ATV vs Side by Side archery elk hunting

[Colby3]

If you could take a ATV or SxS with you Elk hunting in Idaho or Colorado, which would you take?

 

[Poser]

It would depend on exactly where you are going and what restrictions you may face with one vs. the other. In my area, for example, I can't think of any trails that are open to ATVs (excluding dirtbikes) that are closed to SxSs. There are a tiny handful of trails that you may need a CanAm equivalent SxS as opposed to a Ranger to actually get u where a 4 wheeler would be better than a Ranger, but the trails open to ATVs around here, at least, are all 2 tracks also open to highway vehicles. So all you would stand to gain from a SxS is comfort and capacity..... and a healthy dose of disdain from locals like myself.

 

[Pulleye16]

SxS

 

[Elkhntr08]

Hunt elk in both those states and a ATV has done all I’ve ever needed. Plus I didn’t drop 25k on a rig, so I can buy more elk tags.
I’ve seen just as many locals abusing SxS and dirt bikes as NR.

 

[cnelk]

Depends.
Are you hunting solo or not?
I have 2 atvs but have also ridden a lot in a SxS.

The atvs are small and nimble navigating roads, especially the <50” trails where the big SxS can’t go.

The SxS is definitely more comfortable, on those cold damp mornings the windshield helps a bunch. 2 guys can travel around in style.

 

[butcherboy]

For small trails atv. For two tracks where you will beat the hell out of your truck, SxS. Most places I take my atv a SxS would work just fine and be a lot more comfortable so I vote for the bigger more comfortable machine.

 

[Article 4]

Depends on where for me in N Idaho, many of the places that I go have 50" limits on width - so I find I am using my ATV about 70% of the time - getting to and from, scouting, and general running around, SxS

 

[Beendare]

It would depend on exactly where you are going and what restrictions you may face with one vs. the other. In my area, for example, I can't think of any trails that are open to ATVs (excluding dirtbikes) that are closed to SxSs.

Colorado does have some 50" and under trails a quad can go but no side by sides. I've seen those in other states too.

 

[work765]

I love my SXS in cold weather.. I added a windshield. game changer! And you can load the dogs up in the bed in their crates, and coolers.. plus family

 

[Hnthrdr]

Depends where in Co. large majority of units don’t have much open for legal SxS use. Guys use ATVs mostly, but also they are just noise machines that clue animals into where pressure is coming from

 

[cnelk]

If you don’t like SxS driving around forest roads, Wyoming is not for you. They are everywhere. That includes the residents using them.

 

[Phaseolus]

The area of Western Colorado where I live and hunt , Uncompahgre Plateau and Grand Mesa, have lots of ATV trails. Many of them are 50” or less, that’s why my Wife and I use ATV’s. We spend a great deal of time recreating in these area’s aside from hunting. Your decision will may be based on where you expect to use it.

 

[sivart]

The Honda Pioneer 500 SXS is 50". If I end up getting a SxS it will be this one for that reason

 

[WRO]

The Honda Pioneer 500 SXS is 50". If I end up getting a SxS it will be this one for that reason

They’re very tippy, all the 50” wide ones are.


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[Marble]

I don't hunt off my my ATV. I just use it to get to places to then hunt. It's a two seat Can Am 700 and we have used it a lot.

I've ridden in SxS before, and it wasn't near as comfortable as my ATV.

If I spent more time, as in most of the day, on the machine I may consider the SxS. But overall, the ATV is cheaper in all aspects and nuch easier to trailer and store.

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[Wheels]

I would rather take my SxS, but traveling over 1000 miles to get there trailering the ATV nearly doubles my fuel mileage. My thumb gets sore after awhile on the ATV getting to my hunting spots, but that’s a first world problem.

 

[flyfisher117]

I have neither but do ride a lot of trails in Idaho. If I was mainly looking at trail usage I would would pick an ATV. If I was looking at gravel roads and occasional trail I would pick a 50" SXS. If I only wanted to drive forest roads I'd go a wider SxS.

 

[Cannonball]

Depends on the SxS. My X3 Max 72" car didn't fit on much in and around Meeker CO

 

[Coveyleader]

Some units, you can’t beat an ATV, but man they can be cold. I have a Toyota, it’s been into some horrible places. If I would have had the ATV it would have been better by far. I have to trailer up my ATV which is a drag.

 

[wapitibob]

Depends on the country and vehicle.
This is the best part of the road, 10 miles in. My atv was a real pita trying to maneuver over the boulder fields. A "regular" sxs that others used, was almost as bad. What really worked were the $45,000 sxs's with 24" of shock travel.