ATV Hunting Tips

While you can use your ATV for fun afternoons on the trail, there are a number of other scenarios in which your ATV can come in handy, including hunting. ATVs can help you reach hunting grounds faster and more easily carry around game. In fact, hunters with physical disabilities may find that ATVs are the only way they can participate. So your ATV can be an incredibly valuable asset on your next hunting trip. You’ll want to make sure you’re using it to your full advantage, so here at Sky Powersports, we’ve provided some quick tips and tricks for using your ATV while out hunting. We’ve even provided some tips for choosing the perfect hunting ATV, so take a look and if you’re still looking for one, stop by our location in Lakeland, Florida to check out what we have in stock. We welcome all patrons from the areas of Orlando, Tampa, and Brandon, Florida.

Choosing the Right ATV

Start by making sure your ATV is hunting-ready. Consider where you’ll be hunting most of the time. There are ATVs built for different terrain, so consider the type of riding and the type of terrain you’ll be on. For hunting, you might want to consider one that can cover a variety of terrain. These types of ATVs usually come with a little more power to help you get up and down slopes and through muddy or difficult areas. Plus, make sure your ATV has towing capabilities and accommodates any extra passengers you plan on bringing with you.

You can also look at aftermarket parts to enhance your ATV. You might want a gun scabbard to keep your hands free while you’re riding, so make sure your ATV is big enough to accommodate this and any other accessories you’d like to add.

Set a price range that suits your budget, giving yourself a little leeway to expand it should you find the perfect ATV that’s a little more expensive. This will keep you from spending money you don’t have. Certainly, ask your dealer about financing options, and while you’re at it, ask them any other questions that come to mind. Whether it’s about a model or about beneficial features or unnecessary features, leave no stone unturned. Take your time and do your research so you know you’re getting the right ATV.

Gear to Bring

You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got all the right gear for hunting with an ATV. Start with safety equipment. As much of a drag as it may be, always wear a helmet, even if you’re worried about it interfering with your ability to spot game. You don’t want to run the risk of getting thrown from your ATV and cracking your head open just for an extra edge. Also, dress for safety and the weather. Even if it’s hot out, wear long sleeves, a jacket, and boots. If it is cold out, consider wearing layers. Also, make sure you’re wearing an orange hunting vest so other hunters can see you.

Be prepared for emergencies with a first aid kit and survival kit. This should include some sort of GPS messenger device so you can radio for help if you get injured or you get lost. Bring a toolkit along for minor repairs that might leave you stranded. Finally, we highly recommend bringing a friend along or hunting with a group. Not only does this provide you with extra security, but it can be fun to share the experience with friends and loved ones. Regardless of how many people you go out with, or don’t go out with, make sure someone back home knows where you’re going to be and what time you should return.

Handling Difficult Terrain

Spend plenty of time practicing before you leave for your first trip. There are lots of trails in the area that can make this fun and entertaining. But you’ll also want to make sure you’re prepared for slightly rougher terrain while you’re out hunting. Odds are, you won’t have nicely cleared paths to travel on. If you’re approaching a hill, don’t panic. To go up, just head into it straight on and stand up, shifting your weight forward. Try to come at it with as much speed as possible and use your momentum to carry you up the hill. Engage the lowest gear possible in four-wheel-drive for steady motion that won’t make you spin out. If you’re unsure if your ATV will make it all the way to the top, simply stop and walk the rest of the way.

If you’re going downhill, downshift to your lowest gear in four-wheel-drive to slow your vehicle. Avoid slamming on the brakes or turning to the right or left, as this can cause you to slide or tumble. Point your ATV forward and lean back while still being able to reach the controls. Apply the brakes intermittently, just enough to keep you from losing control. Never attempt a hill that is muddy or low traction. Whether you’re going up- or downhill, if you feel your ATV is going to rollover, walk away from it. Don’t go down with the ship trying to save it.

Finally, riding over obstacles, like large rocks or logs can be tricky as they can shift beneath your weight, so be careful going over them. Approach the obstacle at a perpendicular angle at a low gear in four-wheel-drive. Try to maintain your balance to avoid tipping. This may require you to stand and shift your weight to counterbalance your ATV.

Keeping Quiet

One of the biggest concerns you may have with hunting with an ATV is the noise it makes. The sound of the engine could scare off game, so you’ll want to take steps to keep your ATV as quiet as possible. Remove or strap down any loose metal. You can even use soundproofing material, like rubber, to further deaden rattling noises.

If your ATV is making a whistling noise, it could be because your exhaust has a leak or crack, which can even lead to backfires. Careful inspection and regular maintenance can catch this problem early on. These checks can also alert you to dirty braking components. Mud and sand can get into your brake calipers and even between the brake pad and rotor. This can cause your brakes to make a loud, whining noise. If your wheels are screeching, check your wheel bearings for water and mud. Regular cleaning prevents this problem, especially when you store your ATV for an extended period of time.

You can also look into muffling the natural sounds of your ATV. For example, the Silent Rider is an extra muffler you can have installed to dampen the growl of your exhaust. It can even be removed if you ride in the off-season.

Hunting with your ATV can make many challenges much easier. As long as you’re being smart and optimizing your experience, you may never want to hunt without one again. If you’re still looking for the perfect ATV, or if your ATV needs some maintenance before the season ends, stop by Sky Powersports in Lakeland, Florida and let our experienced staff know how we can help you. We proudly serve the regions of Orlando, Tampa, and Brandon, Florida.