Best ATVs for Hunting
21.10.2022It is unlikely that you will find good hunting areas next to a busy motorway. Most of the time, you have to get there on dirt roads, over bumps, mud, swamps, or snowdrifts. A normal car will only get you part of the way. This is why many people buy an off-road vehicle. They can drive on any type of terrain and can also be used to transport equipment and loot. In this article, we will tell you what all-terrain vehicles for hunting are and how to choose the best one.
What is an all-terrain vehicle?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with off-road vehicles, here is a brief explanation of what they are. An all-terrain vehicle is an off-road vehicle that can travel over rough terrain. It has the following characteristics:- A strong and reliable frame
- A powerful engine
- Suspension designed for rough roads
- Tyres suitable for off-road use.
In addition, they are usually equipped with a spacious luggage rack and brackets for various equipment. Although all of these vehicles are designed for off-road use, there are different grades within the class, depending on the style of use. We recommend that you study the features of different types and choose a specific model based on your needs.
Types of ATVs
As with any technology, versatility usually means that all features are average. Most hunters do not need one vehicle for all occasions. It is therefore better to decide which features are most important to you and choose the vehicle that best suits them.
For example, if you plan to hunt ducks in the spring, you will not need a heavy multi-passenger tracked vehicle. Conversely, if you are organizing a hunting trip for a group of people, a small, maneuverable vehicle will not be suitable.
Off-road vehicles are divided into two main types: light and heavy. There is also a classification according to the type of engine: tracked, wheeled, or hovercraft. Let's look at these types in more detail.
TRACKED VEHICLES
All-terrain vehicles are vehicles that run on caterpillar tracks. They have very good off-road mobility and in this respect outperform wheeled versions. However, they have a major disadvantage: high fuel consumption and low speed.
When selecting a tracked vehicle, the following requirements are important:
- Good manoeuvrability
- Low weight
- Good off-road capability
- Work in low temperatures (relevant for snowmobiles).
WHEELED VEHICLES
As the name suggests, this is a vehicle with wheels. These are usually vehicles with low-pressure tyres, i.e. tyres inflated to only 0.5-1.5 atmospheres. Unlike tracked vehicles, these all-terrain vehicles are more maneuverable and weigh less. They are also good at moving across waterlogged areas, which the caterpillars cannot cross. They are good on soft ground such as snow and sand. Low-pressure tyres also exert less pressure on the ground, so they do not damage it.
Disadvantages include low speed and large size. They are not suitable for use on public roads. They are also not suitable for use in very rocky terrain due to the risk of punctures.
Wheeled ATVs can also be classified according to the following principle:
Three axles
All-terrain vehicles with three axles have 2 more variants:
-
Small size, which can carry up to 4 people. The axles are arranged symmetrically, with an equal distance between the wheel axles. The advantage of these vehicles is greater maneuverability and off-road capability compared to 2-axle models.
-
Heavy off-road vehicles, similar to army vehicles. The axles are not symmetrical (one at the front, two at the rear). These models are suitable for transporting large loads and many passengers. They can be used for hunting tours, for example.
Four axles
Machines with four axles have very high off-road mobility. Depending on the number of wheels (the more the better), the ability to cross difficult terrain can be increased. Four-axle off-road vehicles can be either small (designed for 4-6 passengers) or very heavy with a large capacity..
Four-wheel drive
Torque is sent to all four wheels simultaneously, giving very high off-road capability and excellent traction. Four-wheel drive improves traction, so you'll feel confident in wet and slippery conditions. Four-wheel drive also allows you to get out if the wheels get stuck in mud or snow.
There are different models with four-wheel drives, such as 2×2, 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8.
HOVERCRAFTS
Vehicles that can not only travel on hard surfaces but also overcome water barriers. They are classified as amphibious. Amphibious vehicles can be propeller-driven, wheeled, or water-jet-driven.
Vehicles that can not only travel on hard surfaces but also overcome water barriers. They are classified as amphibious. Amphibious vehicles can be propeller-driven, wheeled, or water-jet-driven.
Propeller-driven hovercraft has the best characteristics for moving on water. There are also tyre-powered amphibians, but they are less maneuverable on water. These models use wheels to turn.
Hovercrafts are suitable if you plan to travel mainly on water, as their speed on land is very low.
How to choose a vehicle for hunting
As you have already seen, there are many different types of all-terrain vehicles. So which one should you choose? Universal machines that can do everything may seem tempting, but versatility always comes at the expense of functionality. It is better to skip unnecessary features in favor of real needs.
First, ask yourself how and where you will be using the vehicle. How many people will it carry, and how much weight will it carry? All this will help you make the right decision.
If you often travel in swampy or snowy terrain, look for snowmobiles with low-pressure tyres. They will not get stuck in loose snow and will be able to cross water barriers. Disadvantages include lower speed compared to high-pressure tyres, but low-pressure tyres can withstand heavy loads and do not damage the ground.
If you're going off-road in normal terrain with uneven surfaces, tracked models are perfect. For storming lakes and swamps with minimal overland travel, then an amphibious all-terrain vehicle is the right choice.
The next thing to consider is the number of passengers. If you hunt alone and can take one passenger at most, then a light vehicle will suit you. But if you have a large group, you will need a heavy model with a high load capacity.
Other important criteria include:- High cross-country capability
- The low weight of the equipment
- Resistance to high and low temperatures
- Availability of attachments for tools
- Ability to install additional equipment
- Passenger comfort
The optimal combination of these features will relieve you of many problems and make your hunting trips much more pleasant.
Enwix ATVs for hunting
If you are looking for a low-cost all-terrain vehicle with low-pressure tyres, take a look at the Enwix models.
- Modular design. You can add all the equipment you need to the standard model.
- Large load capacity. Maximum in its class.
- Safety. Full safety frame, safety belts.
- High maneuverability and off-road capability. Easily negotiates water obstacles and does not get stuck in deep mud, sand, or loose snow.
- Passenger comfort. The vehicle offers different levels of comfort, including comfortable seats and a tent.
- All-weather capability. All-terrain vehicles can withstand high and low temperatures, with heating for winter travel and an insect-proof tent for summer.
Enwix all-terrain vehicles are suitable for hunting in all seasons. Choose your configuration.
