Anyone else hunting with an E-Bike this year?

[Plebe]

I have it from another member that a big buck hunter he knows was ticketed for using a float plane

 

[LtMoe66]

Opinions do indeed vary. The discussions get difficult when on one hand we want to protect and keep wild places wild but we also want every advantage available to extend our personal use of them as long as possible. Technology has and will continue to muddy those lines. At the end of the day I suppose I will always fall on the side of favoring whats best for the resource over the resource user so hopefully future generations will have the opportunity to experience the things we have. But I am also in favor of finding reasonable solutions to enable as much opportunity as possible.

Saw your addition after I posted. No apology needed brother. Didnt know you were dealing with flooding, not sure where you are. If there is something you need that I can help with, let me know.

Appreciate it. In Wentzville Mo. we had over 10 inches of rain. Most ever recorded in a 24 hour period. Some places had 12”+. I lucked out, but family and friends weren’t so lucky.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

I haven't bought an ebike because in Abalammer they're considered a motorized vehicle. Everywhere I could legally use one, I could also drive my truck. We don't have a lot of atv access on public land.

In Mississippi, they seem more lenient about atv use. But, my understanding is an ebike is the same as an atv there as well. Can't use then in walk-in only. I've heard but never directly read that some National Forest land has trails that are foot traffic only, excluding even pedal bikes.

All that being considered, I'd buy a Rokon before I bought an ebike because a 212cc gas engine will whup any electric motor you can put on a bike, whoop it hard, and whoop it for less money than the motor and that lithium battery.

All that said, I have no beef with them. I think the laws should be made with primary consideration to what the habitat can stand. If the biologists think a parcel can handle ATV use, cool. If they think it can only handle bootprints, cool. If you can access it, cool. If you can't, I feel for you, but this is the best time and place to be a mobility-restricted individual and I'm sure you can find something to do.

Yeah, I think that is the way it is here in MS. The reason they ban 4 wheelers and side by sides on public is that it would get abused like you would not believe. People absolutely will not just use them for transportation. They make a special point of mud riding and rutting trail and roads. I was in a lease for about 2 years we called "mud riding club". That wasn't its real name but that's what we called it. Most of the members would mud ride it to the point that a 4x4 pickup would bottom out in a lot of places. You literally could not get around out there with a 4x4 truck. Many of the ATV's were those big wheeled sport models not for hunting. They were just for riding. Plus, the farther they can ride in the farther in you will find old sofas and washing machines dumped. The timber company finally pulled the lease because they got tired of having to bring in dozers to fix the roads every time they needed to do timber work.

 

[thedutchtouch]

I think one of the things it's important to remember is that in general, everyone here supports following the law. I say that to mean if ebikes are legal, it's ok, if they aren't, it isn't. That's the dividing line of if you "should" or not in my opinion. (Don't come at me with the "do you follow the speed limit" argument to say everyone breaks rules and it's ok/not ok, you know what I mean generally)

It seems to me the OP was asking who was using them and wanting to compare notes, not get hit over the head with opinions about why you think they shouldn't be used. Let's not turn this into another silly debate like if crossbows should be in gun season only. Don't want to use a crossbow? Don't. Don't want to use an ebike? Don't use that either.

I'm my opinion an ebike is a tool that makes getting places easier. It's not for me currently, but I could see myself using one.


There's kids riding loud dirt bikes in the woods where I hunt pretty regularly. Technically it's illegal. I just wait them out or go somewhere else. Am I "wrong"? Yes, but I sure happier than when I argued more.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

I don't see e-bikes being used around here. I've never seen anybody on them while out in the woods nor do I know anybody who has one. They are sort of in a weird in between category. By that I mean that most folks who hunt public are hunting public because they can't spend $1200 to $2000 a year on a deer lease membership much less $5000 for a bicycle. Those who can spend that sort of money pay lease fees and ride $12,000 side by sides.

 

[LtMoe66]

I have it from another member that a big buck hunter he knows was ticketed for using a float plane

Lol!

 

[Aeds151]

I haven't bought an ebike because in Abalammer they're considered a motorized vehicle. Everywhere I could legally use one, I could also drive my truck. We don't have a lot of atv access on public land.

In Mississippi, they seem more lenient about atv use. But, my understanding is an ebike is the same as an atv there as well. Can't use then in walk-in only. I've heard but never directly read that some National Forest land has trails that are foot traffic only, excluding even pedal bikes.

All that being considered, I'd buy a Rokon before I bought an ebike because a 212cc gas engine will whup any electric motor you can put on a bike, whoop it hard, and whoop it for less money than the motor and that lithium battery.

All that said, I have no beef with them. I think the laws should be made with primary consideration to what the habitat can stand. If the biologists think a parcel can handle ATV use, cool. If they think it can only handle bootprints, cool. If you can access it, cool. If you can't, I feel for you, but this is the best time and place to be a mobility-restricted individual and I'm sure you can find something to do.

You are correct, “foot travel only” does exist on NFSL. There is even “roadless” areas within NFSL written within the forest management plan in places and of course designated “wilderness” exists where mechanical devices and drones are prohibited. I agree with the Rokon. I would love to see a guy cross water on a “$5k”electric bike. As you said, Any where here that is accessible by an “Ebike” can be driven by a truck with ac/heat and much larger towing capacity haha.
Where ebikes will be a problem (the same as those dam atv’s utvs that are destroying our public lands, is ppl are using them on closed roads or temp logging “roads” that are bermed/gated and reseeded/rehabbed by logging company post harvest. Good
News about gas being $4.00+ p/g here in one of the poorest places in the US (based on annual salary per gender (only 2 sorry)), aint none of these hillbillies buying a $5000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[n6dlh]

some of the National Refuges are allowing their use on a trial basis. The idea is that they will check after the season for the impact they are making on the environment and trails and make further decisions. The reality is they are no more destructive then a regular bike when used by a person with half a brain. In fact the fat tire bikes are less impact then a regular mountain bike. Should they be allowed in sensative areas, no I do not think so. If there are already established trails for Bicycles then by all means yes. Horse back riding is destructive to the environment and becuase of some of the abuse riding horses on some of the WMA’s here is Virginia have been banned. Many of the places I use them are where normal bikes are allowed. We have a bow area that is 3 miles down a bike trail. Did it a hundred times on a standard bike. Lock the bike up and go into the woods on foot.

If and when I run across a place that E-bikes are not allowed and regular bikes are. I will leave the battery at home and ride it normal.

By the way, I appreciate the different opinions being aired. I also appreciate you all keeping it civilized, differing opinions are important to remind us about the importance of Conservation. Protecting the resources so that future generations can enjoy it as well is important.

 

[dalton916]

E-Bikes are motorized and NOT allowed on non motorized trails within NF land whether regular bicycles are or not so read the signs. Non-Motorized access only means no E-Bike.

There was a policy change within USFS, but it’s being reported by some as allowing E-Bike access wherever regular bike traffic is allowed. Not true. The policy is simply to review and possibly allow them on some “non-motorized” trails/roads. But again, it will be on a trail by trail basis so read the signs.

 

[n6dlh]

E-Bikes are motorized and NOT allowed on non motorized trails within NF land whether regular bicycles are or not so read the signs. Non-Motorized access only means no E-Bike.

There was a policy change within USFS, but it’s being reported by some as allowing E-Bike access wherever regular bike traffic is allowed. Not true. The policy is simply to review and possibly allow them on some “non-motorized” trails/roads. But again, it will be on a trail by trail basis so read the signs.

Good stuff to know.

 

[Aeds151]

E-Bikes are motorized and NOT allowed on non motorized trails within NF land whether regular bicycles are or not so read the signs. Non-Motorized access only means no E-Bike.

There was a policy change within USFS, but it’s being reported by some as allowing E-Bike access wherever regular bike traffic is allowed. Not true. The policy is simply to review and possibly allow them on some “non-motorized” trails/roads. But again, it will be on a trail by trail basis so read the signs.

Exactly, its simple. If you are wanting to use one on NFSL, just obtain the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the district/s of the forest you plan to ride on. “Know Before You Go”. That being said, that is still extremely hard for most ppl. Trust me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Noonespecial]

Motorized transportation in the woods should be for handicapped or the disabled not the lazy.

I agree with this however it concerns me because this is how crossbows started out and now look what has happened.

 

[dalton916]

@Aeds151 Yessir, it is indeed, lol, that’s why I keep typing it

 

[Aeds151]

I agree with this however it concerns me because this is how crossbows started out and now look what has happened.

Soon it will be pneumatic powered arrows. I talked to my warden and some biologists on our state gfc rules/regs board at our urban hunt qualifier a few weeks ago. We all agreed that the line is so blurred between what is archery equipment anymore. 85% let offs, We got 32 year old athletes shooting 500fps bolts with a push of a trigger. Muzzle loaders/black powder is now 2 pellets and a screwin inline breach. Hook a scuba tank up and shoot arrows or 600grn lead at .50 .25, or whatever else caliber, super sonically. Now bikes have electric motors as to avoid any physical exercise or technique. Hell, I personally have a wireless remote controlled, GPS enabled motor on the bow of my kayak cus who in the hell wants to actually kayak. Wall-E World

 

[jphillips97]

My state only allows Class 1 ebikes, which means you still have to pedal. I guess you're some kind of purist, hope you're only using a recurve. I'm guessing you've never even been on an ebike.

Do you have a recommendation for a class 1? The only one I can find is the Hyper sold by walmart...

 

[n6dlh]

Do you have a recommendation for a class 1? The only one I can find is the Hyper sold by walmart...

i have a Hyper class 1commuter bike I bought for the wife. Its works fine, but I was worried about her hitting mud on the access roads in the swamp. I caught a cyber monday deal and got it cheap. Currently have it up on craigslist.

 

[jphillips97]

i have a Hyper class 1commuter bike I bought for the wife. Its works fine, but I was worried about her hitting mud on the access roads in the swamp. I caught a cyber monday deal and got it cheap. Currently have it up on craigslist.

I found it at SAM'S for $499... seemed like a good deal. I wanted something cheap enough that if it got stolen in the woods i was not crushed and angry.... Should help me get my cameras moved around preseason down here in FL. I hunt Eglin and they do not allow anything with a throttle so sure class 1 was important. Glad you had good experience with it...

 

[Lowg08]

I bought one because I just recently broke my ankle well it’s going to take a while. So it’s the only way I can hunt for a bit. Our rules state is not considered motorized 750w and under. I’m NC.

 

[n6dlh]

I can tell you the full suspension makes a world of a difference when you have back issues. Did a nice 11 mile ride and makes a huge difference. Did the power lock out to 750 watt and was able to climb the hills fine even with the lowest assist and a loaded trailer simulating taking a deer out. The mid drive is really different then the hub drive models. Definitely jerky on how the power kicks in for the assist. Put it In unclassified mode and full power on the Ultra is pretty amazing. It has way less power then say a Honda 50cc even in full power mode but, more then enough to get me out of the woods if I hurt my leg or twist and ankle.
I got to test out the 1Up bike carrier and I am super impressed with it. So fast and easy to get the bike loaded and locked in.
One of the great things about E-Bikes when you have injuries, it allows you to push yourself to get the exercise that most of us need. If it gets to the point where you are starting to deal with increasing pain you have an option of getting back without further injury that would normally put you down for several days or more.

 

[kyler1945]

I’m on season 4 with mine.

I ride it through mud, water, cockle berries, woods, sticks, everything. Sometimes walking is easier. Sometimes riding is easier. But riding is always faster unless it’s mud that’s constantly deeper than 2-3”.

I’ve killed deer I wouldn’t have killed if I didn’t have the bike. I’ve also killed deer I could’ve easily walked to.

The bike is a tool. It’s an effective one if the user is effective in using it. It can also be a waste of money and pointless at times. Just like your saddle, 500.00 climbing sticks, 50k truck, cel phone, you name it.

I regularly use the bike where I can use my four wheeler. Deer have habituated to motor noise and have built schedules and actions(or non actions really) around those. Bikes offer a distinct advantage jn these situations.

Most public land has hard boundaries these days. Fragmentation of wild places is happening at blinding speed. But deer are creatures of edge, and have flourished. Why am I saying this? Because all the people complaining about how e bikes are going to ruin hunting and properties are ignoring a rather obvious fact: deer don’t like being around people trying to kill them.

Because they don’t like being around people, when thousands of people start pushing into the remote places they’ve been living because of ebikes, they’re going to adjust. And when there’s hard boundaries on some properties, that adjustment can and often will be moving back towards access points. Meaning e bikes will actually improve hunting odds for people without them.

And just like any other tool, when it’s new and underutilized, it will offer a significant advantage. When everyone uses it, it will become less of an advantage.