Tips For Hunting With Your UTV
If you own a UTV or you’re thinking about buying one, you probably have a good idea of just how versatile these machines can be. In addition to being useful around job sites and on recreational trails, they can be extremely helpful on hunting trips, too. You'll easily cruise over difficult terrain as you search for the right hunting spot. Enjoy easy transportation of your weapons and cargo, thanks to the spacious storage compartment in your UTV. You can even use your side-by-side to carry your trophy back to your vehicle.
Loewer Powersports & Equipment is your premier side-by-side dealer located in Alexandria, Louisiana, so we have provided some tips to help you make the most out of hunting with your UTV. If you have any questions or you are looking for the best hunting UTVs, visit our dealership to see what we have in stock right now!
Choose the Right UTV
You should start by making sure that your UTV is ready for hunting. Think about where you plan to do most of your hunting. Keep in mind that side-by-sides are built to handle all types of terrain, so you should think about what kind of terrain you’ll be on while you’re hunting. If you plan to use your vehicle primarily for hunting, then you should consider a model that can cover a wide variety of terrain. These types of UTVs tend to come with a bit more power so you can get up and down slopes and through muddy or difficult areas with ease. You’ll also need to ensure that your side-by-side has towing capabilities and it can accommodate any extra passengers you plan to bring along.
If you’d like, you can look at aftermarket parts that will enhance the performance of your UTV. For example, maybe you want a gun scabbard so you can keep your hands free while you ride. You can also install LED lights to improve visibility while riding in the early morning or dusk hours. Investing in a winch will help you pull your game out of a deep ditch or rescue a fellow rider if they get stuck.
Wear Proper Gear
Whenever you operate your side-by-side, you should wear a helmet. You’ll also want to dress for the water while keeping safety in mind. To make yourself visible to others in the area, make sure to wear a bright-colored vest. Even when it’s hot outside, you’ll want to protect your arms and legs by wearing long sleeves and pants. Don’t forget to wear a durable riding jacket, a sturdy pair of boots, and gloves with a good grip. During the colder months, it’s advisable to keep yourself warm by wearing layers.
Scout Your Location in Advance
You'll want to find an ideal hunting spot ahead of time. A good way to ensure a successful excursion is to find the best feeding grounds depending on what type of game you’re hunting. Your UTV can come in handy for this trip. You'll be able to quickly navigate difficult terrain and cover plenty of ground with ease. It's much easier and more time-efficient than walking. As you cruise around, look out for any paths of movement, as well as areas with your prey's favorite vegetation.
Keep Yourself and Your Passengers Safe
Your safety and that of any passenger riding with you should be your top priority. If you’re an experienced rider, you’ll already be aware of these things. You should never drink or use drugs before riding your UTV. Reduce your speed as you enter the woods. As you’ll be handling weapons, it’s up to you to ensure the safety of your hunting party and any others in the area.
Allow Yourself Sufficient Daylight
Riding your UTV through the forest at night is a bad idea as you don’t want to get stuck or lost in the dark. You want to have sufficient light to dress your game, pack up and depart the area, so don’t try to hunt when the sun is low on the horizon. Remember that the weight of your game will slow down your vehicle, so it will take you more time to reach your campsite.
Hunting Tips
As beneficial as a side-by-side can be, it can also interfere with your hunting experience. If you make too much noise or ride too hard, the sounds can scare away the animals. Keep your engine in a lower RPM range and try to stick to established trails so as not to destroy animal habitats.
Once you’ve reached the area you want to hunt, consider getting off the UTV and finishing the last leg on foot if you can. This way, if you still managed to chase off some of the animals, you can distance yourself from the quad and hopefully, find the best game again. You can also cover your UTV to help it blend into the landscape better.
Hopefully, these tips will come in handy on your next hunting trip. If you want more advice or want to look at UTVs for sale, visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment. Our friendly staff will be happy to chat with you about whatever you need. We are located in Alexandria, Louisiana, and we proudly serve all of Rapides Parish and Lafayette.
