BigGameHoundsmen.com

Yea I could see tracks throwing a bunch of snow. We dont have enough snow around here for me to justify a sled only to run dogs with but we have just enough in some spots to keep atvs out.

If I were to buy a snowmobile to hunt off of I would be inclined to buy a Skidoo 600 or possibly a 570 Skidoo. I'd highly recommend the newer sleds where you sit up higher. They are easier to ride and way more comfortable. I rode a friends 600 and I was amazed with it. I actually ride a Yamaha Apex 4 stroke which is very heavy. I love it and actually went to the 4 stroke because I got tired of changing engines. If I hunt with the sled I usually ride the wife's Phazer 4 stroke. I really think tracks are a better way to go but probably best to have both. A snowmobile to look for tracks on then the ATV to turn loose with. Cover ground way faster on the snowmobile. Either way is fine. Hope this helps.

I live in a snow belt and the trapper type sleds work fine for cougar hunting. I am meaning Yamaha bravos or the ski doo tundras....good on gas light to handle won't break the bank buying them parts are still easy enough to come buy as well pushing through spring or early fall conditions does not make you cringe....you just can't bag a mountain type sled up a section of plowed FSR or melted off south slope..and they are reliable.

I'll throw in my .02 about the atv with tracks. They "have their place" for sure but they are not the answer to every situation. They are cold to ride compared to a sled but they provide better visibility(at least I think so). They are slow and burn a lot of fuel yet I've personally never been left afoot. They are expensive, you'll never get a good used atv with enough power to run tracks and then buy the tracks, all for the $2000 that we are talking for a good used sled. I've had my hunting partner make a fuel run for me before but I've towed several broke sleds home. I don't want to jinx my self, but I've never been hung up with my tracks so that I had to worry about getting unstuck and how much it weighed but I've pulled several stuck sleds with dog sleds behind up the hill. It's just a toss up as to what you prefer and your hunting conditions. The best sleds I've been around were the artic cat 800's with reverse. They had been used relatively little and had minimal issues with maintenance.

Scott

I would have to second the RMK 700, and the Indy 500. Rarely any problems, easy to find parts, and you can get a good one for $500-$1000. The RMK 700 is a little better getting around on Steep hills and deep powder, but the Indy 500 is easy to handle , and for people who havnt done much sledding I think their perfect. I have yet to have to much trouble getting one where I wanted to go while hunting, and never had any issue getting the 700 where I needed to be.

Cameron

do you guys really have good cat hunting in deep powder???

Yes. Usually under the canopy its not deep, just the roads get deep.

Jeff Eberle wrote:How often do sleds break down if maintained well ? What is the biggest problems ?

Most common problems are belts and clutches. Some sleds have engine problems more than others, most are good. As previously mentioned Hifax wear needs to be checked constantly. They can go bad in frozen (hard pack) conditions quite fast. Always carry spare belt and spark plugs. Clutches do well if maintained properly. Towing a dog box can be hard on the belts and clutches. I'm getting older now and the taller seats as I said before are the way to go.

Very good advice there Rocky. Also with some trax setups belts can be a issue as well.

Unreal_tk wrote:Yes. Usually under the canopy its not deep, just the roads get deep.

that is not what I would call deep powder your dogs can still move

Yes they could. My sled got stuck one time during that day... I had to un hook my dog sled otherwise it would've been worse. That's about 24 to 30 inches of fresh pow. Mountain sleds can handle that. A ultilty sled would've been having to stick to the lower country.

Been there before!