hit the bullseye with their first shot at a charging grizzly knowing if you miss you are going to die a slow, painful, death? That's nothing compared to the pressure of hitting a stationary paper target.
โOct-05-2016 08:24 AM
alaskan-rver wrote:By far the most logical, well thought out, practical post on this issue. That is totally unacceptable on these forums. You really need to go someone else to post your knowledgeable, useful advice.
As a fellow ATVer, let me warn you that you are focusing on the wrong risk.
As a previous poster mentioned, the engine noise of an ATV will give bears plenty of warning that you are coming. As long as you stay relatively close to your ATV, and away from salmon streams and rivers during a run, you will probably never see a bear, even at a great distance.
Bear spray is more than adequate protection, and much less hassle taking it across provincial and international borders than firearms.
Risks you should be worrying about (because, unlike bears attacking ATVers, these do actually happen, and frequently):
Getting lost. Apart from a few mining roads, most ATV trails here are unmaintained hunting or recreational trails. Trail maps are usually either non-existent or out of date. Riding with someone who knows the area, and having a topographical GPS with descent maps, and HIGHLY encouraged. Hardly any ATV trails have cell phone access once you get a mile or two from the highway.
Getting stuck (in mud). Much of the terrain up here can be boggy/swampy. You will encounter mud holes--big ones...not just filled with dirty water, but also porridge-consistency bottomless muck. Invariably, these occur in areas without trees (so you don't have much in the way of convenient anchor points for your winch line). Ground clearance and mud-capable tires are a must. A winching anchor (like a boat anchor, or a several foot long piece of rebar and a sledge hammer to pound it in) can really save your day in instances like this, unless you are riding with a group who all have strong winches (and extra line).
Rock damage or obstructions. You'll do better if you have skid plates under your rig(s), and tires tough enough to withstand rock punctures (unfortunately, a weak point for many mud tires). Since our trails are unregulated, they are also used by off-road trucks, who can dig ruts far deeper than what an ATV can, as well as clear boulders we can't.
Water immersion. Almost any trail you ride will have stream or river crossings. Rivers move fast up here, and is always carving new channels. Miss "the shallow path" by a foot or two and you can unexpectedly find deep holes. Swamping CVTs (and occasionally even engines) is common up here. Raising your air intakes (such as with snorkels), sealing your CVT housing, and having a quick way to drain it, are all important modifications.
Given the low population density, unless you are riding at a popular area on a weekend, it could be hours or days before you encounter another rider to help you out of a jam. Make sure your party has ways to handle these on your own, as well as carrying some rudimentary survival gear should you have to unexpectedly spend the night on the trail, particularly if you are riding with just one machine.
Until you have ironclad protections against these, don't worry about the wildlife. More people get injured by moose than bears.
โOct-05-2016 04:02 AM
โOct-05-2016 12:54 AM
โOct-03-2016 06:22 PM
โMar-09-2015 12:57 PM
Powerstroke2000 wrote:
Wow, thanks so much everyone for your input...much appreciate....and if any of you have good info on good area's to ride in the Yukon or Alaska, that would be appreciated as well. Will be checking out 'clubs' in the area as well in my searching.
โMar-06-2015 01:03 PM
โMar-03-2015 09:48 AM
โMar-03-2015 07:40 AM
โMar-02-2015 03:45 PM
Horsedoc wrote:
"40 caliber magnum ss pistol"
What the heck is this?
โMar-02-2015 03:19 PM
โFeb-23-2015 07:42 PM
โFeb-23-2015 07:40 PM
โFeb-23-2015 07:33 PM