ATV HUNTING TIPS

Using your ATV while out hunting can give you a number of advantages over going on foot. You’ll be able to travel farther faster and carrying any particularly heavy game will be a breeze. Plus, it’ll be easier to carry supplies around and, for hunters with physical disabilities, your ATV may be the only way you can still enjoy hunting. So if you intend to use your ATV on your next hunting trip, make sure you’re properly prepared and bring the right gear along.

Campers RV Center has provided you some of the basics when it comes to ATV hunting tips and gear. Take a look for yourself and if you need more help or if you’re in the market for a new ATV, stop by our location in Shreveport, Louisiana, near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe. We proudly serve the areas of Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.

Obey the Law

First things first, make sure you’re complying with all ATV and hunting related laws. There are many areas that you won’t be granted access to. This could mean that motorized vehicles are banned from a particular area or it could be protected land for ecological reasons or to protect businesses like mining or logging that don’t allow hunting. Make sure that you’re fully aware of all the locations you will be allowed to hunt.

There are also rules for riding and hunting. Most areas of the country will not allow you to ride with a loaded weapon, so make sure you remove ammunition from your firearm before you move locations. Some states will allow hunters with physical disabilities to fire from an ATV, but there are generally special steps required for this so speak with local law enforcement in the area. Other basic hunting rules will always apply, including hunting in the correct season, having the right hunting tags and the right weapon and ammunition, as well as wearing proper safety gear to keep you visible to other hunters.

Hunting Tips

As advantageous as an ATV can be, it can also interfere with your hunting experience. If you make too much noise or ride too hard, the sounds can scare away the animals. Keep your engine in a lower RPM range and try to stick to established trails so as not to destroy animal habitats. Once you’ve reached the area you want to hunt, consider getting off the ATV and finishing the last leg on foot if you can. This way, if you still managed to chase off some of the animals, you can distance yourself from the ATV and the smell and hopefully find the best game again. You can also cover your ATV to help it blend into the landscape better.

Best Equipment for ATV Hunting

If you’re taking your ATV out hunting, there is specific equipment to help you make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

Gun Scabbard

Sometimes known as a gun boot, a gun scabbard keeps your rifle (or rifles depending on which scabbard you get) safe and secure while you’re in transit. You probably won’t have your hands free to hold onto your gun and slinging it over your back can get in the way of riding. It will also keep the rifle’s sighting from getting knocked out of place and protect the optic. Before putting your gun on the scabbard, make sure it is unloaded.

Lights

Sometimes, you may find your hunting trip starts before the sun is up, or ends after it’s gone down. Getting an ATV with lights or having lights installed on your ATV is a good way to stay safe. While you may be worried about scaring away game, you’ll be in an even bigger pickle if you take a spill or get lost because you couldn’t see. As we suggested before, you can always park your ATV away from your hunting spot and drive it over again if you need to transport a catch.

Winch

There are a couple different reasons to bring along a winch. Firstly, for big game hunters, it can help you pull a catch out of a difficult to reach area, like water or a ditch, and make it easier to dress them. Also, if your ATV gets stuck in a ditch or in mud, a winch can help pull you out of that sticky situation.

Camouflage Cover

As we mentioned before, one way to keep from scaring game off is to cover your ATV. You won’t want to use just any cover though. Make sure it’s camouflaged to blend in with the surroundings. Make sure it’s also durable enough to protect your ATV from the weather, UV light, and other potential hazards like debris, to help it last longer.

Hunting with your ATV can be incredibly exciting and can open up your hunting experience in a new way. Just make sure you’re being safe and smart with your ATV. If yours needs repairs before heading out again or if you’re in the market for a new ATV, stop by Campers RV Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. We welcome all patrons from Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana, as well as Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.