Advancements in all-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive all add to the cost of an ATV, but the overall value as well. You may be surprised at just where you can take a two-wheel drive ATV, but when it comes to deep mud, snow, and other slippery conditions, 4WD can become very important.

New advancements in electronic power steering can really make a big difference to the capability of your ATV. In tight places where your speed is negligible, power steering shines. You can imagine the benefits of the power steering option by pretending you're on a hog hunt. Feral hogs are a non-game species with a year-round season and no bag limit in some places. When you have a 100-pound pig on your front rack and a 100-pound pig on the back, it can be difficult to steer, to say the least. If you have electronic power steering, in fact, the ride is so smooth you cannot tell there is any weight on the front rack. Maneuverability is not lost at all. A manual steering vehicle would require way more effort to control under the same circumstances.

An ATV can become your biggest ally for setting up and maintaining your hunting property. From hauling stands to pop-up ground blinds and game cameras, your entire experience is so much simpler with an ATV. Hills, creeks, and drainages are no match for the ATV. For hunters who are accustomed to hauling these items on foot, the ATV can be a life changer. But it is in game retrieval that the ATV truly excels. Being able to drive right up to your deer and load him on the back rack makes an ATV worth its weight in gold and certainly worth the price.

Now let’s look at the side by side (SXS), where power meets comfort, and see how it stacks up for hunters when compared with the ATV.

The familiar steering wheel and gear shift lever of a SXS UTV make the learning curve for this vehicle virtually nonexistent. Steering, acceleration, and braking are so familiar. Simply buckle your seatbelt, start the engine, put it in gear, and off you go.

Many hunters can attest that a side-by-side is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment for their property. While an ATV is useful and, in many cases, indispensable, there are just some things the SXS can do that the ATV cannot. And while tight maneuverability and portability may be sacrificed, the benefits of a SXS are strong.

When looking at the benefits of a SXS, two attributes stand out: the large cargo box and the ability to safely haul passengers. For many folks, hunting is a social event: perhaps it’s a much-needed excuse to get together with old friends or even a hallowed family tradition passed down between generations. No matter what the occasion, one of the greatest joys of hunting is sharing your experience with a companion. The SXS can allow two, three, or (if you prefer the crew-cab versions) up to six people to ride together. For an outfitter who is getting clients into and out of stands, the SXS is a must-have.

The SXS cargo box eases the load of hauling your chainsaw, oil, gas cans, safety gear, and more into the woods to cut firewood or break trail. With the SXS, not only can you more readily cut your firewood, but you can also haul it out of the woods in no time. The cargo box makes carrying stands, climbing sticks, and all of the rest of your gear so much easier. With a payload exceeding 1,000 pounds in many vehicles, the SXS ensures a smooth ride regardless of the haul, and many hunters attest that they seldom even remember there is anything back there.

Many side by sides come with an assisted dump cargo box that is a great help when unloading firewood or other material. One tip for deer hunters who are using their SXS to retrieve game is to tilt the bed when loading a game animal. The slope of the bed makes it easier to slide the animal into the bed and get it out once you arrive back at camp.

Most all dedicated deer hunters realize that deer hunting is a year-round activity. Just because the season ends does not mean the work stops. Whether you are prowling around field edges or hunting sheds in the early spring or preparing food plots in the summer, the SXS is an excellent tool.

When it comes time to go trim shooting lanes around your stands, the ability to haul loppers, string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, and, of course, helpers is a snap with the SXS. With one vehicle, several of you can strap in and haul all of your tools and safety equipment into the woods to get your stands ready. No matter what the job or how heavy the load, the SXS is a sure win to get your hunting property into top shape and keep your party happy in the process.

In addition to hauling and cargo capacity, many SXS vehicles also have heavy towing capabilities. For landowners who do not have access to a tractor, this can be an important tool. In fact, many companies make food plot implements specifically for off-road vehicles. The larger engine displacement and towing capabilities of the SXS mean that food plots can be mowed, sprayed, disked, and planted with great ease via these vehicles. While looking at side-by-sides, it’s always important to explore your potential towing capacity. Several vehicles can pull 2,000-pound trailer loads without a problem. But be sure you look at the receiver hitch. The 2-inch hitch is standard, but not every manufacturer offers this.

Protection from harsh weather conditions becomes important very quickly when your boots are actually on the ground, and it happens to be an often overlooked benefit of side by sides. Many models have options that allow them to be fitted with a roof, doors, and a windshield. Some even come with a fully enclosed cab, with options of heating and even air-conditioning! When the temperature drops, the windshield is a necessity. Riding an open off-road vehicle in subfreezing temperatures is never fun. Side by sides allow you to get out of the weather when traveling to and from your hunting locations or retrieving game, which is a tremendous benefit. The doors, roof, and windshield help make a SxS more comfortable than an ATV when you are exposed to the elements. If your conditions dictate the need for full enclosure, the SXS is likely your best choice.

We know it, you know it; off road vehicles are only safe for use off road, and never on pavement. If you are traveling to your hunting spot, portability becomes a big factor. Possibly the biggest drawback of the SXS, when compared to the ATV, is its portability. You will need a trailer to transport a SXS, and some ATVs, to your property. Your truck bed may fit a small four wheeler, but rarely will a side by side fit. When getting a trailer for your SXS, be sure to look at its carrying capacity—not just the length and width. Trailer carrying capacities include the weight of the trailer in the total capacity. A trailer rated for 1,500 pounds may actually be able to only haul about 500 pounds, because the trailer itself may weigh 1,000 pounds.

This used to be no contest—ATVs were just cheaper by a long shot. But today, depending on the model and options you choose for hunting, the price between your ATV and SXS may not be so far apart. As the price gap becomes smaller, it puts more emphasis on the factors around your specific hunting trips and needs.  

Accessories for both ATVs and SXS vehicles can turn yours into the perfect hunting rig. Are you a bow hunter? There are great options to haul your bow and other archery gear. Check out options from gun boots to storage bins, and with literally hundreds of products available to enhance your ATV or SXS, you can build it out in a manner that best suits your needs.

There is one accessory that you will not want to go without, and that is a good, strong winch. A winch is used for far more than getting you out of a mudhole. But in case that does happen, always get a winch that is rated for three times the weight of the vehicle. If your vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 800 pounds, your winch should be rated for 2,400 pounds. Don’t think the winch is only good for an ATV, your SXS also needs a good winch to help out when the need arises. From dragging a fallen tree out of your way to helping recover game from a steep gully, it’s the first option most people install on their new off-road vehicle.

Another accessory that you might want to choose for your hunting vehicle, regardless of whether you pick an ATV or SXS, is camouflage. Many of today’s vehicles are available in optional camouflage, and this not only looks great, but it’s also practical because it’s generally a very tough skin. Just add a little dirt and it will look great on your next hunting adventure.

It's hard to answer whether an ATV or side by side is the best kind of hunting off road vehicle. It's easier to answer what vehicle type is best for you and your hunts. Although many hunters do not delegate their vehicle to only one purpose; whether farming, ranching, or chores around the house, the vehicle you choose can serve many functions and benefit far beyond hunting. Choosing an ATV or SXS is really a personal decision that should be made carefully and thoughtfully. You might eventually end up with both vehicle types!

The TRACKER Off Road lineup is made up of all-around versatile and capable off road vehicles, and if you still can’t decide, be sure to check out some of the great walk-around videos. You won’t find a more complete demonstrations of both the TRACKER ATV and SXS models. Invest the time to watch and learn, talk to hunting buddies about their experiences, and soon you’ll know what is best for you.

For an in-person look, visit one of the authorized Tracker Off Road dealers or your local Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s store and see the benefits for yourself to help decide which is the best vehicle for you.

Regardless of which you choose, be sure to follow your local laws on operation and safety. Enroll in a riding course, because you might be surprised at what you learn to keep you safe off-road. And please, respect the land and tread lightly. Lastly, when riding or operating your ATV or SXS, the old motorcycle adage is true with these vehicles as well: “All the gear, all the time.”