ATV or SUV: which is better for hunting and fishing?

Preparing weapons, gear, equipment, and provisions is only half the story when preparing for hunting or fishing. The second, no less important half is the choice of place. The farther this place is from residential areas and roads, the more likely it is to get good loot. This rule becomes especially relevant during the hunt for a large trophy. What is the best way to get to such places and which transport is worth choosing? The most popular enthusiasts of hunting and fishing are four-wheel drive off-road vehicles, ATVs and SUVs.

We will tell you about the advantages of riding an ATV and about the features of the choice of this vehicle.

ATV quad bikes for hunting and fishing

As we have already mentioned, for better hunting or fishing, many tend to climb to places as far away from civilization as possible, where there are often no roads, but only broken tracks or just directions. In such conditions, the possibility becomes an important parameter of transport. ATVs have much smaller dimensions and weight, they are more mobile and maneuverable SUVs. ATVs can call in where off-road vehicles are closed. This is the first advantage of all-terrain vehicles.

The second advantage is profitability. A less voluminous all-terrain vehicle engine and low weight of equipment positively affect the efficiency of the motor. Using a quad bike while fishing or hunting, you will consume much less fuel.

Speaking about saving money, it is worth mentioning the high cost of preparing and maintaining an off-road vehicle. If ATV bike (All-Terrain Vehicle) is initially designed for off-road driving, then various modifications and installation of off-road equipment, the purchase of special mud rubber on a car will cost more than the same operations for all-terrain vehicles. Think about whether it’s advisable to keep an entire SUV for occasional hunting or fishing trips, as you can neither drive nor park around the city on such an “off-road monster”?

On the other hand, SUVs win in comfort and spaciousness. During the trip, you sit in a comfortable chair, and the trunk allows you to carry more booty or provisions with you. In this regard, cars can compete with ATVs of the Side-by-Side type (landing side-by-side), and first of all it is UTV - Utility Task Vehicle. Here you will find ergonomic heated seats, a roomy reclining cargo compartment, and a spacious lounge that allows you to take one or even a couple of friends with you. There are even modifications with windshield and rear window, wiper, doors, and even interior heaters.

The problem of spaciousness on classic ATV Africa is solved by purchasing special baggage pads, wardrobe trunks or a trailer.

Safety while hunting and fishing on a quad bike

Due to the open design of the ATV, many have concerns about safety. In fact, if a rider knows how to handle equipment and is dressed in the necessary protective equipment, then riding a quad bike is no more dangerous than off-road car rides.

In some aspects, the ATV will even be safer. For example, to extract an ATV from dirt or swamps is much easier than an SUV weighing 5-6 times more.

If you are going hunting or fishing on an ATV with an overnight stay, you will have to take a tent with you. Those who ride an SUV have the opportunity to spend the night in a car. Some lovers of hunting and fishing will find in this minus all-terrain vehicles.

What to bring with you for hunting and fishing on an ATV?

To begin with, any ATV vehicles should be equipped with some equipment before hunting or fishing. First of all, these are wardrobe trunks. Sealed plastic wardrobe trunks can be installed on the front and rear cargo area of ​​the ATV. Also for hunting, you will need a special case for weapons. And fishing rods for ATV rods are very useful. All of these accessories can be found in motorbikes selling ATVs.

If you have a difficult off-road, then a winch is a must-have accessory. Consider installing this equipment if it is not supplied with the factory equipment.

Once you have installed the wardrobe trunks - it's time to fill them. For hunting or fishing trips with an overnight stay, take the following things:

·         The tent

·         Sleeping bag

·         Set of warm clothes

·         Spare Socks

·         Stock of food and drinking water

·         Bowlers and tripod

·         Small ax

·         Firebreakers

·         Repellents.

Since when hunting or fishing you will be removed from gas stations, you need to grab a supply of gasoline with you. You can purchase special canisters with mounts for an ATV.

Do not rule out the possibility of breakage along the way. You need to be prepared for everything. Therefore, in case of unforeseen situations, it may be useful:

·         A pair of tire repair kits

·         Compressor

·         Set of cap and open-end wrenches

·         Screwdriver Set

·         A pair of spare candles

·         Spare variator belt replacement tool

·         Fuse kit       

The necessary equipment for hunting and fishing on an ATV
ATVs for hunting and fishing

For maximum safety and comfort, while riding an ATV bike, you should get special equipment. A mandatory part of the equipment of any ATV is a helmet. The rest depends on your preferences and hunting or fishing conditions.

In windy weather or during rain, a quad bike suit and gloves are very useful. The suit, as a rule, consists of overalls and a jacket. For ATVs, such clothes are made from waterproof and windproof fabric.

In the cool season, you can wear a fleece jacket under the suit.