Hunting with Your Side-by-Side
Take your hunting trip to the next level by bringing along your side-by-side. Your UTV is a great resource for getting to the best spots to wait for your game, transporting your gear with ease, and even taking your trophy back to your tow vehicle. Below we cover some advice for hunting with your side-by-side. If you want more tips or need to get your UTV serviced, visit the experts at Riva Motorsports Miami. Our dealership proudly serves those in Fort Lauderdale and Kendall, Florida.
1. Find the Best Spot
Before your hunting trip, you will want to scope out the best place to set up and wait for your game. Your UTV is a great resource for this. Use your side-by-side to cruise over obstacles and challenging terrain, making it easy to find the perfect spot in no time. It'll be much easier and faster than traversing over the forest by foot.
As you explore the area, be on the lookout for two things. First, see if you can spot any areas of high vegetation for the types of food your game eats. Second, see if you can spot any deer paths since these will show you frequently traveled areas by your game.
2. Outfit Your Side-by-Side
Next, you will want to make sure you have the right tools and accessories for the trip. Get a rifle scabbard to ensure your weapon and scope stays protected from the weather and safe during transportation. Bring along a winch to help pull game out of the brush and onto flat land for easier dressing. Finally, don't forget to add a GPS to your UTV. This will not only help you easily navigate the area, but also keep track of areas you want to return to (such as areas where you spot plenty of your game).
3. Manage Your Time
It's alluring to stay as long as possible on your hunting excursion, but it is important to leave yourself enough daylight. Riding your side-by-side in the dark can be dangerous. It'll be harder to spot obstacles and hazards that could harm you and your UTV. Make sure you know when the sun will begin setting that day and plan your trip accordingly.
4. Keep Your UTV Quiet
You don't want your side-by-side making a lot of noise and scaring away your game. Strap down or remove any loose metal. Add soundproofing materials, such as rubber, to help deaden any rattling noises.
You'll also want to be sure your side-by-side is running smoothly. Maintenance issues can cause noise, so keep your ears peeled for any odd sounds. A whistling noise could indicate a leak or crack in the exhaust, which is not only noisy but can cause backfires. Brakes that make a loud, whining noise may have mud or sand caught in the brake calipers or between the brake pad and rotor. Check brakes to ensure they are clean and working well. Screeching wheels could be the result of water and mud in the wheel bearings. Regular side-by-side cleanings can help prevent these problems from happening, so be sure to clean your UTV every so often.
We hope you found these strategies helpful. For more advice or to get your UTV ready for your hunting trip, head over to Riva Motorsports Miami. Our expert staff is happy to help you with whatever you need. We also offer a range of UTVs for sale and we can help you find the right one for your lifestyle. We proudly serve those in Kendall and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Stop by and visit us today.