Bill Burgund, a retired police officer, was injured in March when an ATV rider ran him over on a road in the Bitterroot National Forest. The trespassing ATV rider immediately fled the scene, an area above Como Lake set aside for wildlife, hiking and horseback riding. Burgund will face shoulder surgery as a result of injuries suffered in the hit and run.

The incident prompted an editorial and half a dozen letters to the editor calling for better enforcement. More recently, two different programs announced that they will give out cash rewards to citizens who provide tips that help authorities nab the guy who ran over Burgund. The Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is partnering with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ 800-TIP-MONT hotline. Tipsters who report illegal incidents involving off-road vehicles can receive $1,000 or more. Separately, the Ravalli County Off-Road Users Association is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the rider who fled after injuring Burgund.

Burgund lost the lower half of his left leg after he sustained multiple injuries in the line of military and police. Burgund walks with the help of crutches. Nonetheless, he manages to hike in several non-motorized areas of the Bitterroot National Forest when he’s not busy taking care of the Darby property he purchased upon retirement. “As a retired police officer, I know that a law is worthless without fair, effective enforcement. Unfortunately, we need to see more of that on our national forests.”

He told the Missoulian that he is not going to quit exploring the forest because of what happened. “I take my gun now every time I go out hiking,” he said. “The next guy that runs over me is going to get shot.”