ATVs, Hunting Season, and Thefts

NOXUBEE and OKTIBBEHA COUNTIES, Miss. (WCBI) – Four wheelers and side-by-sides have a reputation for being used for work, play, and hunting.

As hunting season approaches, the recreational extra wheels also become a target for thieves.

When hunting season comes around, more ATVs start cranking up.

“They’re all going to hunting camps. They’re ready to go deer hunting. I mean, we started, November 1st will be the main deer hunting season. You’ve already had turkey season starting and everything else and that’s what you use four wheelers for,” says Village Cycle Center owner, Paula Ivey.

As more four wheelers and side-by-sides crank up, more spot and steals start ramping up.

“When we have interviewed some people they’ll say, ‘Well, I was riding by, I saw it sitting there, so I came that night. Key was in it, so I got it.’ So, if you’re going to leave it, at least make it a little difficult for them to get it, like put it in the back, put a chain on it,” says Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree.

Ivey says many customers will call in about their stolen ATVs, but they don’t have the needed information for investigators to track it down.

Ivey also says to have a picture of it, know the color, the model, the make, and most importantly, this number.

“The serial numbers are at different places on different manufacturers and lots of times, if you put a wench on them, you cover up the serial number and so then,  it’s not readily available to check, you have to take the wench off.”

Grassaree says hunting equipment is a hot commodity for criminals during these upcoming months.

“Trailers. Make sure you paint them or put a certain number on them because trailers usually don’t have a serial number. They’re just trailers, but make sure you do something that distinguishes yours from anybody else’s. That’s with any kind of your hunting gear.”

But why do thieves want them more now, than in the summer months?

“They’re wanting one for a low, low price. So, that’s just the way it is, just high demand, Christmas is coming up. The kids want them and some of the people are trying to get them for their kids and then you got thieves out there working trying to do it. It’s just, we’re not going to have that in Noxubee County.”

Ivey says it’s wise to have insurance on your ATVs and it’s important to note any damage your outdoor vehicle may have.

She also says it’s not a good idea to leave your ATV at deer camp, unless you have a way to lock them down.