Find the right ride

Find the right ride for rugged terrain

HUNTER HARRELL

Hunting in Southwest Colorado is an adventure and experience like no other. Thanks to our access to the wilderness and the abundance of wildlife, it is a destination that hunters from around the country dream of visiting to bring home big game. However, the same mountains that provide a multitude of opportunities to scout big game can make navigation more difficult.

The ability to explore more miles of mountain forests in less time is important, and a vehicle is just another tool required to reach the rural locations where hunters have better odds at a successful hunt. Navigating rugged terrain and remote areas is easier with the right ride.

Whether hunting on public or private land, a vehicle will help hunters transport heavy cargo to a campsite. It can also provide a basecamp for multiday trips in the wilderness. The right ride will handle declines and inclines with ease, and navigate switchbacks on mountain roads. A reliable ride should be ideal for travel in adverse weather conditions.

Here are some things to consider when searching for the right hunting vehicle.

Terrain. First and foremost, a vehicle with off-road capability is necessary for Colorado hunters. The best ride will have fourwheel drive, high clearance and good suspension. For some hunters, towing capacity matters for those with equipment like boats, campers or off-road vehicles. Plenty of room for cargo is an added bonus. Trails. On lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, brown signs with white graphics help hunters distinguish which vehicles are allowed on specific trails. If a sign includes a red slash over the graphic, that means that this vehicle is not allowed on the trail. Use motor vehicle use maps (MVUMs) to determine with trails are open to vehicles. Most vehicles are too wide for backcountry trails, limiting travel to 4x4 routes only. This is why off-highway vehicles, such as fourwheelers, dirtbikes and side-by-side vehicles, are a popular choice for hunters in Colorado. Noise. A downside to vehicles is that excessive noise levels can drive big game away from roads and trails. While noise limits are in place and enforced, any amount of noise unfamiliar to animals can cause problems for hunters.