UTV vs ATV? What would you recommend for deer hunting, trapping and duck hunting?

[Stick & String]

What would you recommend for deer hunting, trapping and duck hunting? The trail we go on to our duck lease is pretty rough and narrow and I'm not sure if a UTV can make it. I would prefer a UTV for hauling people, decoys and traps. Of course an ATV is much less expensive. What is your experience?

 

[Spurhunter]

Like you said, side by sides are really nice if you have 2 people a lot of the time. Plus, you can throw decoys and gear in the bed. In your situation IF a SxS would make down the trail I would probably go that route. I use a 4 wheeler because I'm almost always by myself and I can drive through tight spots in the woods right up to a deer.

 

[sgtwebb1]

Same here.
Many spots on our lease are inaccessible to anything but two legs and 4x4 ATVs.

 

[Lost Lake]

Pretty much what the previous posters said.

I like my RTV, (even though I really only use it to get a deer out or hauling tree stands pre and post season ) but the one thing I don't like is pulling a trailer just to haul it. A lot of ATVs will fit in a truck bed.

 

[rem270]

They both serve their own purpose but I can get to a lot more places on my 4 wheeler then I ever could my SxS and that's why I prefer a 4 wheeler.

 

[Hduke86]

Pretty much what the previous posters said.

I like my RTV, (even though I really only use it to get a deer out or hauling tree stands pre and post season ) but the one thing I don't like is pulling a trailer just to haul it. A lot of ATVs will fit in a truck bed.

I specifically looked for a truck with a bed long enough that I could load my atv, close the tailgate and haul my pop up camper. I think my next purchase is one of those diamondback truck bed covers so I can load my atv on top of it and have my truck bed open for other thing but also can still haul my camper all at once

 

[BSK]

We have a utility UTV, a Kawasaki Mule that converts from 2 passenger with large bed to 4 passenger with shorter bed. We use it not only to transport big 2-person ladder stands to pulling agricultural equipment, sprayers, seeders, etc. Plus great when multiple going hunting in the same direction, and for hauling out deer from road accessible areas. However, we couldn't live without an ATV. About half the deer we haul out cannot be reached by a UTV. Takes a smaller, lighter ATV to get into the steep hollers and rough terrain.

 

[Gravey]

For multiple people it's hard to beat a UTV. I had a Honda Pioneer 700 and the best feature is a windshield when it's 20 degrees outside and a roof when it rains. An ATV is definitely easier with 1 person and no need for a trailer. I've been using my ole 99 Honda 300 again for the past 2 years having gotten rid of the Pioneer for a Talon. I could use the Talon if needed but it's just me pretty much all of the time. I did put a basket on the front so I don't have to try and strap everything down.

 

[UCStandSitter]

I have a stubby side by side (Ranger 570 Midsize). Not much larger than a 4 wheeler. In fact, I access the same tight spots the other fellars on my spot do with their 4 wheelers and never have an issue. Mine is a 2 seater. I wouldn't recommend a 4 seater for this. Boy do I love havin a mini truck in the woods though. That bed is super handy. No strappin stuff down. Just toss it in and roll. Plus having a windshield is great when rollin through the thick stuff. No limbs smackin you in the face. Can't believe I didn't buy one sooner.

 

[Laserman1]

Honda pioneer 500 will go down any atv trail; it's made that wide to access state atv trails. I had a ranger 500 that would fit in truck bed that was nice but hard to maneuver in the woods and overkill after my son stopped going with me. Also you find you haul more and more crap with the bed. I even put a extended shelf above the bed for more crap.

 

[RobbyW]

We have a utility UTV, a Kawasaki Mule that converts from 2 passenger with large bed to 4 passenger with shorter bed. We use it not only to transport big 2-person ladder stands to pulling agricultural equipment, sprayers, seeders, etc. Plus great when multiple going hunting in the same direction, and for hauling out deer from road accessible areas. However, we couldn't live without an ATV. About half the deer we haul out cannot be reached by a UTV. Takes a smaller, lighter ATV to get into the steep hollers and rough terrain.

Which one is easier to get off a train track?

 

[CATCHDAWG]

Which one is easier to get off a train track?

Pretty sure that train could have removed either one equally the same! Lol

 

[rickyk280]

I got both and for me hands down the ATV, bought a new Polaris a few years back I tried it one season went back to the ATV. Haven't been on the Polaris in 3 years. Wife uses it to haul garbage to the burn pit.

 

[BSK]

Which one is easier to get off a train track?

Can't say about the UTV, but the ATV is darn hard to get off the tracks when a train going 60 MPH is 100 feet away!

To this day the sound of a train whistle gives me cold chills.

 

[TnKen]

As the others have said, an atv will get in more spots than a Utv. I have a Honda Foreman that I put front and rear baskets on. I can haul myself, a buddy with our gear plus my dog. I tow decoys in a jet sled behind it. Atv is easier on the trails and easier to get out if you get stuck.

 

[gatodoc]

I've got both but now use my Honda pioneer 500 most of the tim. I can get it anywhere I can get my foreman

 

[GOODWIN]

Midsize Ranger is best of both worlds

 

[DMD]

I've had both...I had a big 500 ATV (2000 Arctic Cat), Larger UTV (Yamaha Rhino), Smaller UTV (Honda Pioneer 500), and now a small ATV (Honda 300). I agree with the above consensus...I loved the convenience and comfort of UTV, but for solo deer hunting - overall I prefer the Honda 300. My favorite vehicle of the four was the Honda Pioneer 500 by far. It was the best of both worlds. Small enough to get most places, yet the bed on it was invaluable (with some modifications). Second favorite of these is the Honda 300. But, I would choose 300 over the Pioneer for the following reasons:

I can go anywhere I want, I can handle anything - if tips over...I just roll it back over. I can load it in a truck bed, I can haul it with just about any vehicle, I can hide it in the woods, I can clean it up in a minute - it's just so versatile and convenient, I don't worry about it - I just go...the Pioneer, I was more careful and picky about where I went. So, while the Honda Pioneer is my favorite....the Honda 300 ATV is the better option for hunting to me.

 

[dhpro]

I bought a 570 midsize, love it it goes same as my 500 atv.

 

[Hit&Miss84]

Pioneer 520 is what I would choose. I rode an atv a lot but much prefer the convenience and comfort of the pioneer 500. I would probably get the pioneer 520 now for the bed etc. it will go anywhere an atv will go unless the roll cage is in the way. With a roof and windshield you can stay pretty dry in a UTV.

 

[UCStandSitter]

I bought a 570 midsize, love it it goes same as my 500 atv.

Need a windshield? I have a spare. Ordered one without vents and one with. Ended up sticking with the one with vents. Shipping the other one back was more than was worth fooling with.

 

[dhpro]

Need a windshield? I have a spare. Ordered one without vents and one with. Ended up sticking with the one with vents. Shipping the other one back was more than was worth fooling with.

I don't thanks. I had one stolen off in Illinois this past November didn't take long to replace lol windows are a must!!

 

[Knothead]

Pretty much what the previous posters said.

I like my RTV, (even though I really only use it to get a deer out or hauling tree stands pre and post season ) but the one thing I don't like is pulling a trailer just to haul it. A lot of ATVs will fit in a truck bed.

 

[atnvol]

Actually comparing a UTV to a ATV is like comparing apples to oranges. Two completely different modes of transportation other than both have 4 wheels.

Ideally, a outdoorsman would have one of each....and I know of plenty of fellas that do. But if you could only choose one I would likely go with a UTV. I have a John Deere 835R and I would not have anything else. Of course, the older you get the better you appreciate the creature comforts like a cab with heat and air. But, if you are primarily going through the woods in general off trail the ATV is a no brainer. I like them both.

 

[Knothead]

I have both. There's a time and place for each. It's either good, or better. There's no bad with either one, IMO.

 

[Stick & String]

Thanks for the tips guys. I do a lot of trapping and duck hunting where I need to haul a lot of gear in and am leaning to the UTV. But I can see the advantages of the ATV too. Maybe get both eventually.

 

[UCStandSitter]

Thanks for the tips guys. I do a lot of trapping and duck hunting where I need to haul a lot of gear in and am leaning to the UTV. But I can see the advantages of the ATV too. Maybe get both eventually.

I can't speak for other manuf but Polaris in particular is VERY backed up. I'd recommend going with something on the lot (if any exist) or buying used if you're in a hurry. I actually ordered a different Ranger than I ended up with last year. On month 6 he had one come on the lot that had power steering (bump up from what I ordered) and offered it to me for the same price since it'd been so long. Can't say enough good things about the power steering option in a UTV. MUCH easier to drive that joker. Feels less like a go kart.

 

[BSK]

Thanks for the tips guys. I do a lot of trapping and duck hunting where I need to haul a lot of gear in and am leaning to the UTV. But I can see the advantages of the ATV too. Maybe get both eventually.

When it comes to actual use while hunting, I lean towards an ATV, but if you're hauling a lot of stuff, a small UTV is definitely the way to go.

 

[BSK]

Can't say enough good things about the power steering option in a UTV. MUCH easier to drive that joker. Feels less like a go kart.

We're on our second Kawasaki Mule (over 14 years), and I concur about the power steering. HUGE benefit on a UTV. Our new one has it while our old one didn't. Night and day difference.

 

[TNTreeman]

I love my Kubota UTV but it has its place. For deer hunting I prefer a four wheeler.