2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: tim808 on April 05, 2020, 10:39:04 PM

Title: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 05, 2020, 10:39:04 PM
I posted this in the hunting forum but thought there might be more foot traffic here.

At the public hunting areas my Honda Odyssey has been ok so far since you can just park on the street near the trailhead and walk in.

I may be able to hunt on a large private property so I’m considering a vehicle with more clearance, 4wd and low gearing

My daughter has/had an awd crv but I think it is only for wet (or snowy) pavement.  We had it changed to 2wd because the awd was not syncing on low speed turns.  I could fix the syncing and restore it to awd

I’ve been looking at used Tacomas, tundras, 4Runners, frontiers, ridgelines.  I don’t buy american, maybe when isis starts using them.

Frontier - Nissan.  I’ve owned Nissans.... their okay but I have no love for them.  I bought them used because they dropped in price quickly due to low demand and nobody steals a Nissan

Toyota - everyone and isis swear by them
Tacoma - high price.  Everyone wants one
Tundra - lower pricing than a Tacoma.  Too big for some.  Low gas mileage.  For me, it would basically be only for hunting and kokohead....so 2-3 times a month. 
4Runner 4wd - if I didn’t have pet dogs that I want to take riding.  This would be a serious contender.  Similar for Toyota Sequoia and Honda Pilot....Not sure if they even have 4wd with low gearing
Ridgeline - unit body so rides like a car.  Sweet!  I hate the stiff ride of a typical truck.  But even if I can find a 4wd model, I don’t think they have low gears in 4 wd

For those that bring vehicles into hunting areas, what are your needs and wants?
4wd with low gearing a must?
Would an awd vehicle like a forester or crv do?
Is a 2wd truck enough?

I’ve twice been with my dad (when I was a kid) in a muddy/sandy areas with  a 2wd...had to do the bounce on the tail to get it out.  I think a 4wd with lo gearing would have made it a little easier....idk I was a kid.

If 4wd with low gearing is needed, I’m leaning to a tundra because it is cheaper than a Tacoma and gas shouldn’t be that big of an issue since it is only for the weekends.

If people think a 2wd truck is adequate,  I’m leaning to a Ridgeline for the smoother/softer ride

Thanks in advance!

(I’ve been thinking about getting a truck for my dogs for a bit. The hunting part just changes the features)

Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Rocky on April 06, 2020, 07:21:23 AM
ATV
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: stangzilla on April 06, 2020, 08:27:21 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AElrsz0FuQ8
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: groveler on April 06, 2020, 08:42:17 AM
I posted this in the hunting forum but thought there might be more foot traffic here.

At the public hunting areas my Honda Odyssey has been ok so far since you can just park on the street near the trailhead and walk in.

I may be able to hunt on a large private property so I’m considering a vehicle with more clearance, 4wd and low gearing

My daughter has/had an awd crv but I think it is only for wet (or snowy) pavement.  We had it changed to 2wd because the awd was not syncing on low speed turns.  I could fix the syncing and restore it to awd

I’ve been looking at used Tacomas, tundras, 4Runners, frontiers, ridgelines.  I don’t buy american, maybe when isis starts using them.

Frontier - Nissan.  I’ve owned Nissans.... their okay but I have no love for them.  I bought them used because they dropped in price quickly due to low demand and nobody steals a Nissan

Toyota - everyone and isis swear by them
Tacoma - high price.  Everyone wants one
Tundra - lower pricing than a Tacoma.  Too big for some.  Low gas mileage.  For me, it would basically be only for hunting and kokohead....so 2-3 times a month. 
4Runner 4wd - if I didn’t have pet dogs that I want to take riding.  This would be a serious contender.  Similar for Toyota Sequoia and Honda Pilot....Not sure if they even have 4wd with low gearing
Ridgeline - unit body so rides like a car.  Sweet!  I hate the stiff ride of a typical truck.  But even if I can find a 4wd model, I don’t think they have low gears in 4 wd

For those that bring vehicles into hunting areas, what are your needs and wants?
4wd with low gearing a must?
Would an awd vehicle like a forester or crv do?
Is a 2wd truck enough?

I’ve twice been with my dad (when I was a kid) in a muddy/sandy areas with  a 2wd...had to do the bounce on the tail to get it out.  I think a 4wd with lo gearing would have made it a little easier....idk I was a kid.

If 4wd with low gearing is needed, I’m leaning to a tundra because it is cheaper than a Tacoma and gas shouldn’t be that big of an issue since it is only for the weekends.

If people think a 2wd truck is adequate,  I’m leaning to a Ridgeline for the smoother/softer ride

Thanks in advance!

(I’ve been thinking about getting a truck for my dogs for a bit. The hunting part just changes the features)
You didn't say where you going hunting.
Chukar above the 11,000 foot level?
Herkles at the 6,000 foot level?.
Turkey at nearly sea level?
Pigs in the Koa forest?
Wild cattle?
In any event.
ATV on private property is probably best. I'd go with Honda.
On public property 4WD with a MANUAL transmission.
Tow package is a real plus.
Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Dodge, and Nissan are all good.
I don't buy Chevy anything.
I presently have a 1993 Nissan and a 2004 B4000 Mazada.
They go everywhere and I can get parts for them.
From engines to axles.
I do all my own repairs, we live in Hawaii so parts considerations
are as high as anything on my priority list.
I live in cattle country.  I may have to drive on ice and snow,
Tow things,  and throw an ATV in the bed.
Good hunting!





Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Hi state on April 06, 2020, 09:21:12 AM
Get a 4x4 Toyota pick up or tacoma lock up the rear diff. Put some LTB’s on it slap a winch up front and call it good
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 06, 2020, 09:24:44 AM
I live on Oahu so pig hunting only.  (No dogs)

I’m mainly looking to get around on the property, park and hunt on foot. 

I’ll ask if the landowner will allow personal atv’s.  That would be nice....but aren’t they pretty loud?

Ltb is a type of tire right?
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Hi state on April 06, 2020, 09:44:54 AM
I live on Oahu so pig hunting only.  (No dogs)

I’m mainly looking to get around on the property, park and hunt on foot. 

I’ll ask if the landowner will allow personal atv’s.  That would be nice....but aren’t they pretty loud?

Ltb is a type of tire right?
Yes Ltb is a interco tire.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: RSN172 on April 06, 2020, 10:54:46 AM
ATVs are not loud unless you put a pipe on it.  Get one with racks front and rear or a side by side with a bed.  You will be able to go more places than any pick up.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: groveler on April 06, 2020, 11:33:08 AM
I live on Oahu so pig hunting only.  (No dogs)

I’m mainly looking to get around on the property, park and hunt on foot. 

I’ll ask if the landowner will allow personal atv’s.  That would be nice....but aren’t they pretty loud?

Ltb is a type of tire right?
Pigs wander through my yard.
If you don't have dogs be very careful.
Especially in Ginger patches.

So you're in Oahu.
Take the train, and a bus. There are a lot of pigs
just a little ways away from Iolani  palace.
You can do it all on foot.

This sarcasm for you that are offended.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: mrgaf on April 06, 2020, 03:42:41 PM
Pigs wander through my yard.
If you don't have dogs be very careful.
Especially in Ginger patches.

So you're in Oahu.
Take the train, and a bus. There are a lot of pigs
just a little ways away from Iolani  palace.
You can do it all on foot.

This sarcasm for you that are offended.

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Dat was a good one.....
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: kia_killer on April 06, 2020, 04:30:40 PM
If you plan on doing any hunting in the helemano area 4wd is a must. Its fine when its dry, but a little rain and   you'll have no traction. Went up helemano once in a 2wd tundra and got caught in some rain on the way out. Wont do it again. You'll also want something with decent ground clearance, the ruts can get fairly deep. Picked up an older 4wd pathfinder which has never gotten stuck up there. Went the nissan route because they tend to not have the crazy hawaii toyota tax.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: RSN172 on April 06, 2020, 04:46:58 PM
I would never own a 2 whl drive vehicle on the BI. Three weeks ago a friend of mine called and asked if I could pull him out of the mud.  He sold his 2002 Dodge CTD 4x4 stick shift and bought a late model Tundra 2 whl.  I get there and 3 wheels are on pavement, only one rear wheel in the mud and he couldn't get out because the Tundra did not have limited slip either.  Ridiculous.  Now he wishes he had bought a 4x4.  A lot of paved roads in Puna have very soft muddy shoulders.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: mrgaf on April 06, 2020, 07:41:18 PM
How bout one of these? :D

http://imgur.com/kN1Z8fH

Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 06, 2020, 08:30:44 PM
Hey Mrgaf,
I just want to go in and get out....I’m not heading to the Eastern front!

But it does look like fun!!

Two tundras passed by me today.  I didn’t realize how big they are.   If I drive one of those, I’ll need at least 2 telephone books to see over the dash and all 2 of my friends will know for sure I have a small pee pee.

RSN / Kia - Thanks!  I’ll look for a 4x4.  I’ll look into pathfinders too.  I think a suv would be very versatile.  True about the Nissans not being as expensive as the Toyotas.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Hi state on April 06, 2020, 08:55:55 PM
Hey Mrgaf,
I just want to go in and get out....I’m not heading to the Eastern front!

But it does look like fun!!

Two tundras passed by me today.  I didn’t realize how big they are.   If I drive one of those, I’ll need at least 2 telephone books to see over the dash and all 2 of my friends will know for sure I have a small pee pee.

RSN / Kia - Thanks!  I’ll look for a 4x4.  I’ll look into pathfinders too.  I think a suv would be very versatile.  True about the Nissans not being as expensive as the Toyotas.
Toyota’s cost more than Nissan because they are better. Washing a bed out is a lot easier than cleaning out the back of a suv. Also the lighter the vehicle and the lower the center of gravity the better
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: bass monkey on April 06, 2020, 09:00:28 PM
I agree,  get a 4wd with some clearance. 
Stock with tires should be good,  and a winch or come along in the back.
I'm not sure about the areas you hunt, but keep in mind Toyota's are gold and if your away for a long time I wouldn't want your truck to get stripped. 

We been in waikane before riding trails, trying to cross the rivers. End up stalling out because to deep,  so everyone else went around and would winch us through.  I wait with the truck, and man,  people pop out of the bushes there.  I'm sure they would have loved to strip our toyota
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on April 06, 2020, 09:17:53 PM
Personally, I would consider a Jeep Wrangler.

Hard to beat them for off road adventures!   :thumbsup:

(https://i.imgur.com/AIsvwFg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5oo8uiD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/h98y2pZ.jpg)

https://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/ctd/d/honolulu-2009-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/7093138205.html
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 06, 2020, 11:27:53 PM
Hi State - good point about cleaning a suv.  I was thinking of double lining with a coated canvas drop clothe on the bottom and a thick mil plastic drop clothe on top.  Take time to put in and take out....and not guaranteed.  A hose is way easier.

Brass - good point about Toyota trucks being gold.  The area I may be able to go to is pretty secure so I’m not too worried while on the property.   I now wonder if it would walk away from my house.  Our neighborhood is ok.  I don’t recall anyone’s cars ever being stolen...with my luck I’ll be the first

Flapp - that is way beyond my means.  I have two kids in college.  Besides, I would need a small step ladder to climb in and a slide to get out/down
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: RSN172 on April 06, 2020, 11:31:01 PM
Personally, I would consider a Jeep Wrangler.

Hard to beat them for off road adventures!   :thumbsup:

Even more expensive than a Tacoma, but they are good.
Seriously, if the landowner allows you to use an ATV, I would get a side by side with enclosed cab.
Kubota RTV500 with enclosed cab and a 2500 lb winch new is just under 13 grand.  They also have a
promotion of 0 down, 0% interest for 48 months.  Others may have similar deals going on. 
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on April 06, 2020, 11:45:50 PM
Even more expensive than a Tacoma, but they are good.
Seriously, if the landowner allows you to use an ATV, I would get a side by side with enclosed cab.
Kubota RTV500 with enclosed cab and a 2500 lb winch new is just under 13 grand.  They also have a
promotion of 0 down, 0% interest for 48 months.  Others may have similar deals going on.

Money was a factor?   :rofl:
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 07, 2020, 06:26:13 AM
RSN- I definitely can’t afford $13k for an atv.  That’s more than what I’ve paid for my last 3 vehicles combined.
(My last 3 vehicles were a hand me down olds silhouette van, a $800 Previa van and now a $3000 Odyssey van which is moving to Lanai in May if young Brothers don’t cancel shipping again)

I would have to buy a used one
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Hi state on April 07, 2020, 06:41:36 AM
Yah don’t buy a jeep it’s an over priced piece of shit. Seems with your budget I would get a Toyota pickup with a solid axle.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 07, 2020, 07:12:12 AM
Hi State - Yeah...my neighbor had a Jeep.   I don’t recall it being that great.

RSN- out of curiosity I looked for used atv’s and found only one....the racing kind.   None of the rancher types.  I guess a lot of the new generation just stays home and plays video games?  I used to see a bit of atv’s on Craigslist years ago.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: RSN172 on April 07, 2020, 08:49:01 AM
Even a decent used ATV Rancher style 4x4 will run about $2500 to $5000.  New they are going to run $8500 and up.  A decent used 4x4 ATV is not easy to find.  I looked at CL for 4 minths before I found  good Kawasaki for $2600.  You won't find a decent street legal 4x4 of any kind for less than $5000.  Anything cheaper would be a rust bucket, need a lot of work, have a lot of hidden problems or maybe all 3.  In most cases you get what you pay for.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: kia_killer on April 07, 2020, 08:51:14 AM
From what it sounds like you wont be needing it for any major off roading so a stock 4wd nissan/toyota will get you there and back. It will boil down to how much you want to spend and your preference. I also recommend buying as close to stock as possible, most people have no clue what they're doing functionally in terms of mods to their trucks. From your description the mods I would do would be good tires and a winch like bass said. I've never needed a winch, but better to have it and not need it as they say.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 07, 2020, 10:56:12 AM
RSN - oh boy.  A used atv is still pretty expensive.   They look fun to ride.

Kia - my brother in law is one of those lolos!!  He did the big lift kit, big tires and idk what else.....my dad said it was all cosmetic....and added a lot of weight ...I think it affected the transmission...possibly the motor.....got rid of it.  I’m almost positive it never went off the road....maybe park by the beach at most.

So now whenever I see a lifted vehicle for sale I don’t even consider it.  I just think he has a small pee pee and the motor and trans may be in poor shape.  A lot of them look almost new

I’m not going anywhere crazy so I’ll lilkely skip the winch for now.   The property already has a lot of roads.  I mainly don’t want to park on the side of the road and find the shoulder is saturated and my fwd van is spinning.  The place is on the windward side.

If it was on the west side, I’d just use the Odyssey...dead shocks and all.

Hmmm.  I heard some people have Toyota 4wd vans.  Hiace or something and Mitsubishi delica 4wd vans
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Rocky on April 07, 2020, 11:44:04 AM
Cheapest answer
http://forums.miamibeach411.com/attachments/f17/9031d1310175105-disturbing-thought-provoking-picture-deceased-pig-back-motorcycle-hog.jpg
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on April 07, 2020, 11:58:04 AM
Cheapest answer
http://forums.miamibeach411.com/attachments/f17/9031d1310175105-disturbing-thought-provoking-picture-deceased-pig-back-motorcycle-hog.jpg

Out for a leisurely ride with his HOG!

Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: RSN172 on April 07, 2020, 06:06:45 PM
Out for a leisurely ride with his HOG!

(https://i.imgur.com/tTbJRWq.jpg?1)

Da cheapest ansa is buy one gud  set boots an walk feet.
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 07, 2020, 07:26:35 PM
Hah!!  I was thinking of getting a moped or electric mountain bike!!

Leave the moped at the bottom

Drive truck to the top.

Hunt going down

Take moped up.  One person can load the moped, just no get burned.

Yes, I’m vertically challenged
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: pj_benn on April 07, 2020, 07:50:56 PM
Worried about a lift causing engine damage? Lol
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 08, 2020, 10:40:03 AM
I don’t know if the guy who did the mods to the truck knows what he is doing.  I would prefer stock

Even at my work, guys with decades of experience.....

I’m one of them.......
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: toku58 on April 09, 2020, 08:58:24 PM
Do you have dogs? Myself personally I avoid hunting in the rain. Hate the Mud.
If a good used truck is what you're looking for then I would recommend you look at a used Tundra 05-06 4x4. They are about the size of a new Tacoma and have the better V8 engine then the earlier years. Still people selling them are asking way over KBB. (Yes gas millage sucks! But all Toyota's aren't very good on gas)
I know you said you wouldn't do American.
If you don't have dogs and basically only hunt alone? Jeep would be my recommendation also. the Dana solid axles are almost bullet proof.
1st gen Tacoma trucks have engine issues and ball joint issues. 2nd gen Tacomas have wheel bearing issues. (Don't get me wrong I'm 100% a Tacoma guy) Just love the look of the truck.
But for purely 4x4 utility use the jeep is hard to beat. IMHO!
Make sure you get a good set of offroad tires.

Good Luck!
Title: Re: Vehicles for hunting
Post by: tim808 on April 09, 2020, 10:59:19 PM
Hi T
I have to put aside the 4x4 search until I ship my odyssey van to Lanai and sell my daughter’s car.  Directive from my boss.

The 4x4 will become my daughter’s “vehicle” till she moves away in a year or so

I’ll get my wife’s old sienna for now

Before the boss laid down the law, I was looking at a Suzuki Grand Vitara.  It’s unibody and ladder frame so it does okay off road.  Has lo in awd.  Definitely not a body on frame like a truck or other true off road vehicle.  Hopefully enough to not get stuck.  It can fit five and is cheap!

Thanks for the advice.  I’ve been considering a tundra.  But I’m kind of short.  The newer tundras are huge.  I’ll keep my eyes open for an older tundra

Are the tundras after 2006 alright?  Other than making me look like a Oompa Loompa and poor gas mileage

For tires I guess I’ll ask here after I get a vehicle.

I can’t get a Jeep.  They generally have rag tops and it’s hard to enjoy a meal when I have to keep eyeballing the vehicle from the restaurant after going to kokohead. 

For the private land, I’m guessing 4-6 people and I guess in groups of 2.  No dogs.

In the public areas I go by myself, but not by choice.  I’m a newb so I prefer to go with one of my friends or coworkers who are also beginning and not real serious.... but none are interested.  I don’t ask the real hunters.  They would probably get irritated or feel like they are babysitting.  Ok going alone.  Just no can huli and get hurt

The Winchester is doing great.  Only thing is one of my coworkers is always using it so I never use it.  I have to use one of my loaners instead.  I guess they like the look and feel of wood compared to plastic.