Nothing against ATVs as a useful tool in the right hands and under the right common-sense work situations, but this question has nothing to do with that type of use. The question was...
"Do ATV's or 4 wheelers hurt your bowhunting area?"
Absolutely, for all the obvious and very well-presented reasons already given, and more.
One reason not often recognized is the damage ATVs can do to wildlife habitat and sensitive areas such as streambanks, stream channels and riparian (streamside) vegetation. In fact, a significant amount of money is spent each year by clubs, associations and state/federal government agencies (thats YOUR tax dollars at work, folks) repairing damages or avoiding the potential for future damage caused by use of ATVs in areas not intended or designed for them... and much of that damage has longlasting effects on stream and riparian ecosystems that in turn can affect fishing, stream morphology, erosion potential and hunting success in an area for many years thereafter. ATVs can and WILL have a tremendous effect in a short amount of time relative to soil and vegetative impacts, if used irresponsibly or even if used responsibly but in areas prone to chronic soil disturbance (stream bottoms, swales, cutbanks, beaches, vernal pools, etc.). And unfortunately even the most responsible of us often don't recognize the potential problems caused by these machines that are not only engineered for chewing up dirt but which are promoted on TV and in manufacturer's ads as wilderness adventure machines where every soft bank, wetland and stream channel is fodder for doing donuts and wheelies. What appears to be harmless fun on a TV commercial can often result in an erosion nightmare causing habitat effects and destruction far beyond simple noise or animal disturbance problems.
ATVs DO have high potential for scaring animals, and disturbing hunting and fishing areas, and polluting streams, and promoting a couch potato hunting mentality. They have their advantages...but certainly not without serious consequences when it comes to the fields and forests.
So SteveB, is this 'ATV traditional elitist' enough for you?