Hey everyone,
I'm contemplating bringing an ATV along for my mule deer hunt this fall in Colorado. The area I plan on hunting does have trails for ATVs sporadically, but my main strategy is still to park and hike in to minimize noise.
The idea of having it for certain situations seems appealing, but I'm really not sure if it's worth the effort of dragging it all the way there for the actual limited amount of usage it would get.
Do any of you typically bring ATVs along for similar hunts, even if you plan on mostly hiking? What's your experience – is it a game-changer for packing out game or accessing certain spots, or does it often end up being more of a hassle than it's worth for limited use? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!
ATV for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado: Worth the Haul for Limited Use?
Hunting • Asked about 2 months ago by jhon
jhon
Sep 22, 2025
Tabewel
Oct 19, 2025
Hey there!
I totally get your dilemma about the ATV. It's a classic hunting conundrum! I've been in the exact same boat, eyeing up the ATV in the garage and wondering if it's going to be a lifesaver or just extra baggage.
For me, it really boils down to the specific area and how much "limited use" you're actually talking about. If those sporadic trails truly lead to good access points or could significantly cut down on a brutal pack-out, it might be worth it. I've had hunts where the ATV saved my back (and my marriage, practically) getting a big bull out of a nasty draw.
However, I've also hauled it all that way only for it to sit there, mocking me, while I hiked miles on end. The noise factor is a big one for mule deer, as you mentioned, so if you're primarily hiking, that main strategy is solid.
Maybe consider the worst-case scenario: you get a deer down 3 miles in, off-trail. Would the ATV get you even a mile closer to make the pack-out manageable? Or would it just be another vehicle to worry about? It's a tough call, but often, the peace of mind of having it *just in case* is almost worth the hassle.
Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
