Hunting Vehicles

[Mongo Hunter]

Hey there fellow hunters, I’m new to the forum but I have been hunting for about 10 years now.  I am mainly curious what hunting vehicles you guys prefer. I used to have a jeep but 2 years ago traded it in for a 2nd gen Tundra and it has become apparent that it’s just too big to fit into some of the smaller trails I’d like to get into.
I like the idea of an ATV cause of its size, but from experience with sport quads I know they can throw you a beating as much as you give one with a hard day of riding and I’m limited with space for cargo (tree stands, packs, guns, bows, people, ect.) or animals.
These new UTV’s look slick and have lots of cargo space plus, if I bring a buddy I have an open seat, but these things are NOT CHEAP!
So that brings me around to a purpose built hunting rig like a jeep, which although cheap and has room, I can’t get in has many places as a ATV or a UTV for that matter, which kinda defeats the purpose. I just thought I would get what you guys, like, don’t like, use, or have had experience with. Sorry for the long post but I have been thinking about this for a while, lol.
And tailoring is really no big deal but to trailer a Jeep to go hunting is a pain, so it would have to be in tip top mechanical shape so I don’t get left in the woods stranded.

[bobcat]

I bought a 1988 Bronco II about four years ago just for that purpose. I only paid $1000 and since then I haven't really put any money into it, other than a new alternator and some All Terrain tires (which I got used for $150.) The Bronco gets me into a lot of tight spots where I wouldn't necessarily want to drive my full size truck.

I'm not sure exactly what it is you're asking? Do you want a street legal vehicle, or not? What I've found is that ATV's/UTV's are not even legal to use in most places in this state, so you're better off having a full size street legal vehicle that you drive down the freeway if you want.

You might look into Suzuki Samurais. Just Google it and you'll find all kinds of information on modifying them for off road use.

[skinzner]

I have a suzuki samurai that i usually use , it fits everywhere and turns around very easily in tight spaces. I have a f350 crewcab longbed and after driving that on forest service roads and running into a lot of rigs and having to turn around in some hairy places it was time for a change. I put a hardtop with roof rack on the sammy and some aggressive tires and it will go anywhere i need to go and is great in the snow. Really good on fuel also.

[Mongo Hunter]

Sounds like im not the only one. never thought about the samurai's or trackers, but at the same time i would have to tailer it or run the risk of getting stranded if it breaks down. thats the one down side to going the cheaper rout is bying a lemon.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

I have a 4runner that's been a few places that you couldn't get a truck because of the shorter/narrower wheelbase.  Has room for me and my gear.  I've even overnighted in it before.  Have hauled a few dead animals in it too. 

I put a new centerforce clutch and heavier flywheel in it.  New heavyduty springs in the rear (gets rid of the 4runner sag), new poly bushings, high output alternator.  It's a daily driver so I've kept it mostly stock.  However, you can do quite a bit to a 4runner to make it off road capable.

[JimmyHoffa]

When the roads allow, the F-350 land yachts are hard to beat.  For the spurs and washouts the little vehicles have impressed me quite a bit.  Samurai, Jeeps, and Geo Trackers.  I have gone to the off road park in Tahuya near Belfair and got to ride around in a few of my buddies vehicles and have been impressed.  The jeep was weaving in and out of and around trees like nothing.  Stuff I can't dream of in my pick up.  The little vehicles are hard to get stuck and easy to get out if they are.  The thing I didn't like was they tipped over easily...but were easy enough to right.

[Mongo Hunter]

I used to drive my jeep daily and used it for hunting, downside to that was abuse can transfer over one way or the other. either more miles or more dents lol. i do have a possible access to a 4runner that would make an awsome hunting rig but its has been really let go. its my mother inlaws, but it has sat for about 6 years now, tires are destroyed, the motor at one point was new but now has sat and they went and started it about a year ago to get it out of the garage and no one bothered to check the oil to see if it was any good. the radiator has got just water in it and i guess the transmition is sticking into 2nd or something. and she wants $1000 for it. I told her no way but maybe i can talk her down a bit and get it running.

[bigdave]

I used to have a 93 toyo 4x4 that would fit into some crazy places. with the right tires it could go crazy. 6' foot bed with a topper was big enough to sleep in if necessary. I loved that truck....but had to get something bigger to fit the wife and kids. I should have kept it just for hunting. oh well. You might look into it.

dave

[fair-chase]

I'll throw a vote out for a Unimog. Going to be pricey to get one in good condition though.

[Mongo Hunter]

Unimogs ROCK! I would be out there making dirt bikes jealous with my approach angle! But yeah, aint cheap.

[Special T]

I know guys that use Unimogs in canada to "get away from people" they drive 4hrs on the road then about 100miles up river beds for hunting... leagal certian times of the year in BC... Had a buddy with a 404 radio cab... pretty bad ass small motor home.. with all the trees on the west side, and closed roads on the E side its harder to put it to the test except in the snow on roads...

If i were to have a dedicated hunting rig for close to home it would be a 80-85 subaru GL hatchback or wagon, Tracker-sami, or bronco 2... those rigs are cheep to buy and fix.. the first 2 you can run all day long for half the ammount of a F250 or other full size... if you got to travel far, tow stuff, and or bing the family your stuck... got to have the big crew cab. 

[Sumpnneedskillin]

When I was stationed in Germany I used to drool all over the Unimogs.  If I get rich and famous it's on my must have list.

[Special T]

There are a couple of builders of these things near here one in BC and 1-2 in Oregon. They are not as expensive as you might think the pic is of a 4 door in Or for sale at $11500.
http://www.unimog.net/exchange/index.php?page=1
This is the Most visted site for the general public buying and selling all things MOG hope it makes you ! I do!

[gasman]

Flat Tow 

I flat tow the Barbie Jeep every where. Pull up, un hook and I have transportation and a base camp ready in 5 minutes. No tieing it down to a trailer, no trailer to maintain, just hook up the tow bar and go.

[gotshot]

I use my f150 crew alot but the 01 toyota tacoma is pretty hard to beat. Very off road capable and still can turn around in some hairy spots.