5 Things to Check Before Hunting Season

5 Things to Check on Your ATV or Side-by-Side Before Hunting Season

When the air cools and fall arrives in Central Ontario, local hunters begin preparing for deer, bear, and waterfowl seasons. Whether navigating the rugged, rocky terrain around Simcoe County, trekking into Crown land pockets near Georgian Bay, or hauling gear into managed trails within the Simcoe County Forest, your off road vehicle is your most vital tool.

A breakdown miles deep off a logging road or cutline isn't just an inconvenience it can ruin an entire hunting trip or present real safety hazards in cold weather. Before loading up the trailer for your first hunt, perform these five essential mechanical checks on your ATV or Side-by-Side (SxS).

1. Engine Fluids and Intake Systems

After a summer of high rpm trail riding or mud runs, engine fluids and filters need thorough inspection:

• Engine Oil & Filter: Check levels and cleanliness. Clean oil ensures proper lubrication during cold morning starts and long idling periods while navigating slow technical trails.

• Coolant: Inspect reservoir levels and check for debris or dried mud clogging the radiator fins, which can quickly cause overheating when crawling slowly under heavy loads.

• Air Filter Intake: Rodents often nest in air boxes over late summer. Ensure the intake is clean and free of blockage, and inspect the air filter. Dust-choked filters reduce fuel efficiency and power when hauling heavy gear or game.

2. Drivetrain, Belts, and Differential Maintenance

Terrain across local WMUs varies dramatically from deep mud and swampy bottoms to sharp Shield rock. Your drivetrain takes the brunt of this work:

• CVT Drive Belt: Inspect the drive belt for cracking, glazing, or missing teeth. A worn belt is prone to snapping under heavy torque (such as dragging a big buck or winching out of a ditch). Carry a spare belt and the proper removal tools onboard.

• Differential & Transmission Fluids: Check front and rear differential oil for water contamination (which turns the oil milky). If you crossed deep water during summer rides, drain and replace fresh gear oil.

• Drive Shafts & CV Boots: Inspect rubber CV boots for tears or punctures. A torn boot lets grit and water destroy the CV joint rapidly.

3. Brake Inspection and Suspension Geometry

Hauling heavy equipment, treestands, or an harvested animal puts significant extra weight on your machine's stopping system:

• Brake Pads & Rotors: Check pad thickness. Grit and silt from local mud holes rapidly wear down friction material. Squealing or spongy levers mean it’s time for fresh pads and a brake fluid bleed.

• Suspension Bushings & Ball Joints: Jack up each corner of the machine and shake the wheels vertically and horizontally. Excessive play indicates worn wheel bearings, ball joints, or A-arm bushings, which degrade high-load stability on tight, rutted forest tracks.

• Shock Preload Adjustment: Adjust shock preload settings to account for added weight if you plan to carry heavy rear-rack cargo, hitch-mounted game carriers, or a trailer.

4. Tire Pressure, Tread Depth, and Wheel Hardware

Tires are your primary contact patch with slippery autumn surfaces, wet clay, and frost-covered trails:

• Tread Condition & Punctures: Inspect sidewalls for dry rot or cuts. Verify tread depth is sufficient for mud and wet leaf litter.

• PSI Adjustments: Adjust tire pressures to match the payload recommended by your manufacturer. Cold morning temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, so measure air levels when the tires are cold.

• Lug Nut Torque: Check wheel lug torque with a torque wrench. Loose lugs are a common cause of trailside failures under heavy off-road stress.

5. Winch, Electrical System, and Recovery Gear

Autumn hunting means short daylight hours and cold temperatures that tax 12-volt electrical systems:

• Battery Health: Test battery voltage under load. Cold mornings reduce battery capacity; replace any battery struggling to hold a charge to avoid getting stranded in remote areas.

• Winch Operation: Unspool the winch cable or synthetic rope entirely. Inspect for fraying, kinks, or broken strands. Re-spool under tension and test both handlebar switches and remote controls.

• Lighting: Verify headlight, taillight, and auxiliary light bar operation. Proper illumination is essential for tracking, dressing game, or navigating back after dusk.

STAY SAFE HUNTERS