ATV Hunting Tips

All terrain vehicles or ATVs can be used for work and play purposes, as transport over rocky terrain or as racing vehicles on powersports tracks. But did you know that they can also be quite useful machines for hunting? ATVs help you to reach your ideal hunting ground more quickly than walking and can also help you to cart game back to your truck. Some hunters who have physical limitations may find that ATVs make hunting much easier and more enjoyable for them, too.

If you want to improve your hunting experience by using an ATV, it’s important to get as much usefulness out of it as possible and to be safe while you do it. That’s why the folks at Family Powersports Odessa have provided this list of ATV hunting tips. If you have any questions or concerns about how best to hunt using an ATV, contact us or drop by our dealership to talk to our capable staff!

Choosing The Right ATV

Your first step is to make sure you have an ATV that’s going to be well-suited to hunting. ATVs are built to handle different types of terrain, so you’ll want to take note of the area you plan to hunt in and what the ground is like. An ATV capable of handling a wider variety of terrain is good for hunting, as these vehicles often have more power to help you get through difficult muddy regions and up slopes. You’ll also want an ATV that is capable of towing and can handle extra passengers if necessary. If you plan to add some aftermarket accessories to your ATV, make sure it can handle the power for a light bar or have the space for a gun scabbard, too.

Gear To Bring

Make sure you wear a well-fitting motorcycle helmet with face mask or a motocross helmet and goggles for head and eye protection whenever you’re operating your ATV. You should wear long sleeves and pants that are made of sturdy fabric to protect you from scrapes on the trail. Gloves and boots will complete your ATV riding ensemble. Pack a first aid kit, a repair kit, air compressor, signal flares, an emergency radio, your GPS unit, your phone with charger, food and water. Always travel with at least one other person so you have someone to help pull you out of a ditch or escape from danger.

Handling Difficult Terrain

When riding over rough terrain, it pays to be cautious because certain obstacles can shift under your ATV’s weight, like gravel, sand, rocks and branches. Head up to an obstacle in low gear and four-wheel drive, maintaining your balance by shifting your body weight so you don’t tip over. When going downhill, use these same settings and don’t slam the brakes or turn either direction if you want to prevent your ATV from sliding and tumbling. Apply brakes intermittently to slow your vehicle without losing control and don’t take hills that are muddy or have poor traction. It can help to practice your riding skills before your hunting trip so you know how your ATV handles and what to expect under a variety of conditions.

Keeping Quiet

ATVs make a lot of noise. This can scare animals, so you should try to reduce how much noise your ATV generates. You can use soundproofing materials like rubber to reduce rattling noises and strap down or remove any loose metal parts that might create noise. If you find your ATV is whistling, this could mean there’s a leak or crack in your exhaust, which could make it backfire. Inspecting and maintaining your ATV can help to prevent this by letting you know about problems before they become serious. Mud and sand can work their way into your calipers and between brake pads and the rotor, making your brakes groan and whine. Check your wheel bearings for water and mud if you hear your tires screech. Cleaning your ATV on a regular basis can help to prevent these issues, particularly before you store it at the end of the season.

Visit our showroom in Odessa to see our vast inventory of new and used UTVs and ATVs for sale, including models by Polaris® and Bennche. Family Powersports Odessa also happily serves the cities of Midlands, Andrews, Pecos and Fort Stockton, Texas.