By Laurie Lee Dovey
Access, Atmosphere and Adventure: RVs provide hunters an entrée to backwoods regions others can’t or won’t travel to for a day hunt. Wilderness campsites nestled deep in the heart of productive hunting lands put sportsmen right in the middle of the action.
Sitting fireside at dusk, while gobblers sound off from surrounding ridges, is priceless. Pinpoint the bird you want to target the next morning right from your RV home.
Furthermore, RV’s allow hunters to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime hunting adventures. A few extra vacation days might be required to travel to and from the locale, but the journey and benefits are well worth it. A fly-in hunt to South Dakota’s Black Hills is a great trip, but it’s unforgettable when the hunting is combined with a stop at Mount Rushmore or overnight stay at Deadwood.
Comfort and Camaraderie: Although tent camping and backpacking might afford ultimate access to unpressured lands, RV comfort can’t be disputed. A comfortable bed, bathroom, running water, heat or air conditioning, and security provided by even basic units aren’t overrated.
Most RVs provide self-contained operation. Enjoy a hot shower, oven-cooked meal or heat during the night without any utility hookups.
Also share the hunt with friends or family in a way not possible during day-hunt excursions. What’s better - evenings spent around the campfire or making a 90-minute drive home?
Turkey hunting widows and orphans can also be eliminated. Non-hunters or hunters-to-be can enjoy camping and relaxing during hunting hours then participate in the excitement of the hunt when the hunters return.
Sharing the hunt, building family and friendship traditions, and enjoying an RV hunting camp together often results in non-hunters catching the fever.
Flexibility: The ability to move or react is perhaps the biggest perk afforded by an RV. If the weather’s lousy, head to a different locale. If the hunting action is less than expected, take off for another area. Want that Grand Slam? Go for it. Also forego advanced planning. When you get the urge to head to the woods, the hunting lodge is ready and waiting. Need to cancel a trip, no problem, no deposits lost.
Economics: Access and a quality experience are the primary benefits of RV hunting. However, garnering the best bang for the buck is the sweet icing on the cake.
A modest-priced RV can easily pay for itself in a year. Gas expenses traveling back and forth daily, lodging expenses, eating at restaurants, valuable time spent driving – all can be decreased if not eliminated.
Finally, when it’s not a hunting lodge, the RV can become a fishing camp, beach condo, summertime mountain hideaway or Nascar race headquarters. The dollars spent on lodging for hunting also pay for lodging for anything else you want to do. |
