Building A Hunters Dream quad
| A Hunter’s Dream Quad! |
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The leaves fall like snowflakes, the morning air feels crisp, and dew covers the ground each morning. The favorite time of year for lots of quad owners, autumn means only one thing in many states… hunting season! Avid hunters spend maybe 3-4 days per week out in the wild roaming from place to place in search of — or pre-scouting for — their quarry this time of year. The quarry might be hiding over that next log… or miles deep in no-man’s land. The sportsperson must have mobility to make good use of time in the field. Your equipment must also be kept clean, dry and protected as you explore the trails in search of your trophy — or its past presence. You must be able to face and conquer most any obstacle in your way. Today we’ll show you some products that just might fit the needs of such a Sportsperson.The Machine:
We decided to start with a Polaris Sportsman 500 Remington Special Edition for many reasons:
*Powerful 500cc 4-stroke, liquid cooled powerplant
*Fully automatic transmission for ease of operation
*Engine Braking System
*Fully Independent, long travel suspension
*4-Wheel shaft drive
*True 4-Wheel Drive
*11-inch ground clearance
*Factory Mossy Oak� camouflage body design
We decided to start with a Polaris Sportsman 500 Remington Special Edition for many reasons:
*Powerful 500cc 4-stroke, liquid cooled powerplant
*Fully automatic transmission for ease of operation
*Engine Braking System
*Fully Independent, long travel suspension
*4-Wheel shaft drive
*True 4-Wheel Drive
*11-inch ground clearance
*Factory Mossy Oak� camouflage body design
Traction:Next, the most important item needed would be some rubber that’s going to put the power from the SP500 Special Edition to the ground and give us maximum ground clearance. Most OEM tires are considered “baloney skins” by the standards that are now being set by many ATV tire manufacturers. OEM tires might be fine for a majority of “road” riders, but not for those looking for the most ground clearance and traction to travel the world’s worst gnarly stuff. To help us achieve maximum ground clearance and optimum traction, we selected the newest tire kit from Mud Machines Unlimited to lay down the tracks. We think the 27″ Bi-Claws and Tri-Claws should be able to handle whatever Mother Nature dishes out.
A little more clearance…
In order for the 27″ Bi-Claws to clear the front fenders of the Sportsman 500 we needed some expertise in that area as well. Highlifter supplied the lift kit components for the front of the SP500. The rear 27″ Tri-Claws had plenty of SP500 fender clearance straight from the factory. Installation of the front lift kit for the Polaris SP500 involved using a spring compressor and then removing the Sachs struts, one side of the quad at a time. After the strut removal, slip the appropriate lift spacers in place for that strut and spring to rest on and re-install the strut… no big deal. The appearance of the Sportsman 500 doesn’t have that slight “nose down” look anymore and actually leveled out the machine nicely. Plus, we gained an additional two inches of front skidplate ground clearance! Now, we’re set to explore. 
Note: We’ve been running our ’97 Polaris Xplorer 500 equipped with Highlifter’s front lift for almost a year and are happy to report that no ill effects with the front driveline has occurred. Our 2000 Sportsman 500 RSE (shown in this article) has also performed with no breakdowns due to the addition of the front lift kit. The following products are exclusively designed for Polaris and the manufacturing specs must meet Polaris’ stringent quality standards in order to display the Polaris name. It’s no secret that with increased ATV quality standards displayed by the Sportsman 500 that their Parts & Accessory division is also adhering to 5-star levels as well.
Warn A2000 Sportsman RSE winch kit:
MSRP 0
Even though the Sportsman 500 RSE is now equipped with decent ground clearance and aggressive traction…it may be stoppable! Somewhere, sometime, somehow, you will get in a situation that necessitates a winch. (Or maybe one of your riding buddies will.)The benefit of having a winch when riding into the unknown is something that you should consider mandatory. The Warn A2000 winch does not come with a brake assembly pre-installed. (An automatic internal brake assembly can be purchased as an accessory; the part number is 22142). However, the winch has something called dynamic braking. Dynamic braking occurs when the control switch is in its neutral position, this feature shorts across the motor terminals, thus creating a load on the motor, giving about 150 pounds of dynamic braking strength. A winch can also be vital in a rescue mission of another quad — if not your own — from the depths of the goo.
The Warn winch –including the mounting plate–fit like a glove. No additional modifications were needed for the installation…we love when that happens! The A2000 comes with 50 feet of wire rope and hook. A “hand saver” strap to be used when manually pulling out or winching in the wire rope is also included. The rack mounted switch mounted perfectly while still leaving room for our rack bags. We also threw in a tree saver strap in case attaching our winch cable to a tree was needed, a shackle for easier hookups to other quads, and a snatch block – pulley — in case more winching power or angled pulls were needed. When the going gets tough, we’ll be ready.
MSRP 0
Even though the Sportsman 500 RSE is now equipped with decent ground clearance and aggressive traction…it may be stoppable! Somewhere, sometime, somehow, you will get in a situation that necessitates a winch. (Or maybe one of your riding buddies will.)The benefit of having a winch when riding into the unknown is something that you should consider mandatory. The Warn A2000 winch does not come with a brake assembly pre-installed. (An automatic internal brake assembly can be purchased as an accessory; the part number is 22142). However, the winch has something called dynamic braking. Dynamic braking occurs when the control switch is in its neutral position, this feature shorts across the motor terminals, thus creating a load on the motor, giving about 150 pounds of dynamic braking strength. A winch can also be vital in a rescue mission of another quad — if not your own — from the depths of the goo.
The Warn winch –including the mounting plate–fit like a glove. No additional modifications were needed for the installation…we love when that happens! The A2000 comes with 50 feet of wire rope and hook. A “hand saver” strap to be used when manually pulling out or winching in the wire rope is also included. The rack mounted switch mounted perfectly while still leaving room for our rack bags. We also threw in a tree saver strap in case attaching our winch cable to a tree was needed, a shackle for easier hookups to other quads, and a snatch block – pulley — in case more winching power or angled pulls were needed. When the going gets tough, we’ll be ready.Rack Bags:
The rack bags from Polaris are custom fitted for the front and rear rack. Both models are formed to the slight curve of the rack rails for a custom fit. Both models offer the same features and quality. The inner shells of the rack bags consist of a thin heavy-duty plastic form that stays rigid in all types of conditions. Covering this shell is a heavy-duty, water-resistant canvas material. Our rack bags came in Mossy Oak to match the Remington Special Edition. Black is also available.
Inside the rack bags are two plastic dividers so each bag can be divided into three compartments if needed–handy for separating helmets, boots, hunting equipment, snacks or dry clothing. The partition dividers are easy to adjust anywhere inside the hard bags with Velcro connectors or lay them flat for carrying long items inside the bags.
Both rack bags seal up using a heavy-duty zipper running along three sides with two zipper handles. That arrangement worked nice for getting into one side of the bag without unzipping the complete bag. The rear rack bag (MSRP 9) is tall enough to hold helmets so they’re safe and dry while hunting. The front rack bag (MSRP 9) can be used for tree climbers, spotlights, 12 volt air pump, treestand straps and things like that. On the outside–along the complete zipper– a flap prevents the elements from clogging the zipper and provides an attractive finish to the bags. These rack bags also incorporate a carrying handle for easy transporting from your cabin or vehicle to the quad. Mounting the rack bags was easy and fast. Velcro straps 
on the sides and plastic “snap” connectors on the front and back provide a scratch-free, rust-free tight mounting system that did not loosen while riding. Hunting and exploring the backcountry will get these bags downright filthy. A spray from a hose along with an added scrub from a brush, and they will look like new again.
The rack bags from Polaris are custom fitted for the front and rear rack. Both models are formed to the slight curve of the rack rails for a custom fit. Both models offer the same features and quality. The inner shells of the rack bags consist of a thin heavy-duty plastic form that stays rigid in all types of conditions. Covering this shell is a heavy-duty, water-resistant canvas material. Our rack bags came in Mossy Oak to match the Remington Special Edition. Black is also available. Inside the rack bags are two plastic dividers so each bag can be divided into three compartments if needed–handy for separating helmets, boots, hunting equipment, snacks or dry clothing. The partition dividers are easy to adjust anywhere inside the hard bags with Velcro connectors or lay them flat for carrying long items inside the bags.
Both rack bags seal up using a heavy-duty zipper running along three sides with two zipper handles. That arrangement worked nice for getting into one side of the bag without unzipping the complete bag. The rear rack bag (MSRP 9) is tall enough to hold helmets so they’re safe and dry while hunting. The front rack bag (MSRP 9) can be used for tree climbers, spotlights, 12 volt air pump, treestand straps and things like that. On the outside–along the complete zipper– a flap prevents the elements from clogging the zipper and provides an attractive finish to the bags. These rack bags also incorporate a carrying handle for easy transporting from your cabin or vehicle to the quad. Mounting the rack bags was easy and fast. Velcro straps on the sides and plastic “snap” connectors on the front and back provide a scratch-free, rust-free tight mounting system that did not loosen while riding. Hunting and exploring the backcountry will get these bags downright filthy. A spray from a hose along with an added scrub from a brush, and they will look like new again.
Heavy-duty,water-resistant canvas material Heavy-duty zipper with dual handles
Dual zipper handles allow the use of
baggage locks for added security
Sealing flap over the complete zipper on the
hard-sided rack bags
Compartment dividers
Proven easy and fast tie-down methods
These rack bags incorporate a handle for easy transporting
Passed the Connection’s wash and leak test
Carrying capacities are 25 pounds for the front rack bag and 35 pounds for the larger rear rack bag. Ok, let’s move on.
Kolpin Gun Boot IV Scabbard:
MSRP
Gun Boot IV mounting bracket
MSRP
Probably the most important item to a gun hunter is firearm protection. After traveling hard miles to get to your human-free hunting area, the last thing you want to see is a banged up shotgun or rifle that was jostling on your rack while negotiating tough trails. Kolpin Manufacturing has been producing the “Gun Boot” for many years. The airline approved, lockable, plush pile interior lined hard-case can accept scoped firearms as well. The newly designed “quick release” mounting system is easier and faster to use than earlier mounting designs and was vibration noise-free! With the simple steps of removing a securing pin and moving the locking lever, the hard case slides right out of the mounting bracket. Angle adjustability is also incorporated into the mounting system, which fits either composite or metal racks. These next products are not Polaris “branded” but we thought you’d like to see a few items that might make your hunt more comfy and safer.
MSRP
Gun Boot IV mounting bracket
MSRP
Probably the most important item to a gun hunter is firearm protection. After traveling hard miles to get to your human-free hunting area, the last thing you want to see is a banged up shotgun or rifle that was jostling on your rack while negotiating tough trails. Kolpin Manufacturing has been producing the “Gun Boot” for many years. The airline approved, lockable, plush pile interior lined hard-case can accept scoped firearms as well. The newly designed “quick release” mounting system is easier and faster to use than earlier mounting designs and was vibration noise-free! With the simple steps of removing a securing pin and moving the locking lever, the hard case slides right out of the mounting bracket. Angle adjustability is also incorporated into the mounting system, which fits either composite or metal racks. These next products are not Polaris “branded” but we thought you’d like to see a few items that might make your hunt more comfy and safer.Ryan’s ATV Rack:
MSRP 9
MSRP 9
Strapping a large ladder type treestand, cooler or camp tent onto a rack is cumbersome, could be unstable and takes up precious rack space. We found that using a system such as “Ryan’s ATV Rack” handles this job well. A large ladder stand– like the Grand Slam Lite Ladder Supreme from API Outdoors, can easily and safely be strapped on and even have spare room for other items. Actually, if you’re lucky enough to bag a big one, you’ll need all the room you can get on your quads’ racks for hauling your trophy to camp.
Hot Grips:
MSRP from
With freezing temps getting closer each day, you’ve all been on rides that sent thoughts like “what am I doing out here?” racing through your mind. When the temperature drops, do your hands get numb by the time you get to your hunting destination…not any more. Hot Grips have been around for a long time and they keep getting better. Our Hot Grips are a new model that is a little larger in diameter than the stock grips on the Sportsman 500. We liked the larger diameter feel much better than the stock grips. On the 40 degree scouting rides, adjusting the new optional Variable Heat Controller (VHC) kept our hands nice and warm. We think installing the VHC actually simplifies the Hot Grip installation. Power and ground for our SP500 application was available inside the SP500’s handlebar pod. Watch for a complete evaluation of the Hot Grips in the near future.
MSRP from
With freezing temps getting closer each day, you’ve all been on rides that sent thoughts like “what am I doing out here?” racing through your mind. When the temperature drops, do your hands get numb by the time you get to your hunting destination…not any more. Hot Grips have been around for a long time and they keep getting better. Our Hot Grips are a new model that is a little larger in diameter than the stock grips on the Sportsman 500. We liked the larger diameter feel much better than the stock grips. On the 40 degree scouting rides, adjusting the new optional Variable Heat Controller (VHC) kept our hands nice and warm. We think installing the VHC actually simplifies the Hot Grip installation. Power and ground for our SP500 application was available inside the SP500’s handlebar pod. Watch for a complete evaluation of the Hot Grips in the near future.This ride for you?
It’s always best to try some “dry runs” before the actual hunting season to see if everything is going to perform as planned. The Polaris Sportsman 500 provided the power and cushy ride to haul our gear and us to unknown territories. On many scouting excursions to select locations for whitetail deer sign, we didn’t have any problems to report concerning the Sportsman 500 setup as shown. Utilizing the Sportsman’s All-Wheel Drive to its maximum and the Bi-Claw/Tri-Claw tire setup provided exceptional ground clearance and clawed us deep into whitetail habitat beautifully — even a few places where we know a stock machine couldn’t possibly have gone. Our gear and firearm was protected and transported in the safest, cleanest manner possible and will be ready for action.
Hopefully, we gave you some suggestions as to how you can equip your quad for your adventures while hunting. As ATVs are becoming the most popular means of transportation for the Sportsperson, we’re learning that just because an adventure didn’t work out the way you anticipated the first time, there’s always a company that’ll provide products that’ll make your second trip a little bit nicer…and safer.
It’s always best to try some “dry runs” before the actual hunting season to see if everything is going to perform as planned. The Polaris Sportsman 500 provided the power and cushy ride to haul our gear and us to unknown territories. On many scouting excursions to select locations for whitetail deer sign, we didn’t have any problems to report concerning the Sportsman 500 setup as shown. Utilizing the Sportsman’s All-Wheel Drive to its maximum and the Bi-Claw/Tri-Claw tire setup provided exceptional ground clearance and clawed us deep into whitetail habitat beautifully — even a few places where we know a stock machine couldn’t possibly have gone. Our gear and firearm was protected and transported in the safest, cleanest manner possible and will be ready for action.
Hopefully, we gave you some suggestions as to how you can equip your quad for your adventures while hunting. As ATVs are becoming the most popular means of transportation for the Sportsperson, we’re learning that just because an adventure didn’t work out the way you anticipated the first time, there’s always a company that’ll provide products that’ll make your second trip a little bit nicer…and safer.
Good Luck!