Backcountry​ hunting vehicles

[Historybuff]

Is coming out of state for a western elk hunt, doable out of a Subaru outback? Any Montana or Idaho guys have any experience hunting out of them? I'd love to hear some opinions. Thanks.

 

[ElkNut1]

Yes, it is! Many here have two wheel drive rigs on their Sept hunts. If hunting rifle seasons you should still be ok. Just be careful & use common sense once heavy muds or snows occur as to what's negotiable & what's not!

ElkNut1

 

[Titan_Bow]

Subaru Outback is probably the official state vehicle of Colorado hahaha


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[5MilesBack]

Sure, as long as you have enough room for your coolers, and trophy.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

When I started elk hunting I was fresh out of college and poor. I hunted out of an old Toyota Corolla, and managed to haul a few deboned elk and deer in the trunk.

Just be smart about which roads you drive and you'll be fine.

 

[freebird134]

I used to hunt unit 8 in a 2 door hatchback mustang with a broken door handle when I was at Univ of Idaho. It was a fine car until the clutch went to the floor on a grade outside coeur d alene one summer

 

[realunlucky]

Free bird I had a mustang 2 hatchback that I had taken everywhere hunting. Was a few times I had to wait for road to dry a few days before I could get back out. Back then you could tie animals on top without getting death threats

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[WyoBowhunter21]

I don't hunt Montana or Idaho but have see a couple subs in the mountains during hunting season. Two years ago I saw one with 3 mules on the roof. That was interesting. Just remember most states don't like the animal being "shown off" so be mindful of where you put the horns and what not. Years ago it wouldn't have mattered but now a days we have to work as hunters to make sure the non hunters don't win the battle. If it is what you have than go hunt. Make it work and just be safe and mindful of where you are capable of going.

 

[Tag_Soup]

I used to hunt unit 8 in a 2 door hatchback mustang with a broken door handle when I was at Univ of Idaho. It was a fine car until the clutch went to the floor on a grade outside coeur d alene one summer

Go vandals!


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[freebird134]

Free bird I had a mustang 2 hatchback that I had taken everywhere hunting. Was a few times I had to wait for road to dry a few days before I could get back out. Back then you could tie animals on top without getting death threats

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Haha!

I once drove a giant boar through downtown Orlando on the roof of my jeep. No death threats, but lots of dirty looks (and thumbs up!)

 

[Blockcaver]

I bowhunter hunted CO out of a couple of Honda Civic Wagons back in the 80s - 90s and a CRV into the mid-2000s. Just have the meat boned out and really good tarps to keep blood out of the carpet (or plastic cargo area liners with a lip around them. Good luck!

 

[Trr15]

You can hunt and kill elk without ever taking your vehicle off the paved road. Usually requires some extra miles on the boot leather, but it can be done without a problem.

 

[camelcluch]

I might put some decent tires under the Subaru and make sure you have a good spare but it should be fine.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I have done many an elk hunt driving a 2005 Dodge Neon. Its doable.

Esse quam videri

 

[westrnwild]

you should be fine, as others have said use your head. Subaru's are defiantly the state vehicle here in Colorado. However, i did see one destroy itself cause it went on a trail that said "high clearance vehicles only" I rolled up in my FJ to see that Subaru leaking oil and dead in the water on the side of the trail, apparently another jeep came through and plowed him off the trail after he had to abandon ship and walk out.(expensive bill ahead) If you stick to basic Forest Service roads you should have no problem at all though.

 

[Greg Beck]

I've taken my 1993 Honda Accord quite the places!!!! Wouldn't be my first choice but it's my only option right now so guess what.... I'm going hunting!!!!

 

[SWOHTR]

Regarding ID - Flat units will be OK (8, 8A) but if you get into the more rugged areas (eg 6, 9) you will want to scrutinize the FS map. An unmaintained road (i.e. Road 301) will be hell on a low clearance vehicle.

Go Vandals!


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[Shooter19802003]

Well, I'm in unit 1 and you can do it here. Most roads are gated anyways, so all your doing is driving to the gate and hoofin it the rest of the way.

 

[awaldro7]

I think it would be fine. Those subarus have a ton of room when you fold the back seats.

 

[CCH]

I love going up a rough road in my Jeep, feeling all expeditony and rugged, only to find a Subaru parked at the trailhead. We had Subarus in the family for many years and took them pretty far back. As everyone has said though, be selective in the roads you choose. Getting there, and getting there without damage are two different things. Lots of places you can get to with ease where you can start your hike and hunt.