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Feb 5th, 2020
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 Jeep for hunting vehicle
#8586390
04/27/22 03:54 AM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,190
Sewer rat
OP
Pro Tracker
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OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,190 |
My first vehicle was a 1967 jeep CJ-5. It was my daily driver for 4 years so I know about them. That was nearly 30 years ago though.
Right now I have and use UTVs. I own 8 of them which I use for work primarily. They are great but ours don't have cabs or even windshields as they get broken or scratched up horribly in no time.
We have a couple far blinds at the ranch that never got hunted last season because no one wanted to freeze their butt off on the long drive there in a UTV. Call us wimps or whatever but in below freezing temps and wind chill from riding in a UTV they are no fun. By the time you get to the blind you are freezing to death and it makes for a miserable hunt.
Of course they offer UTVs with cabs and heaters but they are north of 20k. Looking used I see some decent jeeps in the 10k range. I am contemplating ditching the UTV I have at the ranch and replacing it with a jeep. I am thinking something from the 90s or early 2000's with heat and air and a hard top. I think it would go wherever I need to.
Has anyone done this? Any regrets or downsides? I wouldn't plan on registering or insuring it. I would plan on leaving it at the ranch full time.
I think my UTV would bring 15k easily. From what I have seen that would buy a lot of jeep. I just worry how one would far being left outside in the elements at the ranch. I don't have anywhere to store inside.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8586436
04/27/22 10:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789 |
Only being sensible and economically conservative. I have been hunting out of an 02 Tacoma for years and am much more comfortable than the yahoos driving around in their noisy side by sides. Tires are key here as you don't want to be stranded in the pasture. When needed or if you prefer to upgrade, I strongly suggest Deestones bias ply tires with 10-12 ply rating. Fill 'em with goop and be done with it. Besides the stronger sidewalls and flats avoidance, they are much less expensive than radial mud grips
Besides your referenced climate control, you won't be eating as much dust either and you likely will be quieter in the pasture. Try to park it somewhere providing afternoon shade and never avoid rodent deterence.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8586481
04/27/22 12:00 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,207
DLALLDER
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,207 |
My first vehicle was a 1967 jeep CJ-5. It was my daily driver for 4 years so I know about them. That was nearly 30 years ago though.
Right now I have and use UTVs. I own 8 of them which I use for work primarily. They are great but ours don't have cabs or even windshields as they get broken or scratched up horribly in no time.
We have a couple far blinds at the ranch that never got hunted last season because no one wanted to freeze their butt off on the long drive there in a UTV. Call us wimps or whatever but in below freezing temps and wind chill from riding in a UTV they are no fun. By the time you get to the blind you are freezing to death and it makes for a miserable hunt.
Of course they offer UTVs with cabs and heaters but they are north of 20k. Looking used I see some decent jeeps in the 10k range. I am contemplating ditching the UTV I have at the ranch and replacing it with a jeep. I am thinking something from the 90s or early 2000's with heat and air and a hard top. I think it would go wherever I need to.
Has anyone done this? Any regrets or downsides? I wouldn't plan on registering or insuring it. I would plan on leaving it at the ranch full time.
I think my UTV would bring 15k easily. From what I have seen that would buy a lot of jeep. I just worry how one would far being left outside in the elements at the ranch. I don't have anywhere to store inside. My wife and I are looking for such a vehicle for the same reason, old wimps when temps are in the low 30's to mid teens.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8586750
04/27/22 08:09 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,377
Gumbeaux
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,377 |
The roads and trails on our place are ROUGH. One guy has a Jeep and while the AC and heat are nice, it rides rough. To me that's the tradeoff. On our place, a UTV will get you there faster and you won't be pi$$ing blood the rest of the day.
If the roads were smoother, I'd probably own a Jeep/Toyota/Samurai instead of the Mule Pro. For now, I have warm enough clothes that the cold doesn't bother me that bad.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8586769
04/27/22 08:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22,706
Creekrunner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22,706 |
I'm in the "pissing blood" camp when it comes to Jeeps. Love the old ones, but my back hurts looking at them nowadays. I sold my '04 Rubicon 'cause I was groaning every time I got in and out of it. Hud's Tacoma idea, although hard to find, is a good one. I thought of an old 4Runner, which I think is the same frame, AND you can sleep in it if needed. 
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8587066
04/28/22 12:09 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789 |
If only you could find a late seventies full size bronco. It's just that most would never part with one.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8587109
04/28/22 01:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 57,179
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 57,179 |
WTX Rough- UTV W/HVAC
Smoother oil field type roads- Taco w/HVAC
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8587140
04/28/22 02:23 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789 |
WTX Rough- UTV W/HVAC
Smoother oil field type roads- Taco w/HVAC The Taco would run circles around you in WTX. It's not like it hasn't been there before.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Hudbone]
#8587151
04/28/22 02:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 6,410
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 6,410 |
WTX Rough- UTV W/HVAC
Smoother oil field type roads- Taco w/HVAC The Taco would run circles around you in WTX. It's not like it hasn't been there before. Too bad STX is sitting out, he would be all over the WTX UTV/Taco comparison.
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR
Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: freerange]
#8587224
04/28/22 04:18 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789 |
WTX Rough- UTV W/HVAC
Smoother oil field type roads- Taco w/HVAC The Taco would run circles around you in WTX. It's not like it hasn't been there before. Too bad STX is sitting out, he would be all over the WTX UTV/Taco comparison. What does he know any way?
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8587453
04/28/22 11:30 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,753
Wilhunt
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,753 |
How about an older pickup with 4-wheel drive.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8589309
05/02/22 02:18 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,304
Reloder28
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,304 |
Hunted a ranch that was 8 miles to the back fence. I rode it on my Honda Rancher in 20° weather with no issues. Appropriate apparel makes the difference.
[b][/b]
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8589382
05/02/22 09:41 AM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11,789 |
Yeah, loveyed being three miles back in 38 degree weather on a Polaris Sportsman when an unexpected rain storm hit. That ain't never gonna happen again, as in never. No way, no how. No reason for it.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Wilhunt]
#8589406
05/02/22 11:01 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22,706
Creekrunner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22,706 |
How about an older pickup with 4-wheel drive. Best all-around ranch vehicle is a regular-cab, 8' bed, 4WD pickup. Hard to find nowadays. If you can high-center that, you need to figure a different road.
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8590060
05/03/22 01:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 738
Sprman
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 738 |
Got me a '81 Datsun 4x4 reg cab with a flatbed as well as a sxs. Both have their uses and both get the job done.
overall comfort, the sxs wins everytime.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8597947
05/15/22 03:24 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,304
Reloder28
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,304 |
I weighed my options for many years before I settled on a Honda 2018 Pioneer 700 over a Jeep. Much rather trailer a 1500 # UTV than a 3500# Jeep.
I wanted an SXS since they came out in 1998. Waited until Honda offered something decent. Took them forever. Until then I got 20+ years of faithful service from my 2000 Rancher. That rig got me into places I never want to go again.
[b][/b]
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8598359
05/15/22 10:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,012
spg
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,012 |
![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2022/05/full-47640-347387-05f0a9db_fcbf_43f4_b358_c2eda81b8c41.jpeg) Rides smooth and stays cool
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8599091
05/16/22 11:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 574
Pigsicles
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 574 |
Started with a 1988 Jeap Wrangler that was a beast but my shoulders finally couldn’t take the rough ride any longer. Moved on to a couple Honda ATVs, a 2006 Recon and a 2006 Rancher that were excellent and did much less damage to the roads during wet weather. Added a Polar Sport trailer (aka Buck Buggy) that hauled corn to feeders and deer and hogs away.
Now I’m loving a 2014 Honda 700-4 SXS, especially with grandsons that love to go to the ranch and ride around with me. I kept the Rancher also for when the wife or guests are out.
The Jeep was fun for awhile but the 7-8 mpg and the ride with big all terrain tires finally beat me.
Pulsar Trail XQ50
Pulsar HD 19A
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8601946
05/21/22 12:27 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
When I started mule deer hunting in West Texas, I hunted out of truck. In 2011 I bought a 84 CJ7 and hunted out of 1 yr only. It was a nice ride but had issues with carb. I could not get off the road like I wanted to do with. Heater, roof and windshield were nice but not as nice as the truck. I traded the CJ7 for a 2008 Polaris Ranger and that changed how I hunted mule deer after that. I could access areas faster that I could not in a jeep or truck. I could cover more ground in a day than I could in a week out of my jeep or truck or on foot. I added a roof, half windshield, shooting rail and gun boots. I sold it and bought a new 2014 Polaris Ranger. For my style of hunting the Ranger or Mule would be hands down the winner. Nowadays you can get heaters, windshields, roof, doors, full cab, etc for one if you choose. I now own a 2022 Ranger for hunting whitetails on my own land. Roof, front windshield and 12v heater are all I need at this time.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people? ![[Linked Image]](http://neoswarm.com/images/Bug_Crawling.gif)
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: stxranchman]
#8607571
05/29/22 01:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 910
Wilson Combat
Boar Meister
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Boar Meister
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 910 |
Unless it's below 50 degrees or raining I hunt out of a Kawasaki Pro FXT SxS which in my opinion is the best SxS on the market and I've tried most of them.
For colder weather or rainy days I tried a 2 door Wrangler, rode WAY too rough, then tried a 4 door Wrangler Unlimited, still road too rough, especially where the hogs have been rooting. Then in 2019 switched to a Jeep Renegade, MUCH smoother ride and will get me places that I should go. Besides the ride it's super quiet, I have a lot of success hunting out of it.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Wilson Combat]
#8608340
05/30/22 01:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,925
onlysmith&wesson
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,925 |
Unless it's below 50 degrees or raining I hunt out of a Kawasaki Pro FXT SxS which in my opinion is the best SxS on the market and I've tried most of them.
For colder weather or rainy days I tried a 2 door Wrangler, rode WAY too rough, then tried a 4 door Wrangler Unlimited, still road too rough, especially where the hogs have been rooting. Then in 2019 switched to a Jeep Renegade, MUCH smoother ride and will get me places that I should go. Besides the ride it's super quiet, I have a lot of success hunting out of it. How do you have it set up? Lift, tallest tires, etc? Those are small and look easily towable but stock seem to have low ground clearance.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Hudbone]
#8610088
06/01/22 04:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64,312
SnakeWrangler
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64,312 |
If only you could find a late seventies full size bronco. It's just that most would never part with one. This one is my oldest sons….we got it for him when he turned 16….just turned 24 and plans on keeping it forever… ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2022/06/full-25921-349426-76164b53_ff57_4b25_ab80_11b95ce6099e.jpeg)
I believe in science and I’m an insufferable dickhead Actually, BBC is pretty damn good "You Cannot Simultaneously Be Politically Correct And Intellectually Honest!"
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8610093
06/01/22 05:07 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,480
HuntnFly67
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,480 |
I just bought a 2003 XTerra for this exact reason. Not sure how I want to outfit her yet, but bedliner and rattle can camo sure feel appealing.
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8610153
06/01/22 06:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64,312
SnakeWrangler
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64,312 |
For the win….. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2022/06/full-25921-349439-a6d20a2e_61f1_4593_b8be_ba7c58dbee07.png)
I believe in science and I’m an insufferable dickhead Actually, BBC is pretty damn good "You Cannot Simultaneously Be Politically Correct And Intellectually Honest!"
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Re: Jeep for hunting vehicle
[Re: Sewer rat]
#8610604
06/02/22 04:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,113
Wytex
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,113 |
Suzuki Samurai, wish we had one for mountain hunting.
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