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Best ATV for hunting ? #5297699 06/02/11
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1 Eastern KS S Spotshooter OP Campfire Ranger
OP Spotshooter Campfire Ranger S Joined: May 2003 Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1 Eastern KS	Which and why Spot shooter www.prairiefireprecision.com

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Re: Best ATV for hunting ? Spotshooter #5297836 06/02/11
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,567 WY & FL oldman1942 Campfire Tracker
oldman1942 Campfire Tracker Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,567 WY & FL	Just my $.02 but, Think hard about dropping the multi 1000 dollars a good ATV, trailer, insurance and upkeep require. Even my pal's super fancy 6 wheeler just beats the living shiet out of you. These have a cheaper lifetime ownership cost. (Don't see too many 25 year old ATVs still running) He can go anywhere an ATV can, AND can't (Wilderness areas) also far more quiet, doesn't tear up trails or spew pollution everywhere. Higher view and a lot easier on the back too. If we were here or here we'd be arrested if on ANY mechanical vehicle (even a trail bike!) Insofar as open flat country goes, any area with fire service roads (BLM, Natl Forest) are usually open to serious pickups, which are quieter and far more comfortable than an ATV. That tiny box like object on the first step of the high butte at 3 0'clock is this: and it seats 4, has A/C, a heater, a Cummins and will haul the horse trailer too. Good luck.

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? Spotshooter #5298095 06/02/11
Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 169 A AKHuck Campfire Member
AKHuck Campfire Member A Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 169	Originally Posted by Spotshooter Which and why There's two ways to go: Small, tough and capable like a Honda Foreman or big fast and comfortable like a Can-Am Outlander. I've owned several brands, ridden with 'em all. The Hondas are going darned near as long as the four legged hay burner in the previous post and for a lot cheaper! The good thing about one of the Hondas in that you can flip it over if you get stuck or rolled. They'll carry darned near anything too and have a rope pull starter. I do like my Can-Am though. I ride a lot for fun and it just can't be beat (seriously) It makes an awesome hunting rig. It has the power to pull and carry a LOT for camp. Hunting Honda: Hunting Can-Am: A few fun pics: and the year before: No matter what you get, getting out there's what it's all about: I'll grant that horses can get a LOT of places (especially for sheep) that an ATV can't or isn't allowed but they sure aren't cheap! Sometimes I get insanely jealous of those four legged all terrain magnificent beasts of burden. A horse can't be ridden 50 miles in a day through the swamps slides and trails though. A truck go where an ATV can go for hunting? Not even close up here. Down were the land's all locked up, I think it probably can.

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? #5298103 06/02/11
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 18,462 Likes: 2 OreGONE G GreatWaputi Campfire Ranger
GreatWaputi Campfire Ranger G Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 18,462 Likes: 2 OreGONE	Originally Posted by goodiewrench Just my $.02 but, Think hard about dropping the multi 1000 dollars a good ATV, trailer, insurance and upkeep require. Even my pal's super fancy 6 wheeler just beats the living shiet out of you. These have a cheaper lifetime ownership cost. (Don't see too many 25 year old ATVs still running) He can go anywhere an ATV can, AND can't (Wilderness areas) also far more quiet, doesn't tear up trails or spew pollution everywhere. Higher view and a lot easier on the back too. If we were here or here we'd be arrested if on ANY mechanical vehicle (even a trail bike!) Insofar as open flat country goes, any area with fire service roads (BLM, Natl Forest) are usually open to serious pickups, which are quieter and far more comfortable than an ATV. That tiny box like object on the first step of the high butte at 3 0'clock is this: and it seats 4, has A/C, a heater, a Cummins and will haul the horse trailer too. Good luck. Framis, go [bleep] yourself and the horse you rode in on!

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? GreatWaputi #5298717 06/03/11
Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 17,289 I'm in Kalifornia fish head Campfire Ranger
fish head Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 17,289 I'm in Kalifornia

IC B2

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? fish head #5298764 06/03/11
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,867 Montana, formerly Wyoming WyoCowboy Campfire Tracker
WyoCowboy Campfire Tracker Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,867 Montana, formerly Wyoming	you cannot beat a Honda in the reliablity factor, after you own several nothing beats a Honda, sure others are faster and ride better but at the end of the day (experiance dictates) your honda will tow your buddies Yamaha, or Polaris back to camp. �The constitution of the United States asserts that all power is inherent in the people, that they may exercise it by themselves, that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed!� � Thomas Jefferson

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? WyoCowboy #5298819 06/03/11
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 20,554 Alaska AkMtnHntr Campfire Ranger
AkMtnHntr Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 20,554 Alaska	I've been rinding Hondas for about 20 years and primarily for hunting. They aren't the fastest or have the most ground clearance but I have never had one leave me stranded in the field. They are a solidly built, reliable machine that will give you many years of use as long as you do your part in maintaining them. The only thing I hear people complain about are the brakes and my fronts are about worn. I am seriously considering changing it to a disc brake system this summer. Ride red, you won't regret it. That's ok, I'll ass shoot a dink. Steelhead

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? AkMtnHntr #5298959 06/03/11
Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 10,653 Badger State roundoak Campfire Outfitter
roundoak Campfire Outfitter Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 10,653 Badger State	My family has owned several ATV brands over years, but most of us have settled on the Honda's for their reliability, and resale value. My first Honda took me places that my International Scout could not go so I sold it and bought a Chevy Suburban and trailer. Current Honda is a 2002 450 Foreman. If the Honda will not haul everything, I attach a two-wheel trailer. (meat wagon) If the Honda is not up to the job, I bring something bigger. You're Welcome At My Fire Anytime

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? roundoak #5300828 06/03/11
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 748 SW NE D DoubleCK Campfire Regular
DoubleCK Campfire Regular D Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 748 SW NE	We have had great luck with the Honda Rubicons. Double Rifle Rack, Dog Carrier, Silencer, etc. Love that Honda dependability! BTW: We use these too. [img]http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh206/DoubleCK/KENDRICKWEDDING.jpg[/img] [img]http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh206/DoubleCK/DannyonRack.jpg[/img] [img]http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh206/DoubleCK/BiscuitTJdog.jpg[/img] [img]http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh206/DoubleCK/webbiscuitlt.jpg[/img] [img]http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh206/DoubleCK/webbiscuit.jpg[/img] Dont go ridin on that Long Black Train.

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? DoubleCK #5300872 06/03/11
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1 Eastern KS S Spotshooter OP Campfire Ranger
OP Spotshooter Campfire Ranger S Joined: May 2003 Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1 Eastern KS	After I get the rest of my pack gear I plan to get a quad to, if nothing else, help me take corn to the deer feeders out there in the woods, and also to help haul the deer back. Elk, I don't know.. doesn't sound right but who knows, if I have one it's sure cheaper than renting a horse. But ya can't beat a horse, ... both have virtues Spot shooter www.prairiefireprecision.com

IC B3

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? Spotshooter #5301083 06/03/11
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 69,403 Likes: 5 Filer, ID Rock Chuck Campfire Kahuna
Rock Chuck Campfire Kahuna Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 69,403 Likes: 5 Filer, ID	While everyone argues about Honda vs Yamaha vs Polaris vs Arctic Cat, the Kawasaki owners just keep quietly buzzing along with very minimal repairs to highly reliable machines. “In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? #5301198 06/03/11
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 24,583 Likes: 2 Bozeman, MT shrapnel Campfire Ranger
shrapnel Campfire Ranger Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 24,583 Likes: 2 Bozeman, MT	Quote Just my $.02 but, Think hard about dropping the multi 1000 dollars a good ATV, trailer, insurance and upkeep require. Even my pal's super fancy 6 wheeler just beats the living shiet out of you. These have a cheaper lifetime ownership cost. (Don't see too many 25 year old ATVs still running) What planet are you from. That'll be the day a horse is cheaper than even 2 large ATV's. When I get home, I put them in the garage and forget about them until I go on the next trip. Try that with a horse... Anyhow, I have had several brands of ATVs, and I have to say that I would put a 700 King Quad up against them all. I had a Suzuki King Quad when they were originally only 300cc's. It was a great 4X4 and would go anywhere and haul anything... Then I bought a Suzuki Eiger and it worked well until I tried the 700 King Quad. I never thought I would own a big 4 wheeler, but these are so much more comfortable and will go places smaller machines can't. I had a Polaris 700 and it wouldn't handle sidehills as well as the King Quad, so I sold it and bought another King Quad. In between all those I also owned a few Yamaha Big Bear and Grizzlies, but I would still recommend the King Quad. Reliability isn't a real issue with any of them, although I can't speak for a Kawasaki as I haven't had anything to do with them at all. My suggestion would be to go to Craig's list in your immediate area and look for late large ATVs. If you end up with Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha, I believe you will be absolutely happy and you won't have to spend the extra thousand$ it takes to buy new...

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? shrapnel #5301313 06/03/11
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 18,462 Likes: 2 OreGONE G GreatWaputi Campfire Ranger
GreatWaputi Campfire Ranger G Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 18,462 Likes: 2 OreGONE	Originally Posted by shrapnel Quote Just my $.02 but, Think hard about dropping the multi 1000 dollars a good ATV, trailer, insurance and upkeep require. Even my pal's super fancy 6 wheeler just beats the living shiet out of you. These have a cheaper lifetime ownership cost. (Don't see too many 25 year old ATVs still running) What planet are you from. That'll be the day a horse is cheaper than even 2 large ATV's. When I get home, I put them in the garage and forget about them until I go on the next trip. Try that with a horse... Anyhow, I have had several brands of ATVs, and I have to say that I would put a 700 King Quad up against them all. I had a Suzuki King Quad when they were originally only 300cc's. It was a great 4X4 and would go anywhere and haul anything... Then I bought a Suzuki Eiger and it worked well until I tried the 700 King Quad. I never thought I would own a big 4 wheeler, but these are so much more comfortable and will go places smaller machines can't. I had a Polaris 700 and it wouldn't handle sidehills as well as the King Quad, so I sold it and bought another King Quad. In between all those I also owned a few Yamaha Big Bear and Grizzlies, but I would still recommend the King Quad. Reliability isn't a real issue with any of them, although I can't speak for a Kawasaki as I haven't had anything to do with them at all. My suggestion would be to go to Craig's list in your immediate area and look for late large ATVs. If you end up with Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha, I believe you will be absolutely happy and you won't have to spend the extra thousand$ it takes to buy new... You gotta consider the source. There's never been a bigger dumbazz to hit this place than Framis/Olddouche1942/Hosslady/Goodiewrench or whatever name the local transvestite is going by this week!

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? GreatWaputi #5302146 06/04/11
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,972 Northeastern Pennyslvania keystoneben Campfire Regular
keystoneben Campfire Regular Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,972 Northeastern Pennyslvania	I have had a Honda Rancher since 2001. I think its the best all around atv out there. A midsize 4 wheeler works well becuase its not to big or heavy. Whenever it gets stuck on a log or in the mud, its easy for one person to man handle and get it free. Its been realiable for ten years, it always has enough power to get the job dob. I have ridden it along side many other atvs and it always holds its own. I will always recommend a honda.

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? shrapnel #5302316 06/04/11
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18,453 Bernardsville, NJ RDFinn Campfire Ranger
RDFinn Campfire Ranger Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18,453 Bernardsville, NJ	Only a person who's never owned a horse would say something that silly. +1 On the King Quad (or the 700 Grizzly).

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? RDFinn #5302526 06/04/11
Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 7,480 Canton GA badger Campfire Tracker
badger Campfire Tracker Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 7,480 Canton GA	Went from this Honda........ to this one....... without any regrets at all. Both have been absolutely reliable. I've also owned Kawasaki and Yamaha ATV's, and an original 3 wheeler Big Red. Can't say I've had bad service from any of them, but I think the Hondas are a cut above the rest.... To anger a conservative, lie to him. To annoy a liberal, tell him the truth. Promoted to Turdlike status 03/17/12

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? RDFinn #5302535 06/04/11
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 2,338 Mississippi and Texas Jeffpg Campfire Regular
Jeffpg Campfire Regular Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 2,338 Mississippi and Texas	I've been runnin' Hondas all my life. You can't beat 'em. Even the guys I know who choose other brands for one reason or another mostly still agree that for reliability, Honda is tops. I have a new 680 Rincon that is plenty fast and smooth, but this '99 Forman 450 is a real workhorse. It's a lot like an old trusted 30'06...there's faster, but it get's 'er dun ever time. ..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? Jeffpg #5303487 06/04/11
Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 12,156 Mississippi C Crow hunter Campfire Outfitter
Crow hunter Campfire Outfitter C Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 12,156 Mississippi	I'll echo the sentiments about the Hondas, you just can't beat them. I've got two ranchers, a 2001 and a 2010. That being said, all the Jap bikes are pretty decent, with Honda being a step above. The only ATV I wouldn't touch with a stick is a Polaris. You can't spell Polaris with a P, an O, and an S.

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? Crow hunter #5304368 06/05/11
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 5,753 MN cal74 Campfire Tracker
cal74 Campfire Tracker Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 5,753 MN	I've been involved with horses my whole life and nothing will beat them, other than probably a good mule for getting into and out of the rough stuff but you'd have to be smoking whacky tabbacky if anyone thinks they're cheaper than an ATV. Paid for land aside, 3-400.00 a year in shoes, 100.00 vaccinations, 500-4000.00 saddle, 100.00 bridle, 100-200.00 good pad. Plus 2.00-5.00 a day in feed when they can't be in pasture. NOT a cheap hobby Don't have one, but I'd probably vote Honda with a back up recoil starter for a solid bullet proof machine. I have a 700 Sportsman and the ride is great, never really had any problems but don't know if I'd get another one. At the end of the day, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. The Honda being a so-so ride (my opinion) and not the ground clearance as the other ones, but it's probably built the best. Life is just one damned thing after another

Re: Best ATV for hunting ? cal74 #5304611 06/05/11
Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,867 Lakeport, CA C coyote268 Campfire Regular
coyote268 Campfire Regular C Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,867 Lakeport, CA	My Daughter and I have 450 Yamaha'S and are very pleased with them. Where we bought them we had our choice of either the Honda or the Yammie. The Yamaha had a bit more ground clearance and cost slightly less, so we went with them. We have been very happy with them but we probably don't put them to as much hard use as most of you Honda guys do so the Honda could be a better machine in the long run. One thing that we have found out is if you hava a ATV or a UTV be sure to put a winch on it. You don't need it very often but its sure nice to have when its needed. We also use the Guard dog and Trailer Dog for transporting them which saves a lot of tie down work.

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