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

[Bgoodman30]

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?

UTV all the way. We laugh at the days when used to ride D.. to butt on an Atv to the duck hole.. Amazing how far these machines have come..

 

[dsa5455]

Never owned a UTV myself but through the years have ridden with several hunting buddies that had them. All of them owned both types of vehicles but seemed to favor the UTV over the ATV even when hunting by themselves. Out of the 4 UTV hunters that come to mind only one was electric and he regretted it. A couple of times the UTV's went up places I felt nervous going as a passenger but never resulted in an issue.

 

[Claims Rep.]

I have a Yamaha Kodiak 700 and a Polaris General. Both newer models, both have power steering. There's a time and place for both. As others have said, the ATV can go just about anywhere. SxS's have obvious advantages. If I had to choose only one, it would be the Kodiak 700 due to the versatility that an ATV has over the SxS. That said, during the rut I have both at my hunting club. If a buck goes deep into a hole, I'll just go back to the truck and get the Kodiak to retrieve that buck.

 

[Don'tDrinkTinks]

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.

This. My little rhino can go where four wheelers go. Will never own a four wheeler again.

 

[Swampster]

For anything under two miles, I prefer boots and a pack. I would hate to pack a deer out any further than that, especially if the net elevation gain was more than 1,000 feet. Maybe if I wasn't in my 60s I would venture more than that.

 

[usanglure]

Honda Pioneer 500 with upgraded and oversized mud tires.
I've backed off deer hunting some and taken up Duck Hunting more. But Killed a 8 point first morning i bought it.. hardest part was loading deer onto back by myself. On 4wheeler(foreman 450) it is/was a lot easier to slide it over seat onto rack. But definitly more comfortable and workable on Pioneer 500 for every thing else...