Looking to buy a 4 WD jeep for a hunting and deer tracking vehicle. I hunt the Huron National Forrest in South Branch, MI. This year we had more rain than usual and it got a little dicey getting in and out of my hunting area with my 2 WD Toyota 4 Runner. I drive old logging roads and trails 5 to 7 miles off the main road. The terrain challenges are sand, mud, wash outs, and unmaintained trails. There are not many steep sections and no rocks to climb. So, I'm thinking a stock TJ, SE, X, or Sport Models with 6 cylinder, manual or 3 speed automatic. Leaning towards automatic for easy of driving with hunting boots and clothing. Also looking at full doors and hard top for security . Any thoughts and recommendations would be appreciated. I have owned a Jeep in the past, 1985 CJ7. Sure could use it now.
Hunting Rig
- Thread starter larasea
- Start date
Welcome to this site. I can find just about any info here just poking around in the different forums.
Not sure of your budget but in my area a hard top TJ (not Rubicon) can be found for 8 to 12 grand. Soft top TJs can be found for 6 or so. Keep in mind that the lower priced TJs normally need work. If its a dedicated hunting Jeep you might think about a YJ. In my area they are cheaper and so are their parts. A good used YJ hard top is half the price of TJ.
33 inch tires (to clear the tires it would already be lifted), 6 cylinder, and inspect the frame in detail would be my baseline anything extra like a winch, lights and bumpers would be a bonus.
Happy hunting
Not sure of your budget but in my area a hard top TJ (not Rubicon) can be found for 8 to 12 grand. Soft top TJs can be found for 6 or so. Keep in mind that the lower priced TJs normally need work. If its a dedicated hunting Jeep you might think about a YJ. In my area they are cheaper and so are their parts. A good used YJ hard top is half the price of TJ.
33 inch tires (to clear the tires it would already be lifted), 6 cylinder, and inspect the frame in detail would be my baseline anything extra like a winch, lights and bumpers would be a bonus.
Happy hunting
Throw that dear over the spare and haul him out.
Stock Jeep would work great and if you get the right tires you will be prepared for anything.
A fully dressed whitetail would easily fit on a hitch basket or even a spare tire rack.
Stock Jeep would work great and if you get the right tires you will be prepared for anything.
A fully dressed whitetail would easily fit on a hitch basket or even a spare tire rack.
Thanks. I use a hitch rack now with my 4 runner and plan on the same. What tires would you recommend.
It really depends on how much it will be driven on the highway and roadways.
I really like the MTR Kevlar for mud and dirt and they have tough side walls for roots. If you never really drive roadways you could get into an even more aggressive mud tire.
Some of the guys on here from MS or FL may be able to give you an idea of “swamp tires” that are good.
I think the Goodyear MTR or new BFG KM3 or KM2 will be great for that and you can drive on the roadways but I would not recommend for a daily driver.
I really like the MTR Kevlar for mud and dirt and they have tough side walls for roots. If you never really drive roadways you could get into an even more aggressive mud tire.
Some of the guys on here from MS or FL may be able to give you an idea of “swamp tires” that are good.
I think the Goodyear MTR or new BFG KM3 or KM2 will be great for that and you can drive on the roadways but I would not recommend for a daily driver.
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I hunt with mine. I just use a cargo carrier on the hitch and throw the game on it. I’ve had a doe, hog and coyote on it all at one time. Works great and the Jeep can get into so many places a typical 4WD can’t go, so I love it.
I modified a hitch basket so it sets higher so it wouldn't drag going through a creek or ditch.
Forgot to mention it but I also use a hitch rack, with a 10" drop hitch flipped upside down it has good clearance. Being unable to open the tailgate is a pain if the top is on, however.
A stock TJ would be fine. I hunted this year in mine and fit my buddy's 10ptr he bagged on the tailgate rack and hauled it to his truck. A dressed whitetail is no challenge to fit back there. 33's with a rear LSD and Warn winch got me feeling real comfortable for big game hunting on less than ideals roads. I do have 4.56 gears though which bodes very well for the added tire size. Happy hunting and the best of wishes.
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