Illegal Snowmobile Riding May Lead To Arrest, Sheriffs Warn

WILL COUNTY, IL — Snowmobiling on private property is illegal and riders who are caught can be arrested or ticketed, the Will County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

“Deputies are aware of snowmobile riding on private property, just as they are aware of ATV riding on farmers’ fields in the summer,” said public information officer Kathy Hoffmeyer.

The prohibition is covered by many laws and ordinances, and deputies can arrest someone if any of them are broken, she said.

The reminder comes after reports that a retired, trophied show horse died Sunday after it fell and broke its neck when speeding snowmobiles zipped through fenced, private property in an afternoon joy ride. Owners of Vogel Retirement Equine Farm, which boarded the horse, said they believed the horse jumped a fence and fell because it was scared by the snowmobiles that were not permitted on the property. The horse broke its neck and had to be euthanized.

Hoffmeyer said deputies investigated the farm and nearby areas and confirmed several snowmobile tracks near where farm owner Victoria Vogel said the riding happened. Deputies could not locate or identify any riders.

Designated trails and riding areas exist, and snowmobilers should stick to them, if only to protect themselves, Hoffmeyer said.

“If they’re on unfamiliar property, snowmobile riding can be just as dangerous to them,” she said.

There are more than 2,500 groomed trails in Illinois. The state provides a map of them, and lists regulations regarding the licensing and use of snowmobiles.

Photo via Getty Images.