Best Side by Side for Hunting: Choosing a UTV for Deer Camp and Beyond

Hunters were some of the first people to fall in love with side by sides, and it is easy to see why. A UTV carries you, your hunting partner, your gear and your game deep into the woods, keeps you warm on frosty mornings and brings everything home at the end of the day. Choosing the right side by side for hunting can make your season easier, more comfortable and more successful.

I am Jerry from Sales at Tarti PowerSports. Every fall, hunters call me looking for the perfect hunting rig. In this guide I share the features that matter most, how to set up a UTV for hunting and which models work best for different kinds of hunting.

Why Hunters Choose Side by Sides

Compared with ATVs, side by sides offer several advantages for hunters:

• More seating: Bring a hunting partner, a youth hunter or your whole group.
• Cargo bed: Haul stands, blinds, decoys, coolers, feed and game.
• Weather protection: Roofs, windshields and cabs keep you dry and warm.
• Stability: A roll cage, seat belts and a wider stance.
• Towing: Pull trailers with food plot implements, feed or game carts.

ATVs are still great for narrow trails and solo hunters, and Jerry’s guide to the best ATV for hunting covers quads. But for many hunters, a UTV is the ultimate hunting tool.

Features That Matter Most

Quiet operation

Noise spooks game. Look for fuel injected engines that idle quietly and avoid loud aftermarket exhausts. Some machines offer quiet or work modes that limit RPM. Electric side by sides are the quietest option, though range must be planned.

Cargo bed

A dump bed carries stands, blinds and game easily. Check bed capacity and tie down points. A bed mat helps when hauling game.

Seating

Two seat machines suit solo hunters and pairs. Crew machines carry groups and families.

Four wheel drive and differential lock

Hunting land is often muddy, steep and rough. Selectable four wheel drive with a locking front differential gets you where you need to go.

Ground clearance

Logs, rocks and ruts are common on hunting land.

Cab and weather protection

A roof and windshield are almost essential for hunters. A full cab with a heater makes cold morning rides much more pleasant.

Width

Narrow trails through timber may require a narrower machine. Check trail widths on your hunting land.

Choosing a Side by Side for Hunting by Type

Work UTVs

Work machines like the Polaris Ranger 1000, the Can-Am Defender MAX XT HD9 and the Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT 1000 have big beds, strong towing and cab options. They are perfect for hunters who also manage land, plant food plots and haul heavy loads. Tony compares the two biggest names in his Defender vs Ranger guide.

Midsize UTVs

Midsize machines like the Polaris Ranger 500 and the Kawasaki Mule PRO MX EPS are narrower and lighter, fitting through tight timber and onto smaller trailers. They are great for hunters on smaller properties and narrow trails.

Crossovers

Crossovers like the Polaris General 1000 and the Polaris General XP 4 1000 combine sport suspension with a usable bed. They are ideal for hunters who ride rough trails to remote areas and also want a fun machine for the rest of the year. Tony’s General vs RZR comparison explains what makes crossovers special.

Recreation machines with camo trims

Several manufacturers offer camo editions of their recreational machines. The Kawasaki Teryx 4 camo models, like the Kawasaki Teryx 4 Camo, are popular four seat hunting machines with comfortable seating and good capability.

Electric UTVs

Electric side by sides are extremely quiet, which hunters love. Range and charging need planning, but for hunters on private land with charging access, they can be an excellent choice.

Best Side by Side for Hunting by Game

Whitetail deer

Whitetail hunters often ride narrow trails through timber and along field edges. A midsize or full size work UTV with a quiet engine, a roof, a windshield and a gun rack is ideal.

Elk and mountain hunting

Mountain hunters need power for steep climbs at elevation, good suspension and room for gear. A full size crossover or work UTV with a strong engine is a good fit. Check motorized access rules on public land carefully.

Waterfowl

Duck and goose hunters face mud, water and marsh. Mud tires, snorkels, a winch and a bed for decoys make a big difference. Rita’s mud riding tips cover wet terrain.

Hogs and predators

Night hunting calls for good lighting, a quiet machine and a bed for heavy animals.

Upland birds

Upland hunters often need to carry dogs and gear across fields. A machine with a bed for dog boxes and room for a hunting partner works well.

Setting Up Your Hunting UTV

Gun racks and boots

Mount gun racks on the roll cage or bed, or use padded gun boots. Always transport firearms unloaded and follow local laws.

Bow mounts

Bow holders protect bows from damage during rides.

Winch

A winch gets you unstuck and helps load game. Mike’s UTV winch guide explains how to choose one.

Lighting

LED lights with red, green or amber modes help in the dark without spooking game. Mike’s light bar guide covers lighting options.

Cab enclosure and heater

A heated cab keeps you warm on long drives before dawn and serves as a shelter between sits. Mike’s UTV cab enclosure guide explains options.

Storage

Lockable storage boxes keep calls, ammunition, optics and snacks dry and organized.

Game hauling

A bed mat, tie downs and a small electric hoist or ramp make loading deer and hogs easier.

Camo and quiet upgrades

Camo wraps, seat covers and quiet exhaust options help the machine blend in.

Riding Quietly Into the Woods

How you drive matters as much as what you drive. Ride at moderate, steady speeds. Avoid revving the engine. Park well away from your stand and walk the last stretch. Plan routes with the wind in your favor. Close doors and storage lids gently. Use dim or colored lights in the dark.

Hunting With Kids and New Hunters

A side by side is a great way to bring kids and new hunters along. Passengers must fit the seat properly, with feet flat on the floor, back against the seat and hands on the grab handles, and must wear seat belts and helmets. Keep firearms unloaded and secured during transport. Rita’s UTV safety tips cover family riding rules.

Hunting Rules and Ethics

Check local regulations on motorized access, especially on public land. Some areas restrict vehicle use during hunting seasons or limit where you can ride. Never use a vehicle to chase or harass wildlife. Stay on designated trails, respect other hunters and pack out what you pack in.

Budget Considerations

Hunting UTVs range from affordable midsize machines to premium cab equipped models. Decide which features you really need. A roof, windshield, winch and gun rack cover most needs. A cab and heater are worth it if you hunt in cold climates. Jerry’s guide to side by side cost explains how to budget for accessories, and his financing guide covers financing on approved credit.

Maintenance Before the Season

Before opening day, change the oil, check the battery, inspect tires and brakes, test the winch and lights, grease the suspension and check the belt. A machine that starts reliably on a cold morning gets you to your stand on time. Sam’s UTV maintenance schedule is a helpful checklist.

After the Season

Clean the machine thoroughly, especially after mud and blood from game. Change fluids if needed, treat the fuel and connect a battery maintainer for storage. Sam’s guide on how to winterize engines covers storage.

Comparing Two Seat and Crew Hunting Machines

A two seat machine is shorter, lighter and more agile, which makes it easier to maneuver through tight timber and onto a smaller trailer. It usually has a bigger bed for its size. A crew machine carries four to six hunters with gear, which is perfect for hunting camps, guided hunts and families. If you usually hunt with one partner, a two seater is often the better choice. If you regularly bring a group or kids, a crew model makes every trip easier. Jerry’s guide to the best 4 seater side by side compares crew options.

Gas vs Electric for Hunting

Gas machines offer long range, quick refueling and strong towing, which matters on large properties and remote public land. Electric machines are nearly silent, produce no exhaust smell and offer instant torque, which can help you slip into hunting areas without alerting game. The tradeoffs are range, charging time and cold weather battery performance. Some hunters own a gas machine for hauling and long trips and use a quiet electric machine for short trips to stands near camp.

Cold Weather Comfort

Late season hunts can be bitterly cold. A cab with a heater makes a huge difference, but even without a cab, upgrades help: a full windshield, a roof, heated seat covers, heated gloves and a blanket for passengers. Keep the battery healthy, since cold weather reduces battery capacity and heaters and lights draw power. Start the engine a few minutes before leaving so the cab warms up and the engine oil circulates.

Planning Routes on Your Hunting Land

Think about how you access your stands. Create routes that approach from downwind, avoid crossing bedding areas and stay away from feeding areas during hunting hours. Use the same routes consistently so deer become used to the sound. Keep routes maintained with a mower or chainsaw so you are not crashing through brush in the dark. A side by side with a winch and saw mount can help you clear fallen trees quickly.

Food Plots and Land Management

Many hunters use their side by side for food plot work: pulling discs and drags, spreading seed and fertilizer and spraying weeds. Work UTVs with strong towing and low range handle these jobs well. Use low range for heavy implements to protect the belt. Crossovers can handle lighter implements.

Game Retrieval Tips

• Plan your retrieval route before the hunt.
• Use a bed mat to protect the bed and make cleanup easier.
• A small ramp or electric hoist helps one person load large animals.
• Strap game securely so it does not shift on rough trails.
• Keep loads within the bed rating and drive slowly on slopes.
• Clean the bed promptly after hauling game.

Top Picks: Best Side by Side for Hunting

Best all around: Polaris Ranger 1000

The Ranger 1000 offers a big bed, strong towing, a comfortable cab and a huge catalog of hunting accessories. It handles food plot work, game retrieval and long rides to remote stands.

Best for heavy work and cold weather: Can-Am Defender MAX

The Defender MAX carries a full crew with a big bed, and cab trims keep everyone warm. It is a favorite at hunting camps.

Best for tight timber: Polaris Ranger 500 or Kawasaki Mule PRO MX

Midsize machines slip through narrow trails and are easy to maneuver around stands and blinds.

Best crossover: Polaris General XP 4 1000

A four seat crossover with a usable bed and sport suspension, perfect for hunters who ride rough trails and want a fun machine year round.

Best camo four seater: Kawasaki Teryx 4 Camo

Comfortable four seat hunting machine with camo styling and good trail capability.

Best durable workhorse: Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT

Simple, tough and versatile, with convertible seating and a reputation for reliability.

Each of these makes an excellent side by side for hunting. The best choice depends on your land, your group size and how much work the machine will do outside hunting season.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

• How many people will usually ride along?
• How narrow are the trails on my hunting land?
• How much gear and game will I haul?
• Do I hunt in cold weather often enough to need a cab and heater?
• Will I use the machine for food plots and land management?
• Is quiet operation a top priority?
• Do I need mud capability for waterfowl or wet bottoms?
• What is my budget, including accessories?

Answering these questions narrows your choice quickly.

Common Mistakes Hunters Make

• Buying a machine too wide for the trails on their land
• Skipping the roof and windshield, then sitting in rain and wind
• Choosing a loud aftermarket exhaust
• Overloading the bed with game and gear
• Riding to the stand at high speed and alerting game
• Forgetting to secure firearms properly
• Neglecting maintenance until opening morning

Transporting Your Hunting Machine

If you hunt far from home, plan transport. Two seat machines fit on standard utility trailers, while crew models need longer trailers. Strap the machine at four points to the frame or approved tie downs, and bring spare straps. Jerry’s shipping guide explains delivery options if you are buying a new side by side for hunting before the season starts.

Safety for Hunters in UTVs

Hunting adds unique risks: riding in the dark, carrying firearms, hauling heavy loads and riding in remote areas. Always wear your seat belt and keep arms and legs inside the cab. Transport firearms unloaded and secured. Drive slowly in low light and unfamiliar terrain. Avoid side slopes, especially with a loaded bed. Tell someone where you are hunting and when you plan to return, and carry a phone or satellite messenger. Wear blaze orange where required when you leave the machine.

Insurance Considerations

Hunting machines often carry valuable accessories like cabs, winches, gun racks and lighting. Make sure your insurance covers accessories and that you understand coverage for off road use on leased or public land. Jerry’s ATV insurance guide explains coverage types.

A Season With Your Hunting Machine

A good hunting UTV works hard all year, not just during deer season. In late winter, it carries shed hunters and trail camera gear across the property. In spring, it hauls turkey blinds and decoys, then pulls a disc and drag to prepare food plots. In summer, it mows trails, sprays weeds and carries feed and minerals. In late summer, it hauls tree stands and ladder stands into position. During the season, it carries hunters to their stands before dawn and brings game home after a successful hunt. After the season, it helps clean up and repair stands and fences. Thinking through this whole year helps you choose features and accessories that pay off far beyond opening day.

Hunting Leases and Clubs

Many hunters hunt on leases or club land shared with others. In these situations, a machine that is quiet, courteous and easy to maneuver helps keep the peace. Follow club rules about riding times, routes and speeds. Avoid riding near other members’ stands during hunting hours. A well behaved machine and driver make you a welcome member of any hunting group.

Breaking In a New Machine Before the Season

If you buy a new UTV before hunting season, give yourself time to break it in, install accessories and practice driving it on your hunting land. Follow the break in procedure, change the oil afterward and test your winch, lights and gun racks. Practice quiet driving routes and parking spots. Arriving at opening day with a machine you know well removes stress from the hunt.

Hunting Accessories Checklist

Here is a practical checklist of accessories that turn a standard UTV into a dedicated hunting machine:

• Roof and windshield for weather protection
• Rear panel to keep dust and cold air out
• Doors or a full cab with heater for late season hunts
• Winch with synthetic rope and a wireless remote
• Gun rack or padded gun boots
• Bow holder
• Lockable storage boxes
• Bed mat and tie downs for game
• Red, green or amber LED lights
• Camo seat covers or wrap
• Quiet exhaust components that meet local rules
• Mirrors for backing up to trailers and blinds

Start with the items that solve your biggest needs, then add the rest over time. Mike’s UTV accessories guide covers many of these upgrades in more detail.

Talk to Us Before the Season

The weeks before hunting season are busy. If you are shopping for a hunting UTV, reach out early so there is time for delivery, accessory installation and break in. Tell us where you hunt, how many people ride with you and what you need to haul, and we will recommend a machine and accessory package that fits.

Respect the Resource

Good hunters leave the land better than they found it. Stay on established trails, avoid rutting wet ground and help maintain access roads on your hunting property.

Final Thoughts

The best side by side for hunting is the one that fits your land, your group and the way you hunt. Look for quiet operation, a practical bed, four wheel drive with a locking differential, weather protection and a size that fits your trails. Add a gun rack, winch, lighting and storage, and you have a hunting rig that makes every season easier and more enjoyable.

Browse hunting ready side by sides, including camo editions and cab equipped models, on our shop page, and contact us through our contact page for help building your hunting setup. We offer financing on approved credit and ship across the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia. For responsible use of public lands during hunting season, visit Tread Lightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side by side for hunting

Popular choices include the Polaris Ranger 1000, Can-Am Defender, Polaris General XP 4 1000, Kawasaki Teryx 4 Camo and Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT.

Are side by sides too loud for hunting

Modern fuel injected machines are fairly quiet. Avoid loud exhausts and park away from your stand. Electric UTVs are the quietest.

Should I get a cab for hunting

If you hunt in cold weather, a cab with a heater makes a big difference.

Is a UTV better than an ATV for hunting

UTVs carry more people and gear with weather protection; ATVs fit narrower trails and cost less.

What accessories do hunters need

A roof, windshield, winch, gun rack or boots, lighting and storage boxes are the most popular.