The right UTV accessories can make all the difference this hunting season, but are you bringing all the essential items without overpacking? If you do it right, you can fit everything you need, plus a little extra to make the most pleasant experience possible.

Hunting in a UTV allows you to access narrower passages, cover more ground, and safely store your hunting gear without carrying everything around yourself. It can also be a great way to carry out your trophy when you’re done.

No matter how seasoned or green you are to hunting or fishing with a UTV, there are probably ways you can improve your UTV packing. Packing lighter and with improved organization can make things more accessible, thus making the entire experience more enjoyable. 

Every hunter is different (and has different must-haves), but keep a few basics in mind. For starters, having everything you need to keep your UTV running should be your number one priority. This includes a toolkit, a tire repair kit, and a few extra parts.

Riders should know their UTV well enough to be able to fix any sudden problem, at least for long enough to get back to civilization. It’s also why you should check your machine thoroughly before heading out on an adventure.

Putting Safety First

UTVs might make hunting easier, but they’re not an excuse to ignore safety. Use the extra space to prepare for contingencies first.

• Don’t forget your helmet – Even if it’s not required in the state where you’re hunting, this should be a habit whenever you ride the trails. There are always unknowns when you’re riding, and hunting season only compounds this.
• A first aid kit – This is a necessity, no matter how skilled you are as a hunter or rider. One mistake can ruin the whole trip at best and endanger your life at worst. 
• Extra protective clothing – Since there’s room for it, include extra pairs of goggles and gloves, lighter and heavier jackets, and even a complete change of clothes in case you get wet.
• Extra water – Pack more than enough water to keep you hydrated. Now that you can carry it with ease (or your UTV can), there’s no need to limit yourself.
• A decent pair of boots – You may not need them, but it’s a good idea to have them in case you end up getting stuck in the mud or have to hoof it over rough terrain.
• A cellphone – Going off the grid for a hunting adventure sounds exciting, but you should still have a cellphone as a backup means of communication in case of an emergency.
• An extra cellphone charger and maybe another that’s solar powered – Most UTVs will have a minimum of one 12-volt outlet, so a traditional auto charger should work well. But if that fails, a solar option will have you covered.

The Essentials

Spacious cargo sections and heavy-duty hauling capability make it so the average hunter doesn’t need to worry about saving space. 

• Extra fuel – It’s always a good idea to take a little more than you think you’ll need. UTVs are great tools when they can move under their own power. They’re quite a burden when they can’t.
• A winch and tow strap – What happens if your UTV gets stuck or the tool kit doesn’t have what you need to get your ride back to the truck? Even better, what if you take down a prized elk or deer, but with all your buddies in the UTV, there’s not enough room to haul it?
• Gun rack – There are several different styles of gun racks and carriers available. You can get them overhead, between the seats, or behind you mounted to the roll cage. Whichever you prefer, it’s essential to have your guns securely stored and within reach.
• A GPS – This may be redundant to your cellphone until your cellphone loses service, which can happen when you’re off the beaten path. This is when a satellite GPS can be a lifesaver.
• A map – Yes, of course, you’ll have your cellphone and GPS, but we should all know by now that things (especially electronic things) don’t always work the way they’re supposed to. Have an old fashion paper map of the area where you’ll be hunting and the surrounding region. It doesn’t hurt to pack a compass along with it.

Nice to Haves

If you’re bringing more than one passenger or planning a more extended excursion, you may need a little extra gear. Here are a few more things that can help expand your capacity and readiness on the hunt.

• Extra storage – With everything else you’re packing in, it may be helpful to have a little extra room. You can find overhead storage bins or several options for your hitch, including trailers, racks, and bins.
• Roll cage organizer – This is a great way to utilize otherwise unusable space to keep important items handy. Keep binoculars, cellphones, extra ammo, and trail food securely in place and at easy access.
• Folding or half windshield – This is ideal for hunting because it allows you more unobstructed line-of-fire options without having to squirm around your full windshield. It can also be convenient to maintain visibility if you’re driving in wet or muddy conditions.
• Convex rear view mirror – This is an easier way to expand your field of view than growing eyes in the back of your head. This isn’t only handy for driving around other OHVs, but also for spotting animals across 360 degrees.
• LED light bar – Whether you’re going early to get situated in your tree stand or you’re hunting ducks through heavy fog, a light bar with both flood and spot capabilities is a good tool to have.

UTV Windshields

You can’t predict every scenario on the hunt, but you can be ready for a lot of them if you have a well-stocked UTV. Hope and prepare for the best by maximizing your space with the essential UTV accessories. 

Get your UTV ready for hunting season by contacting UTV Windshields and Accessories today.