Travel to the hunt zone

[hunterclark]

So I'm going to guess there's more than a couple people here who don't own a 4 wheel drive vehicle for hunting or hauling. Up until this last few years, I've always traveled with buddies that had hunting rigs but nearly all have moved out of state so that's not really an option this year. So, my question for you guys is this, how do you guys who have a 4 door sedan or mini van manage to get out into the woods without getting stuck? Do you drive as far as the road seems good and then hoof it the rest of the way or just gamble that you'll be able to get back out again? Do any of you rent a truck and sneak that into the woods?

[jackelope]

I don’t think I’ve ever had to 4 wheel to my hunting spot. I’m sure plenty of people do, but there are lots and lots of options that don’t require it. A Honda civic will be able to navigate 999/1000 forest service roads. Bad weather throws a twist in, but weather isn’t a huge factor during the time frame that most of our seasons fall into.

[hunterclark]

That's good no know about the honda civic, my daughter's been really after me to take her out for grouse and deer this year since she passed her test this spring and the only thing getting in the way has been trying to figure out where's suitable for non 4x4's. Anybody else with tips here?

[brew]

Get a set of 10 ply or E rated tires or whatever they are on whatever you have and go.  "Back in the day" had 2 BT bucks in my Civic hatchback.  My brother shot a monster 3 pt and we put it in the back of my 65 barracuda

[huntnnw]

Lotta places to hunt with a car. Plan accordingly to the roads you can navigate. Watch weather forecasts and don’t be up high with a storm rolling in and dumping snow.

[MADMAX]

No problemo

[hunterclark]

Wow...That must be eastside or one of the plains states. That would be a pretty funny sight in my neighborhood though!

[shootem]

Always have a safety plan A and B no matter what you are driving. Sooner or later something will go sideways. Good spare tire, tow strap, jump starter, shovel, water, snacks, and blanket or extra warm cloths if you need to sleep in your vehicle. Keep the cell phone charged. Make sure somebody knows where you are going and when to expect you back. If you decide to push it a Garmin inReach satellite device or similar can be a life saver.

[CasterlyRock]

I wouldn't want to beat up my car with some of the logging roads around here. Consider the Weyco walking pass. Park at the gate and walk in. Might also do ok with the Weyco drive in passes, the areas I've walked have pretty well maintained roads.

[MeepDog]

There's tons of places you can hunt from a car, but it can be daunting to make the drive out to a place not knowing if you'll be able to park where you think. Any normal road or parking lot you'll be good, but don't expect to be able to pull off into a ditch or go down two tracks.

[hunterclark]

I've got 2 meter ham radio in my van (which would be the transport), but can also get an HF rig setup for a backup. The Garmin inreach is on my list of items to grab as is the walk in permit, lots of good ideas here. You've all been really helpful here!

[GASoline71]

I used to hunt all over the west slope of the North Cascades in a 1971 El Camino way back in the day. 

Tried heading up into the Colockum one year to elk hunt and put a hole in the oil pan.      Came flying down Coleman Canyon with no brakes and no power steering as the engine was locked up. That was a white knuckle E-ticket ride!   

Bought a truck the next week.  Alas it was a 2wd as well. A 1967 Chevy C10 Stepside.  I hunted in that thing all over the state for years and only got stuck once.  Turned the El Camino into a drag car.  LOL

Gary

[scotsman]

Just for grins I took my 56 ford ranchwagon on a grouse Huntin’ trip. Cars are made for driving…. Just about any maintained forest road will be ok for passenger cars, but keep an eye out for those sneaky rocks and drainage ditches. Yes I carried a comealong, tow strap and Danforth  type boat anchor. Just in case.

[Mtnwalker]

Reminds me of the good ol days hunting out of my buddies sisters civic because it was cheaper on gas than my bronco. I remember the floor board popping up under my feet as we were bombing it down a rocky two track  lucky we never put a hole in anything important

[mcrawfordaf]

I hunt out of my Impreza all the time. But I do a lot of hike/bike in from gates/trailheads. A car will 100% get you to where you want to be. Your boots should do the rest.

[GASoline71]

There is a dude that hunts up in 346 during modern elk season almost every year camped at Sand Creek and drives a dark purple 3rd Gen Camaro.

Gary

[pianoman9701]

I just sold my 2019 TRD Offroad Tacoma and bought a 2017 Rav4. It was a sweet truck, but after having the Tacoma for 5 seasons and hunting the areas I do, I don't foresee a problem. Better mileage, still 4WD if I need it.