How I Set Up My ATV for Hunting Season
Hunting season is here and your ATV/UTV is about to do the hardest work it has done all year. Long days, early cold mornings, heavy loads and trails that aren't fit for a full sized truck. Here's how I set up my quad for hunting season: first a quick service check, then the accessories that turn a trail machine into a proper hunting rig.
What should I check on my ATV/UTV prior to departure?
Check five things before you go: oil, battery, brakes, tires and coolant. Run through them well before you head out, because nothing is worse than packing the night before only to find you need to order a part or do an oil change.
- Oil and filter: If you are close to due, or past it, might as well change it now. Cold mornings are harder on a motor, especially when it's running old tired oil. Shop oil change kits.
- Battery: A battery that cranks slow in the middle of summer has little chance of turning over your engine on a cold fall morning. Load test it, and replace it if it's marginal.
- Brakes: Your brakes will be working overtime on descents with a heavier load, especially if you fill your tag. A fresh set of brake pads is a huge help.
- Tires: Check tread and pressure. Pressures drop as the temperature does, so re-check the psi once you arrive. We also now stock a handful of ATV tires.
- Coolant: Double check your coolant level after the summer and make sure it's rated well below the coldest temps you'll see out there.
Polaris PS-4 oil change kits
Replacement batteriesWhat accessories should I bring for hunting with an ATV/UTV?
The three things I care about most are keeping my gear dry, carrying capacity and recovery. Here's what I run on my own quad.
Front and rear racks and rack extensions
These give me the space to carry what I need. Everything else builds off them.
Gun scabbard
Or a bow carrier if that's what you shoot. Keeps my gun secure and protected from mud and rain. Shop scabbards and carriers.
Weatherproof boxes and bags
Right now I use the 50L dry bag I take motocamping, though a secure watertight quad box would be ideal. Polaris offers a wide variety with their Lock & Ride storage that's been popular with customers. Dry gear is warm gear, so along with my field dressing kit I always pack a spare jacket and gloves.
Winch
A winch is almost mandatory on any quad, and if you don't have one yet it's well worth the investment. It makes rescuing a buddy or yourself much easier, and it saves a lot of time and effort dragging a moose out of the bush.
Tow strap
I keep one with the winch. It doubles my reach when there's no anchor close enough, and it's the fastest way to get a stuck machine out when a second quad can just pull it.
Tire plug kit
Stubble, deadfall and sharp rock will find your sidewalls eventually. A plug kit and a small compressor weigh almost nothing and have saved me a very long walk more than once.
How do I carry a firearm on an ATV?
Keep it simple and legal: firearm unloaded, in a case or scabbard, and securely mounted to the machine. As always, check the rules and regulations for where you're hunting to make sure you're staying legal in the bush.
Where can I ride while hunting in Alberta?
Access rules vary by Wildlife Management Unit and land type. Public land, grazing leases and private land each have their own rules, so confirm before you go. Check Alberta's Guide to Hunting Regulations and Alberta's Interactive Recreation Map.
Get set up before you head out.
ShopRiverside carries the parts, accessories and gear you need to get hunting season ready. Free shipping on orders over $100 within Canada, or free in-store pickup.
Shop hunting season gear