ATV Hunting Tips

ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, are often used as recreational vehicles for off-roading and hitting up rugged trails through the forest or desert. They offer users a thrilling ride no matter what the conditions are, with powerful engines and high speeds. These very same qualities make quads great vehicles for hunting, too. Some hunters find it’s easier to get around using an ATV when stalking game and that it provides a good, quick way to transport your game back to your vehicle.

Here at Road Track & Trail of Big Bend, we have some extensive knowledge on how best to hunt using an ATV, so we’re imparting some of our wisdom to you with this list of tips. Get out there and bag the game of your dreams with your four wheeler!

Choose The Right ATV

You should first make sure you have an ATV that will lend itself well to hunting. ATVs are built for different styles of terrain, so consider what terrain you’ll be hunting in. Since hunting can cover a wide range of terrains, you might want to get an ATV that is adaptable. These ATVs have a bit more power to help get up and over slopes and across muddy regions. You also want your ATV to be able to tow and to haul cargo. If you have extra passengers, get a two-seater ATV or make sure everyone has their own ATV.

There are parts available to customize and improve your ATV aftermarket if you want to make it more suitable for hunting. A gun scabbard can keep your hands free as you ride, for example. Attaching lights to your ATV can make riding in the very early morning or at dusk easier and safer. A winch can help you pull your game out of a ditch or rescue another ATV that gets stuck.

Bring The Correct Gear

In order to find success while hunting on your ATV, you’ll have to have the correct gear with you. You should ensure that you have the appropriate safety gear for ATV riding, including a well-fitting helmet and protective clothing. Even if the helmet interferes with your sight a little bit, it’s better than suffering a head injury when a deer startles you and you hit a rock and your head slams down or you fall off your ATV. Be smart and stay safe by wearing a helmet. If your helmet lacks a face mask, you’ll want to wear goggles for eye protection from all the rocks that might be kicked up as you ride.

Dress both for safety and the weather. You can usually find camouflage gear that will serve you well for hunting while keeping you warm and protected against the dust, dirt and debris of the trail. Wear a safety orange vest so that you’re visible to other hunters, too.

Obey The Law

You should always ensure that you’re complying with local hunting laws and ATV rules. Some areas won’t be accessible via ATV so you’ll have to park further away, hide your ATV with a camouflage cover so it doesn’t spook wildlife and walk over to where you want to set up your blind. Land can be inaccessible for a number of reasons, from ecological protections to mining and logging enterprises that don’t permit hunting.

Before you head out, check on a map or with the local BLM to see that you’re hunting on legal lands. Most jurisdictions won’t let you ride your ATV with a loaded weapon, so empty your gun before you travel with it. Hunt only during the appropriate season and make sure you have proper identification and hunting tags and permits.

To find your ultimate hunting ATV, come down to our showroom to see our extensive selection of new and used four wheelers for sale. Road Track & Trail is in Big Bend, serving the greater Milwaukee metro area, including the nearby cities of Waukesha and Kenosha, Wisconsin.