A few months ago I sold my Polaris Ranger and have been looking around for a new dog training/hunting outfit. My neighbor helped me find this little Ford Ranger V6 4X4 at auction that had rear-end body damage. We got a good deal on it (2004 with 74,000 miles) and popped the bed off. After a bit of searching we found and ordered this aluminum flatbed from a company called Aluma in Iowa. It was hard to find a flatbed for a small truck, but I wanted to be able to have access to all sides for loading and unloading dogs and gear. I am waiting on a custom dog box from Diamond Deluxe to finish the truck. I enjoyed the Polaris but was disappointed with the gas mileage and buying new front tires all the time from driving on paved roads. I thought a light truck with a flat bed would be just right. So far, I love it. Thanks to my neighbor from JRS Auto Repair for helping me find the truck at auction and mounting the flatbed for me.
Dog Training Journal
Dog Training Supplies, Gun Dog Training, Hunting Gear
I must have tried on about 50 hunting vests before I found the Pella Bird ‘N Lite Strap Vest at my local Cabela’s store. I was getting sick of the $10 cheapo vest that I purchased at Wal-Mart. With only a bird or two in the bag the collar would cut into my neck and shoulders like a knife. I knew I wanted a strap-style hunting vest but I couldn’t find one that felt natural on my back. I was surprised at the variety available and the insane pricing of some of the more popluar vests. Many times it seems like your paying an extra hundred bucks for the brand name.
The past few weeks I have been beating up my new Pella hunting vest and filling it to the brim with pheasants. I can comfortably fit about 6 big roosters in the back, a water bottle and 2-3 boxes of shells in the front pockets. The weight was distributed quite well especially with the extra wide waste strap. I’m not sure if this is a product that is easy to find in most sporting goods stores, but at my Cabela’s in Utah this was the only one left in the store. I’m glad I stumbled onto it, and at $80 it was reasonably priced. It even has the capacity for a camel-back style water bladder, which I picked up at Wal-Mart for under $20. I would recommend this product to anyone who hunts for more than a couple hours at a time. You can click on over to Cabela’s to check it out for yourself.
Dog Training Supplies
Dog Training Supplies, Hunting Gear, Pheasant Hunting
The Polaris Ranger is my official hunting vehicle. Since I live so close to the mountains I can just load up the dogs and head for the hills. Lately I have been letting Annie ride in the bed with a short leash tied so she can’t fall out. The shorthairs still ride in the kennel box bungy corded to one side of the bed of my ranger. Annie loves to poke her head through the back window and see where we’re going. It’s pretty funny and my kids love to be able to reach up and scratch her ears. Annie seems to be more people oriented and wants very much to be involved in whatever I’m doing. The two german shorthairs don’t really care about people they just want to get out and run. It is interesting to raise the two pointing breeds together and to see the differences in their personalities.
Dog Training Journal
American Brittany, Annie, ATV, Gun Dog Training, Hunting Gear, Polaris Ranger
The parts came in today for my new Polaris Ranger XP. I had ordered the front and rear windshields as well as the molded plastic roof. I chose to buy the lock-n-ride Polaris brand accessories and was very pleased with the fit and finish. Installation was pretty easy and took less than an hour to install all three parts. It went especially smooth since my good friend John helped me, he has the same accessories on his ranger. The kids were very excited about the roof to keep the rain out. The tool racks were my favorite accessory. For only $349 I got the lock-n-ride accessory mount for the bed rails, the garden tools rack and the lockable weed wacker rack. The tool rack comes off very easily by simply removing two clips. Since I will be using my Ranger for a variety of things I am quite pleased with the versatility that all the accessories provide. Two thumbs way up for the Polaris Ranger and the hundreds of aftermarket parts available for it.
Random Thoughts
ATV, Dog Training Supplies, Hunting Gear, Polaris Ranger
My wife finally gave in and let me purchase a new Polaris Ranger XP. It is a great utility vehicle for training dogs, doing yardwork or just heading into the mountains. I have ordered a front and rear windshield as well as a molded roof to keep the bugs out of my teeth and the sun off my head. I was wanting to get a Yamaha Rhino 660 but after several outings with my buddy in his Polaris Ranger there was no question as to what would work best for me. The ample storage compartments were a big plus for me since I am an old boy scout who likes to be prepared. You can fit two large kennel boxes in the bed which means you can haul up to four dogs, three grown men, plus all their gear for a day/weekend of hunting or camping in the mountains. It should be great for going fishing as well. The three seatbelts is a big plus for me as well as the EFI which I am told is essential at high altitudes. I cant’s wait to load up the dogs and go get my new ride muddy.
Dog Training Supplies
ATV, Hunting Gear, Polaris Ranger
