Choosing The Perfect UTV For Hunting

Improve your next hunting trip by bringing a UTV along! These powersports vehicles help you explore rugged terrain faster, carry your weapon and cargo, and even transport your trophy back to your tow vehicle. But not all UTVs are a good match for hunting trips. Use the following strategies to assist in your search, then visit Nielsen Enterprise to explore UTVs for sale. Our dealership is based in Lake Villa, Illinois, and we also proudly serve those in Chicago as well as Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1. Consider The Terrain

Start by thinking about where you will be using the UTV. Almost any model can handle compact dirt terrain, but not all of them can safely navigate looser materials (such as sand or mud). If you'll be exploring more challenging terrain, get a model that is equipped to handle it. You can purchase a UTV constructed with those terrain types in mind or you can invest in aftermarket parts designed for those terrains.

2. Consider The Trail Width

Some hunting grounds are full of narrow paths. Many of them can be width-restricted for powersports vehicles. If you want to explore these areas, focus on getting a smaller and more compact UTV.

3. Consider The Trail Obstacles

If the hunting area is full of obstacles, get a UTV that can rise to the challenge. For example, you'll want high ground clearance for navigating rocky terrain. That way, you can cruise over obstacles without damaging the underside of your vehicle.

4. Consider The Noise Level

The rumble of an engine is a welcome sound on an adrenaline-fueled trail ride. But on a hunting trip? Not so much. The engine growl could easily scare your prey away. As you shop around, seek out models that run quieter. You can also install upgrades that dampen sound. Just remember to include these costs in your budget and make sure the model you are considering can handle those upgrades.

5. Consider The UTV's Aesthetic

A brightly colored UTV looks great on a recreational ride—but standing out is the opposite of what you want on a hunting trip. Look for neutral colored models in grays, dark greens, and blacks. You can even find models with a camouflage paint job that blend into the scenery.

6. Consider Your Physical Abilities

Hunting is a physically-engaging sport. Whether you bow hunt or rifle hunt, you need to use your muscles to hold up your weapon. You don't want to use all your endurance wrangling a difficult UTV and then be too tired to use your weapon! Be realistic about the UTV size, weight, and power potential you can handle on a hunting trip.

Don't forget to factor in your unique height and arm span. Taller individuals want to avoid having to hunch over to fit. Shorter individuals want to avoid straining to reach the controls. Always test drive the models you are considering, which will help you determine whether it fits your body.

7. Consider the UTV Accessories

Finally, think about what accessories you may want to purchase. The right upgrades can dramatically improve your time on the trail.

For example, brighter LED headlamps give you valuable visibility, especially if you ride after the sun begins to set. A hitch makes it easy to tow a trailer, giving you even more storage space for your hunting gear. A gun scabbard provides a secure way of transporting your weapon. These are just a few of the many UTV accessories that can be useful on a hunting trip. 

Ready to shop UTVs for sale? Check out the selection at Nielsen Enterprise. Our friendly staff can answer questions and help you find the perfect model for hunting! We proudly serve those in Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.