When it comes to hunting, having the right gear can make a significant difference in your success and enjoyment. For hunters who rely on Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), or side by sides, as they are commonly called, the right accessories are crucial for maximizing the capabilities of their vehicles. With the proper side by side hunting accessories, you can ensure that your trips are more efficient, safer, and comfortable, regardless of the terrain or weather conditions.
In this article, we will explore the essential side by side hunting accessories that can enhance your hunting experience. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just getting started, these tools and add-ons will help you stay organized, protect your equipment, and navigate the wilderness with ease.
Why Side by Sides Are Ideal for Hunting
Side by sides are popular among hunters for several reasons. Their rugged design, large storage capacity, and ability to navigate difficult terrain make them ideal for hunting trips. Unlike ATVs, side by sides offer more stability, passenger capacity, and options for adding accessories, allowing hunters to carry more gear and traverse off-road environments safely and comfortably. Whether you’re scouting for game, setting up camp, or hauling your catch, a side by side is an invaluable tool in the hunting world.
However, a UTV alone is not enough to meet all the needs of a hunter. Outfitting your vehicle with the right hunting accessories is key to making the most of your trips.
Essential Side by Side Hunting Accessories
The right side by side hunting accessories not only improve the functionality of your vehicle but also ensure that your hunting trips are safer and more productive. Here are some essential accessories every hunter should consider:
1. Gun and Bow Holders
One of the most important side by side hunting accessories is a reliable gun or bow holder. Properly securing your firearms or bows is crucial for safety and convenience. Without a secure way to store your weapons, they can shift during travel, causing damage to your equipment or posing safety risks.
- Safe Transport of Weapons: A gun or bow holder ensures that your weapons are safely secured while you’re driving over rough terrain. These holders are designed to keep your firearm or bow steady, preventing any movement that could lead to accidental damage or injury.
- Quick Access: In many hunting situations, timing is critical. Gun and bow holders allow for quick and easy access to your weapons so you can be ready when an opportunity arises without fumbling around the back of your side by side.
2. Hunting Storage Boxes and Cargo Racks
Organization is key to a successful hunting trip, and storage boxes and cargo racks provide the extra space you need to keep your gear organized and protected. From ammunition to clothing and camping supplies, a hunting trip requires various tools and essentials that need to be stored safely.
- Maximizing Storage Capacity: Adding cargo racks or storage boxes to your side by side increases its carrying capacity. These accessories ensure that your gear stays organized and secure, making it easier to transport everything you need for a long day or multi-day hunt.
- Weather Protection: Many storage boxes are weather-resistant, keeping your gear dry and protected from rain, mud, and dust. This is especially important when you’re carrying sensitive equipment like optics, electronics, or food supplies.
3. Hunting Blinds and Camouflage Covers
Blending into your surroundings is key to staying undetected by game. Hunting blinds and camouflage covers for your side by side help you stay hidden, especially when parked close to hunting locations.
- Mobile Blinds: Some hunters opt for mobile hunting blinds that can be set up around the side by side, allowing you to use your vehicle as a part of your hideout. This gives you the flexibility to move locations while staying concealed.
- Camouflage Covers: For those who prefer not to use a full blind, camouflage covers for your side by side can help break up its silhouette, blending it into the natural environment. This simple accessory can make a big difference in ensuring that game animals aren’t spooked by your vehicle.
4. Winches and Tow Straps
Rugged terrain is one of the greatest challenges when hunting, and there’s always the risk of getting your side by side stuck in mud, snow, or difficult off-road conditions. Having a winch or tow strap is essential for self-recovery or for pulling heavy loads like game out of tough spots.
- Self-Recovery Tool: A winch can be a lifesaver when you get stuck in difficult terrain. It allows you to recover your side by side without outside assistance, making it an essential accessory for those hunting in remote areas.
- Game Hauling: Winches and tow straps can also be used to pull large game out of the woods. For hunters who often deal with larger prey like deer or elk, this accessory makes it much easier to transport your catch to your side by side or camp.
5. Gun Cases
While gun and bow holders are useful for keeping your weapons accessible, gun cases provide additional protection against the elements and rough terrain. Dust, rain, and mud can damage your firearms if they’re not properly stored.
- Weatherproof Protection: A gun case is a fully enclosed storage option that keeps your firearm dry and clean, even in wet or muddy conditions. This ensures that your weapon remains in top condition, no matter how tough the terrain gets.
- Shock Absorption: Many gun cases include padded interiors to protect against impacts from bumpy rides, keeping your firearm safe from scratches, dings, and other potential damage.
6. Hunting Lights and Spotlights
Whether you’re hunting at dusk, dawn, or even in the middle of the night, hunting lights and spotlights are crucial for improving visibility and safety. These lights help illuminate the trail, making it easier to navigate in low-light conditions.
- Increased Visibility: Spotlights mounted on your side by side allow you to see better when driving through dense forests or rocky trails in the dark. They also help you track game more easily, illuminating far distances to ensure you stay on course.
- Nighttime Safety: A proper set of hunting lights not only helps you avoid obstacles but also allows you to safely load gear, prepare equipment, or dress game after sunset.
7. UTV Heaters
For hunters braving the cold, a UTV heater is an accessory that greatly improves comfort during long hunts in freezing temperatures. Cold conditions can take a toll on your body, making it harder to stay alert and focused.
- Warmth in Cold Conditions: A UTV heater keeps you warm while traveling to or from your hunting location. This is especially beneficial for early-morning or late-season hunts when temperatures can drop significantly.
- Improved Endurance: Staying warm also helps you maintain your energy and focus, allowing you to stay in the field longer without becoming fatigued or distracted by the cold.
Why Invest in Side by Side Hunting Accessories?
Investing in the right side by side hunting accessories isn’t just about making your UTV more functional—it’s about improving your overall hunting experience. Here’s why these accessories are so important:
- Increased Efficiency: Accessories like gun holders, storage boxes, and winches help you transport gear, weapons, and game more efficiently, saving you time and energy.
- Safety: Tools like winches, gun cases, and lights help keep you and your gear safe during the hunt, ensuring you can focus on your tasks without worrying about equipment damage or getting stuck in rough terrain.
- Comfort and Convenience: Accessories like heaters and storage racks provide added comfort and organization, allowing you to focus on the hunt rather than dealing with discomfort or disorganized gear.
Conclusion
Outfitting your UTV with the right side by side hunting accessories can make a significant difference in the success and enjoyment of your hunting trips. From gun holders and storage boxes to winches and camouflage covers, each accessory is designed to enhance your UTV’s functionality, making your time in the field safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re navigating rugged terrain, hauling gear, or setting up a hunting blind, having the right tools and accessories ensures that your side by side is not just a mode of transportation, but a key part of your hunting strategy. With the proper accessories, you’ll be prepared for anything the wilderness throws your way, making your hunting adventures more productive and enjoyable.