What is the best ATV for Deer Hunting

I too have a 6 x 6 polaris big boss... I've got the 800 efi and just love it... it's a fairly new machine and haven't had a problem yet, even ice fishing when 30 below... I love the capacity to carry gear... or dog box for the hounds... I never owned a polaris before and have only had this one less than a year... so.. I'm not qualified to really speak on them, but I love it so far... and a fairly smooth ride for such a heavy big machine... on another note... my Yamaha never let me down... ever..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mox72

Disregard my comment, all I have ever heard were horror stories about guys being stuck out on the ice with EFI problems, none of them had a pull start.

I would still recommend getting one with a pull start if going with EFI.

---

Simplest solution to this would be to have a GOOD battery in good condition. Keep it charged and don't abuse it. Also I keep solar dc charger in 2up just incase I ever was to encounter battery problems.

Buy a good battery and dont try to get by on your bad battery (like most people do).
Won't have to worry about it then and will always crank. Shouldn't ever need the pull. Don't try to leave lights on for hours with the machine not running kinda of thing.

Yamaha grizz 700. Hands down. The hunting gang I have either have one or regret not buying it.

I have a Rhino, and of coarse that is the best. But I intend to get a side by side 6 x 6 Polaris 800, then that will be the best.

If you have not already got it, I'd say 550 cc is the biggest you ever need, bigger is heavier, worse on gas, more awkward in tight bush and more expensive. And the Yamaha Griz is I think king in this category.

Back in the fall of 88, I bought an 89 Honda 300 4X4. I am still using it today and starts like new winter or summer. It has pulled many moose out of the bush and also deer. I have replaced the brake shoes, drum seals and 2 sets of tires. Last year I cleaned the carb. This machine has been extremely reliable. It has been underwater twice with no start up problems after drying the air cleaner. My friend is a Cat dealer and we go riding together. He was surprised the first time out as he could not loose me and I went every where he did. This summer, I lost him on a hill with many rocks and trees. He could not negotiate the tight spaces and I also had to winch his 700 out of a mud hole that I went through. The big machines burn more fuel and are not always better for trail riding. Honda seems to be the only one with an actual transmission, which I prefer.
As for the fuel, I use Shell regular and add Phase Guard. Have had no issues since using this. Recommended by Proctor Marine. I haven't had to use gas line anti freeze in my Honda in the winter since using it.

Looking at 2014 sportsman 400... Well.. My minds made up... Now just gotta sell the wife..

Without being sarcastic, id like to see video of these claims of guys pulling moose out of the bush with 400 and smaller sized quads. Dirt road i can go for or even a small calf but i wont for a second believe them to take adult moose over stumps, rocks, up hills or through clearcuts for a second...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JeffBondar

Without being sarcastic, id like to see video of these claims of guys pulling moose out of the bush with 400 and smaller sized quads. Dirt road i can go for or even a small calf but i wont for a second believe them to take adult moose over stumps, rocks, up hills or through clearcuts for a second...

---

I have never owned a machine bigger than a 350 Honda and have pulled numerous moose out of the bush with them through all the terrain that you mentioned above, I had a 250 two wheel drive that we pulled several moose out with also a buddy had a 3 wheeler 250 that we also pulled moose out with, we called that machine "BOB" and I'm sure that anyone who has pulled moose with a three wheeler will know why. I don't have pics or video of any of this but I'm sure there are lots more moose hunters on this forum that will tell you the same story

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JeffBondar

Without being sarcastic, id like to see video of these claims of guys pulling moose out of the bush with 400 and smaller sized quads. Dirt road i can go for or even a small calf but i wont for a second believe them to take adult moose over stumps, rocks, up hills or through clearcuts for a second...

---

I do not have a video but personally pulled a bull moose out of the bush and onto a ramp to the back box of a pick up truck with my 300 cc Suzuki king quad years ago no problem at all.