UTV Hunting Tips

There are many different uses for utility vehicles, which is one of the many reasons that they’re so versatile in their capabilities. You can certainly enjoy your UTV for a fun afternoon spent tearing up the trails. You can also use it to accomplish challenging work-related tasks. If you’re an avid hunter, your UTV will come in handy for that as well. In fact, your vehicle can be a highly valuable asset on your next hunting trip.

At Maxey's Motorsports, we want to ensure that our customers are fully prepared to hunt with their side-by-side, which is why we have put together this helpful guide. If you need to gear up or you are looking for some quality UTVs or ATVs for sale, feel free to give us a call or visit our dealership in Oklahoma City, OK.

Choosing the Right UTV

The first thing you’ll want to do is to make sure that your vehicle is equipped for hunting. Start by considering where you’ll be hunting. Some models are built for handling various types of terrain, so it’s important to consider the type of riding you’ll be doing and the type of terrain you’ll be on. When used for hunting, you’ll want a UTV that can cover all types of terrain. These models often come with more power to help you get up and down slopes and through muddy or tricky areas more easily. Remember to make sure that your side-by-side has towing capabilities and can accommodate any passengers you’ll have.

If you already have a UTV, you can browse aftermarket parts to get it ready for hunting. For example, you might want to add a gun scabbard to keep your hands free while you ride. Another good idea is to set a price range that’s well within your budget. Allow yourself a little leeway to expand it in case you find the perfect vehicle that’s slightly more expensive. This is an excellent way to avoid spending money you don’t have. You can always ask your dealer about financing options. As a matter of fact, you should ask any question that comes to mind. Take your time when researching UTVs to be sure that you choose the one that’s right for your needs.

Bringing the Right Gear 

A major part of UTV hunting is having the right gear. Safety equipment is a good place to start. While it might seem like a burden, it’s essential that you should always wear a helmet. You don’t want to risk being thrown from your side-by-side without wearing a helmet. You should also dress with safety and weather in mind. When it’s hot outside, you should still wear long sleeves, a jacket, and boots. When it’s colder, you might want to layer up. Plus, you should wear a bright-colored safety vest so other hunters in the area can easily spot you.

Handling Difficult Terrain

This is an important step so it would be wise to practice before your first hunting trip. There are plenty of trails around that can make practice a fun experience. You’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared to handle rough terrain when you do head out to hunt. It’s more than likely that your paths won’t be clear and easy, but it’s still manageable. You should avoid slamming on the brakes or turning right or left because it can cause you to slide or tumble. Point your machine forward and lean back while still being in reach of the controls. Apply the brakes intermittently to avoid losing control. Stay away from hills that are muddy or have low traction.

Respecting Others

You probably won’t be the only one hunting in the area. If someone arrives at a spot first, you’ll need to find your own space separate from them. It’s easy to be perceived as inconsiderate with a UTV if you don’t carefully observe your surroundings. Keep noise to a minimum whenever possible. Remember to follow the traditional hunting safety tips, such as not crossing in the sightlines of others.

Scout the Location in Advance

You should make it a priority to scout your location before you ride out. The area you choose will vary depending on the game you seek. If you’re after bigger prey such as elk, deer, and moose, you’ll want a location with their favorite vegetation. You can also determine their movement by looking for deer paths and trails. A good location will feature some sort of perch area where the wind will blow toward you so that the prey don’t smell your scent and retreat. Fortunately, a UTV gives you the advantage of being able to scout several hunting spots across a wide terrain.

We hope that this guide to UTV hunting has been helpful as you prepare to ride. For more information or if you’d like to check out some great UTVs or ATVs for sale, visit Maxey's Motorsports in Oklahoma City. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Tulsa and Edmond, Oklahoma, so stop by today!