Togwotee and the Forest Service

[Pgritton]

Just came back from riding in Togwotee three days. Third trip there so far this winter. Before our first trip we bought WY out of state snowmobile stickers. (Two sleds)

First two trips didn't see anyone who checked on us having the stickers. This last trip while stopped a guy on a sled wearing Forest Service identification stopped while we were paused on the trail and thanked us for buying stickers.

I'm curious who enforces the sticker issue in WY and what exactly happens should you get caught in Togwotee without the WY stickers. I noticed lot's of sleds which I couldn't see stickers on.

Anyone have knowledge or experience? Incidentally, for those who may be interested, Idaho's sticker is $32.50 and Wyomng's is $25.00.

One other question, who funds the trail grooming in the Togwotee area? I saw 3-4 groomers running most of the time and that can't be cheap!

 

[Travelgirl]

maybe people like us buy them and keep them in a ziplock in their pocket. I lost one once carving up some snow and they really don't look pretty stuck all over the sled when you go to many different states. So we'll explain that if we get pulled over that I lost one once and show them we did pay. I just hope we don't run into a patrol with attitude that gets his panties in a bunch and fines us for not displaying them. been lucky so far, keeping my fingers X'ed!

 

[richracer1]

I do know ID, MT, WY require the permit to be stuck on the sled, I would think that most of the Forest Rangers would tell you to stick it on later or are just happy that you actually bought a sticker.

I heard the MT's fine for no permit was around $75, but that was a few years ago.

 

[KSH]

Wyoming requires a VIN number, so they may be a little more relaxed on them not being attached to the sled.

But in the last 9 years of two to four trips a year I have never had my stickers checked. But have been stopped twice for surveys.

 

[Coldfinger]

My Non-resident WY registrations from the last 3 years indicate: For the 2012-2013 season no VIN is required. The previous 2 seasons had a place for the VIN.

I've always understood that the registration is for the sled, not the rider, and therefore must be adhered to the sled. If the sticker falls off the sled you can get a replacement by showing the receipt.

It also, IMHO, makes enforcement easier because the official just needs to look at the sleds rather than spend the additional time talking to the owner or trying to determine who the owner is (sleds may be parked at a restuarant).

I'm guessing the VIN was deleted because it was a PIA and took much more time to sell permits because people wouldn't know their VIN.

 

[WYsteph]

I've been checked once from 2000-2011, last year I got checked 3-4 times. Always have a sticker, so not sure what the fine would be.

From what I understand it is the Snowmobile Trails Fund that the permit money goes to and they fund the grooming and maintenance. Judging from whom has checked us the permits are enforced by forest service personal.

 

[wjl]

Island park and West Yellowstone I have only been checked in town, hotel parking lots and at the trail head.
It seems to be more lately, I think that the economy is the pushing factor and job justification.
This summer fly fishing I was checked sometimes twice a day. Different rangers but still more than usual.
Utah DWR is out a lot of more too.
I look at it this way pay for the permit and have a good time don't pay get into trouble and pay more.

 

[Mafesto]

I always donate to the S & R also, hoping to never need it.
Kind of a good karma thing!

 

[noxis]

been checked alot

Been checked alpt in the togwotee parking lot. Been checked alpt in west in town and on the trail. Dont understand why you would not put it on your sled like it should? Srams like it would be alot easier to just wave as you g buy johnny law as stop and talk to the forest circus

 

[KSH]

My Non-resident WY registrations from the last 3 years indicate: For the 2012-2013 season no VIN is required. The previous 2 seasons had a place for the VIN.

I've always understood that the registration is for the sled, not the rider, and therefore must be adhered to the sled. If the sticker falls off the sled you can get a replacement by showing the receipt.

It also, IMHO, makes enforcement easier because the official just needs to look at the sleds rather than spend the additional time talking to the owner or trying to determine who the owner is (sleds may be parked at a restuarant).

I'm guessing the VIN was deleted because it was a PIA and took much more time to sell permits because people wouldn't know their VIN.

Interesting, I have had to have the correct VIN the last three years to get a tag

 

[togwotee9]

No vin required this year in Wyoming, bought two out of state permits Friday.

 

[Coldfinger]

Interesting, I have had to have the correct VIN the last three years to get a tag

KSH - you must have done the on-line registration. There is a line for the VIN when you do it that way but completing that line is optional according to the instructions.

 

[SRXSRULE]

Have aprox 50 trips to the snowies and never been check. Went to tog last month for the first time and had a guy drive up while we were stopped well off trail. Nice guy, thanked us for buying the passes. Eric

 

[undergroundrmk]

The sheriff can check you also been checked by them also! I think it is a 50 dollar fine! Lived in Wyoming most of my life been riding since the 70's only been checked a few times! Always had mine but have been asked to put it on the machine and not carry it a couple times! Depends on the ranger or the sheriff!

 

[newmy1]

Wyoming requires a VIN number, so they may be a little more relaxed on them not being attached to the sled.

But in the last 9 years of two to four trips a year I have never had my stickers checked. But have been stopped twice for surveys.

Not any longer. Bought one yesterday and they said VIN is not needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KSH]

KSH - you must have done the on-line registration. There is a line for the VIN when you do it that way but completing that line is optional according to the instructions.

Online this year and Bearlodge the last two years.

I guess I would put my VIN no matter what. It gives a better leg to stand on if you loose your sticker.

But I know some people that bring backup sleds but only buy one tag and hop from sled to sled.
Which irritates me.

 

[POWDR]

My guess is if you don't have a sticker and aren't a dick and have cash or check on you- the Ranger would allow you to buy one. Not sure, just a guess. Of course, if you have a cop wanna be that has a hard on for nailing people, that will be a dif story.

Anyone ever been fined? (BTW, I only scanned previous posts so if someone mentioned- my bad)

 

[MT rydn]

My experience with the Wyoming forest services guys has always been positive. I did neglect to place a sticker on one year - bought it but was not on sled, was at home. He was very courteous and asked me to mail him copy of it at later time.
I get the sense the WY forest service guys are there for help and safety and are not in the business of harassment. That's my opinion.

 

[shelbwyo]

Depends where you are I guess... I had to give a vin when I bought mine at wal mart. They are trying to raise the price of tags by like $15 for next year.

 

[POWDR]

^^^^^

Yeah, I know a few of those cats. Most are good dudes that like the outdoors and don't care how most enjoy it. Sled,ski,snowshoe, whatever, they just want to give a hand when they can. My opinion and I would be curious to hear other encounters pos or neg?