Okay, so here’s the deal: You’ve got the time, and permission from your spouse, for a serious upland hunting trip. Maybe more than one, because often they become TV shows and are tax-deductible. Maybe bird hunting is your lifestyle (there are worse, I keep telling my wife), and your rig should support it. So, what do you drive?
That’s been my – and maybe your – dilemma. Is there a “versatile” rig, like there are versatile dogs? We ask a lot of our hunting vehicle, don’t we?
I’ve had pickup campers and pull-behind trailers, and spent many years sleeping on the ground with a bit of canvas or nylon between the elements and me. I’ve logged hundreds of extra miles moving from hunting grounds to hotel room and back. For sheer convenience, this rig has them all beat, hands – er, tires, down.
The Ford Econoline with 6.0 liter turbo diesel is built on a ¾-ton Super Duty chassis, and went into the conversion process looking like your basic plumber’s truck. It came out like a lot of hunters’ dreams-come-true.
The top was the first thing to go, a lightweight fiberglass substitute cantilevered to the sides was custom fitted and weather sealed. It raises about 2-1/2 feet, with walls of heavy-duty waterproof fabric. There’s a bunk up there if you need it.
The interior is fully camperized, with galley, passenger seat that converts to a full-sized bed. Storage along the walls, under the bed, and under the sink allow for groceries, gear, and other necessities. Furnace, water tank and electrical systems nestle under the bed as well.
Once the interior was finished, it was off to California for a little suspension work. The six-inch lift required fabricated parts for the steering, suspension, fluids and wiring along with the four wheel drive conversion. Heavy-duty anti-sway bars help the rig track like it’s on rails. And just for fun, the guys added nerf bars that double as pressurized air tanks.
Reunel saw the project and built bumpers front and rear from stainless steel and when the PIAA rep saw that, he threw in a bunch of lights, which are probably illegal on the streets where I use them most. We hung a winch, jerry can rack, Hi-Lift jack, spare tire rack and axe-shovel tool on the bumpers just in case. If I had to use any of them, I’d have to consult the owner’s manual first. Throw in my Irish Setter boots & apparel and the Tri-Tronics collar, add one versatile hunting dog and we’re off.
Overkill? Absolutely! But with batteries charged and fuel topped off, I can go just about anywhere. And when I get there, simply turning off the key means I’m home. There have been times when I’ve stepped out the door and before I can get locked and loaded, Buddy’s on point. And that, as the commercial says, is priceless.
Yes, it weighs a ton. Actually, almost five tons (9,450 pounds). Takes a while to get up momentum and to stop. And every refueling is painful at about 10 miles per gallon. The vegetarian sandal-wearers hate it, and Al Gore wouldn’t be caught dead in it, but for hunting at the edge-of-the-earth and sometimes just beyond, it works just fine, thank you.
Watch for it on the Awesome Upland Road Trip and feel free to say hello. I’ll give you the fifty-cent tour and a cup of coffee. In the comments section below tell me where you would take it to hunt in your new Irish Setter boots and you just might win a pair!
Scott
Scott Linden Outdoors 
A bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work.
Havent’ I seen that line somewhere before? Still true, though.
Hey Rinaldo,
You’re not following me, are you? All those great destinations have been on my itinerary the last year or two!
Dear Scott,
My adventures would begin with my labrador Pachina (like Pachino with an “A” -but she never won an oscar) in sunny South Florida. She and I would have just come off a weekend of Duck hunting in heaven; having caught the hunting bug and tasted the mouth watering deliciousness, which is wild game, we would politely request a two week vacation from the day to day grind of life in the courtroom.
We would slowly make our way to the Paul Nelson Farm in beautiful Gettysburg, South Dakota. Orvis selected it as their top pick for pheasant and exuberance and that sounds wonderful to me.Though our newly outfitted SUH (Sport Utility Home) would be a comfortable stay, Paul Nelson Farm has lodging fit for a king, and I surely would not pass up the opportunity to show Pachina that luxury. We would hunt one day and would retire early as we would have made reservations to hunt R&R Pheasant Hunting the following morning.
R&R would have breakfast prepared and a fine shotgun oiled and waiting for us when we arrive. Once we shoot our limit we’ll be treated to a delicious meal and to sleep we would go in our SUH.
The following morning Pachina and I would go for our routine walk and would mentally prepare for the adventure before us. Following a morning shower and a quick stop at IHOP, Pachina and I would make our way to Eagle Nest Lodge in Hardin, Montana. We have a reservation for two days of fine Orvis endorsed Brown Trout Fly fishing followed by two days of outstanding Pheasant hunting. I might even try my hand at a full bag, Mountain Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant, Sage Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse.
After hunting and fishing in perfect tranquility Pachina and I would want to spend three days and two nights in Yellow Stone and try hunting with our camera for a change.
Our trip would end after a short (6 hr) drive to Double Barrel Upland Bird Ranch in beautiful Washington State. We would try our hand at their infamous Pheasant and Chukar hunting. Pachina would flush like a champion and retrieve to hand as she always has while I would proudly carry my Beretta Silver Hawk. My best friend and I would have completed two fabulous weeks aboard our SUH and together we would have hunted some of the best lands in America. All thanks to the contest we won on Scottlindenoutdoors.com
Thanks Todd. Hmmmm. Froid.
Scott,
I’d take the Ultimate SUV on a pheasant hunting road trip. First we’d be off to Froid, MT. Remember to go slow when you enter town, if not you may get your first rooster thanks to your windshield. After a week in Froid, I’d fill up the tanks and head to Watford City, ND. I know these aren’t exactly the “hot spots,” and they will continue that way as long as you don’t share my message!