The Long Haul: Advantages of a Designated Hunting Rig
Can getting a hunting vehicle really save you money, as well as allow you to do more out-of-state hunts? My answer is: Yes! During the summer of 2019, I decided after researching and doing the math, to go for it and invest in hunting transportation. If you're anything like I am, hunting is all you can think about the majority of the time and it's a year-round sport! I like to do out-of-state trips to hunt but also to scout. If this sounds like your thing, this article might give you the little nudge towards pulling the trigger and investing in a hunting rig! In this article, I will be using my personal vehicle as an example as I give my reasons and personal opinions why financially it pays off to have a designated hunting vehicle. So, I decided to purchase a green 1996 Mercury Villager. I got it for $1000.00 with 158,000 miles on it.
First, saving the mileage on your everyday vehicle is a no brainer. Hunting and scouting alone, I rack up 15,000 miles a year. This doubles my mileage yearly on my vehicle. I recently purchased a new truck, so putting those extra miles on didn’t seem feasible to me. In the past, I would refrain from doing as much hunting or scouting for this reason. Eliminating this factor has made hunting far more pleasing.
Second, the three little letters that can pack quite an economical punch…MPG. I get between 18 to 20 miles per gallon in my truck. With my hunting van, I get 25-27 MPG. Seven or so MPG may not seem like much, but it certainly adds up. Especially when you are looking at 15,000 miles overall. An extra 180 miles or so may just get me to my destination buck!
Third, comfort and ease are two factors should not be overlooked. This makes the whole process much more relaxing and enjoyable. Sleeping in my hunting van versus sleeping in my truck cab for instance, doesn't even compare. I removed the back seats out of the van for the room. Taking the van, I can bring a buddy, or my pup, and we just throw down mats or sleeping bags in the back and stretch out. I’ve made several scouting trips to Kansas and Wisconsin with my brother and pup and sleeping comfortably has never been a problem. When I’ve traveled alone during the season, I've thrown a twin mattress in the back and slept well. Having room to pack all your hunting gear, coolers, and such with ease is a major benefit. The deer cart gets strapped to the rack on top and I can keep the van pretty much ready to go. So, packing is a cinch and traveling 8+ hours is quite comfortable.
Fourth, and potentially most beneficial, is the hotel savings. During my rut vacation, for example, I spent 9 days in Kansas and 8 days in Wisconsin for a total of 17 days. Even for a cheap motel you are looking at $75.00 per night. Right there, I made up for the investment in purchasing the van for $1,000.00. We don't even need to mention the many other trips and potential hotel stays that were saved! My overall savings on hotels for the season was, on the low end, $4,000.00. Not to mention the fact that I probably wouldn't have hunted near as much without this savings.
In conclusion, if you take into consideration all the factors I mentioned, the comfort, ease, money savings, less wear and tear on your daily driver, and just overall peace of mind, there really isn't any reason not to take the plunge and make one of the best investments into your pastime. Get yourself a hunting rig!
-Dillon Lee, Fall Obsession Pro Staff