If you’re an avid hunter, you know that having the right equipment is crucial for a successful outing. One essential piece of equipment to consider is a side-by-side (SxS) vehicle.
But what exactly is a side-by-side vehicle? Also known as a UTV (utility terrain vehicle), a side-by-side is a small, off-road vehicle with four or six wheels that can seat two to six people.
They are similar to ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), but are larger and have a side-by-side seating arrangement rather than a single seat.
Importance of Side-by-Side Vehicles for Hunting
Side-by-side vehicles are incredibly useful for hunting for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they allow hunters to access remote, rugged terrain that may be difficult to reach by foot. This is especially important for hunting large game, as it allows you to cover more ground and potentially spot prey from a distance.
In addition to their off-road capabilities, side-by-sides also have ample cargo and storage space, making it easy to transport gear, supplies, and game/carcass. Many models also have the option to add accessories such as gun racks, bow holders, and even small trailers for hauling larger loads.
But perhaps the most important factor for hunting is the ability to be stealthy and avoid spooking game. Side-by-sides are much quieter than traditional vehicles, making them a great choice for hunting in areas with sensitive wildlife.
When it comes to choosing the right side-by-side for hunting, there are several factors to consider. The terrain you’ll be covering, the amount of cargo and supplies you’ll need to transport, and your budget are all important considerations.
It’s also important to think about the level of comfort and amenities you want, as you may be spending long hours in the vehicle.
In the next section, we’ll delve into these factors in more detail and take a look at some of the top contenders for the best side-by-side for hunting. With the right vehicle, you’ll be well-equipped for your next hunting trip and ready to take on whatever the wilderness throws your way.
Factors to consider when choosing a side-by-side for hunting
- Terrain and off-road capabilities: The type of terrain you’ll be traversing should be a major consideration when choosing a side-by-side for hunting. If you’ll be tackling rough, rocky trails or deep mud, you’ll want a vehicle with high clearance, strong suspension, and durable tires. Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle, as well as the type of suspension and tires it has.
A vehicle with high ground clearance will be able to tackle obstacles more easily, while a good suspension system will ensure a smooth ride. Durable tires with aggressive tread patterns will give you better traction in off-road conditions.
Consider the power and torque of the engine, as well. A more powerful engine will give you better acceleration and climbing ability, which can be useful for tackling steep hills or difficult terrain.
- Cargo and storage space: Hunting trips often involve transporting a lot of gear, supplies and of course game, so having ample cargo and storage space is important. Look for a side-by-side with a large bed or storage area, as well as the option to add accessories such as gun racks or bow holders.
Consider the weight capacity of the vehicle, as well. If you plan on hauling large loads, you’ll want a side-by-side with a high weight capacity to ensure it can handle the load.
- Towing capacity: If you’ll be hauling larger loads or towing a trailer, it’s important to pay attention to the towing capacity of the side-by-side. Look for a vehicle with a high towing capacity and make sure it has the necessary hitch and wiring to connect a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: When you’re out hunting, you may be spending long hours in the side-by-side, so it’s important to consider the level of comfort and amenities you want. Look for a vehicle with comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride.
Some side-by-sides come equipped with features such as heaters, air conditioning, and sound systems, which can make your hunting trips more enjoyable.
- Size and seating capacity: If you’ll be hunting with a group, you may want a larger side-by-side with room for more people. On the other hand, if you prefer a more compact vehicle, there are plenty of options available.
- Brand reputation and customer service: Research the reputation of the manufacturer and look for a brand with good customer service and a strong track record of reliability.
- Price and financing options: Determine your budget and look for a side-by-side that fits within it. Many manufacturers offer financing options, which can make it easier to afford a higher-end vehicle.
Best Side By Side for Hunting
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Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000
The Polaris Ranger is a popular and reliable choice for hunting. It is a large six-seater version which means you can tag your hunting squad or use seats as extra storage.
Here are some key features and capabilities to consider when deciding if the Polaris Ranger is the right side-by-side for you:
- Power.- The Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 delivers up to 82 Horsepower which is sufficent to talkle most rugged terrains.
- Off-road capabilities: The Polaris Ranger is designed for tackling rough terrain, with high ground clearance (13 inches) and a sturdy suspension system. Its durable tires with aggressive tread patterns provide improved traction in off-road conditions. The Ranger is also equipped with a powerful engine, giving it strong acceleration and climbing ability.
- Cargo and storage space: The Polaris Ranger has a large bed with a high weight capacity (1750 lbs payload), making it easy to transport gear and supplies. It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders, allowing you to customize the vehicle to your specific hunting needs.
- Towing capacity: The Polaris Ranger has a high towing capacity (2500 lbs), making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It’s equipped with a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring, allowing you to easily attach a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Polaris Ranger has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride, making it a pleasant vehicle to spend long hours in. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts.
While the Polaris Ranger Crew has many strong features and capabilities, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. One is price – the Ranger can be on the pricier side. Another potential drawback is fuel efficiency – the Ranger may not be the most fuel-efficient option because of the bigger engine.
Pros
- Strong off-road capabilities: The Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 has high ground clearance and a sturdy suspension system, making it well-suited for tackling rough terrain. It also has durable tires with aggressive tread patterns for improved traction.
- Ample cargo and storage space: The Ranger has a large bed with a high weight capacity, making it easy to transport gear and supplies. It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders.
- Towing capacity: The Ranger Crew XP 1000 has a high towing capacity, making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It also has a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring for attaching a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Ranger Crew has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts
Cons
- Price: The Polaris Ranger can be on the pricier side especially one with added features
- Fuel efficiency: The Ranger may not be the most fuel-efficient option, especially for larger models with bigger engines.
The Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 is a strong choice for hunting. Its strong off-road capabilities, ample cargo and storage space, high towing capacity, and comfortable amenities make it well-suited for a variety of hunting trips.
While it may be on the pricier side, its solid build and reliable performance may make it worth the investment for avid hunters. Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 is without doubt the best side by side for hunting.
2. Can-Am Defender Max Limited
This a popular and reliable choice for hunting. It comes in a variety of sizes and styles including a six-seater.
Here are some key features and capabilities to consider when deciding if the Can-Am Defender is the right side-by-side for you:
- Off-road capabilities: The Can-Am Defender is designed for tackling rough terrain, with high ground clearance and a sturdy suspension system. Its durable tires with aggressive tread patterns provide improved traction in off-road conditions. The Defender is also equipped with a powerful engine, giving it strong acceleration and climbing ability.
- Cargo and storage space: The Can-Am Defender has a large bed with a high weight capacity, making it easy to transport gear and supplies. It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders, allowing you to customize the vehicle to your specific hunting needs.
- Towing capacity: The Can-Am Defender has a high towing capacity, making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It’s equipped with a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring, allowing you to easily attach a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Can-Am Defender has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride, making it a pleasant vehicle to spend long hours in. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts.
While the Can-Am Defender has many strong features and capabilities, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. One is price – the Defender can be on the pricier side, especially for larger models or those with added features.
Another potential drawback is fuel efficiency – the Defender may not be the most fuel-efficient option, especially for larger models with bigger engines.
Pros
- Strong off-road capabilities: The Can-Am Defender has high ground clearance and a sturdy suspension system, making it well-suited for tackling rough terrain and shallow waters. It also has durable tires with aggressive tread patterns for improved traction.
- Ample cargo and storage space: The Defender has a large bed with a high weight capacity, making it easy to transport gear and supplies. It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders.
- Towing capacity: The Defender has a high towing capacity, making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It also has a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring for attaching a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Defender has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts.
Cons
- Price: The Can-Am Defender is a bit costly but worth it
- Fuel efficiency: The Defender may not be the most fuel-efficient option due to its big engine size.
The Can-Am Defender is a strong choice for hunting. Its strong off-road capabilities, ample cargo and storage space, high towing capacity, and comfortable amenities make it well-suited for a variety of hunting trips.
While it may be on the pricier side, its solid build and reliable performance may make it worth the investment for avid hunters. The Can Am Defender Max Limited is the best side-by-side UTV for duck hunting.
3. Honda Pioneer 500
This is a renown and reliable choice for hunting. It is a 3 seater compact UTV which is suitable for people who want something small.
Here are some key features and capabilities to consider when deciding if the Honda Pioneer 500 is the right side-by-side for you:
- Off-road capabilities: The Honda Pioneer 500 is designed for tackling rough terrain, with good ground clearance(8.5 inches) and a sturdy suspension system. Its durable tires with aggressive tread patterns provide improved traction in off-road conditions. The Pioneer is also equipped with a powerful engine, giving it strong acceleration and climbing ability.
- Cargo and storage space: The Honda Pioneer 500 has a medium size bed with a moderate weight capacity (450 lbs), making it easy to transport gear and supplies.
It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders, allowing you to customize the vehicle to your specific hunting needs.
- Towing capacity: The Honda Pioneer has a moderate towing capacity (1000 lbs), making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It’s equipped with a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring, allowing you to easily attach a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Honda Pioneer has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride, making it a pleasant vehicle to spend long hours in. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts.
While the Honda Pioneer 500 has many strong features and capabilities, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. One is price – the Pioneer can be on the pricier side, especially for larger models or those with added features.
Pros
- Strong off-road capabilities: The Honda Pioneer has high ground clearance and a sturdy suspension system, making it well-suited for tackling rough terrain.
- Good tires: It also has durable tires with aggressive tread patterns for improved traction.
- Ideal ground clearance
Cons
- It has a relatively smaller bed with less cargo space
- Lower towing capacity
The Honda Pioneer 500 is a good choice for hunting. Its strong off-road capabilities, ample cargo and storage space, high towing capacity, and comfortable amenities make it well-suited for a variety of hunting trips.
While it may be on the compact side, its solid build and reliable performance may make it worth the investment for avid hunters. It is the best UTV for farm and hunting.
4. Yamaha Wolverine X2
This is a versatile and reliable choice for hunting. It comes in 2 seater design and thus suitable for a 2 man hunting trip.
Here are some key features and capabilities to consider when deciding if the Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 R Spec is the right side-by-side for you:
- Off-road capabilities: The Yamaha Wolverine X2 is designed for tackling rough terrain, with fairly good ground clearance (11.5 inches) and a sturdy suspension system.
- Good tires – Its durable tires with aggressive tread patterns provide improved traction in off-road conditions. The Wolverine is also equipped with a powerful engine, giving it strong acceleration and climbing ability.
- Cargo and storage space: The Yamaha Wolverine has a medium size bed with a moderate weight capacity (650 lbs), making it easy to transport gear and supplies. It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders, allowing you to customize the vehicle to your specific hunting needs.
- Towing capacity: The Yamaha Wolverine X2 R Spec has an above average towing capacity (200 lbs), making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It’s equipped with a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring, allowing you to easily attach a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Yamaha Wolverine has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride, making it a pleasant vehicle to spend long hours in. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts.
While the Yamaha Wolverine X2 has many strong features and capabilities, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. One is some problment such as overheating when used for longer durations- Another potential drawback is failure to start but very rare.
Pros
- Strong off-road capabilities: The Yamaha Wolverine has a fairly good ground clearance and a sturdy suspension system, making it well-suited for tackling rough terrain. It also has durable tires with aggressive tread patterns for improved traction.
- Sufficient cargo and storage space: The Wolverine has a fairly good bed with a moderate weight capacity, making it easy to transport basic gear and supplies. It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders.
- Towing capacity: The Yamaha Wolverine has an above average towing capacity, making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It also has a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring for attaching a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Wolverine has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride. It also has options such as heaters and air conditioning for added comfort on long hunts.
Cons
- Some few problems observed such as overheating when used for longer duration
- Sometimes it may fail to start especially during extremely cold condition
The Yamaha Wolverine x2 R Spec is a solid choice for hunting. Its strong off-road capabilities, ample cargo and storage space, good towing capacity, and comfortable amenities make it well-suited for a variety of hunting trips.
While it may some problems, its solid build and reliable performance may make it worth the investment for avid hunters. This makes it quality for this listing of best side by side for hunting.
5. Kawasaki Teryx4
The Kawasaki Teryx is another strong contender for the best side-by-side for hunting.
It’s known for its rugged build and strong performance, and comes in 4 seater orientation
Pros
- Strong off-road capabilities: The Kawasaki Teryx4 comes with a783cc engine for delivering the right power for off-roading. It has high ground clearance and a sturdy suspension system, making it well-suited for tackling rough terrain. It also has durable tires with aggressive tread patterns for improved traction.
- Good loading capacity. t has a loading capacity of 1,109 lbs which is sufficient for up to 4 adults and their gear . It also has the option to add accessories such as gun racks and bow holders.
- Towing capacity: The Kawasaki Teryx4 has a medium towing capacity of 1300 lbs, making it suitable for hauling larger loads or towing a trailer. It also has a standard 2-inch hitch and wiring for attaching a trailer.
- Comfort and amenities: The Teryx4 has comfortable seats, good visibility, and a smooth ride.
Cons
- It has a low cargo bed capacity at 250lbs
The Kawasaki Teryx4 is a strong contender for the best side-by-side for hunting. Its strong off-road capabilities, good loading capacity, and comfortable amenities make it well-suited for a variety of hunting trips.
While it may have a small cargo box, its solid build and reliable performance may make it worth considering for hunting. Kawasaki Teryx4 is one of the quietest UTV for hunting.
Closing Remarks
Conclusively, there are several strong contenders for the best side-by-side for hunting. Each option has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice will depend on your specific needs and personal preferences.
The Polaris Ranger, Can-Am Defender, Honda Pioneer, Yamaha Wolverine, and Kawasaki Teryx are all reliable choices with strong off-road capabilities, ample cargo and storage space, high towing capacity, and comfortable amenities.
While most are on the pricier side, their solid build and reliable performance may make them worth the investment for seasoned hunters. Ultimately, the best side-by-side for hunting will depend on your type of hunting, and it’s worth considering all the options to find the right fit for you.