It begining to look like I might get to start doing a little more turkey hunting in near future. I have hunt mostly public, WMA and National Forest in a few surrounding states around MN. But hope to be starting in florida and work my way north in coming years. I need a new bike and was thinking about getting a fat tire bike. Being I am 64 now someone suggested I should get a fat tire (electric) E-bike. My younger brother said he seen people useing them elk hunting. But said he knew there was restriction on use on motor size after 750watt's or something. Figured I might get some information from bike user's from different states hear. Whats every one's opinion on bikes, and E-bikes?
65 lbs. of machine. No thanks. I pedal my meBike. 55 yrs old.
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My opinion is I don't use em. In places where they're able to be used it seems everyone is using one now. Perhaps your area isn't like that but I figure why invest just to be like/ hunt with the rest. Better ways to distance yourself.
In non heavily untilized areas I'd bet it'd be decent. I can't give you particulars because of this reason
At our age , if it's a E bike you need for turkey hunting and getting around to still enjoy turkey hunting GO FOR IT.. one day these young guns will feel the pain of old age ... i want you to enjoy turkey hunting anyway you can ... i have never used one , but they sure do look like a easier way of getting around...so if you want one buy it , you only live once .... you know a lot of us can hunting on days others have to work .. it's called retirement...lol....
Quote from: Greg Massey on January 01, 2020, 06:41:55 PM
At our age , if it's a E bike you need for turkey hunting and getting around to still enjoy turkey hunting GO FOR IT.. one day these young guns will feel the pain of old age ... i want you to enjoy turkey hunting anyway you can ... i have never used one , but they sure do look like a easier way of getting around...so if you want one buy it , you only live once .... you know a lot of us can hunting on days others have to work .. it's called retirement...lol....
Well said!!!
Quote from: Greg Massey on January 01, 2020, 06:41:55 PM
At our age , if it's a E bike you need for turkey hunting and getting around to still enjoy turkey hunting GO FOR IT.. one day these young guns will feel the pain of old age ... i want you to enjoy turkey hunting anyway you can ... i have never used one , but they sure do look like a easier way of getting around...so if you want one buy it , you only live once .... you know a lot of us can hunting on days others have to work .. it's called retirement...lol....
I agree with Greg, if it helps you to get out there then go for it. Take it from somebody that lost hunting for 17 years because of a car accident, you want to get out there any way you can and as often as you can while you still can. I wish I could have those 17 years back, lost a lot of education and a lot of great times.
Where I hunt in Florida there are different rules as to where you can and can't use them. State land, private land, management areas. And the rules are difficult to fallow. Some places just say no, others you can't ride them off numbered or well established roads, some places restrict the size of the motor. Some places matter whether or not you can also peddle the bike.
I would think travailing with them would be difficult at best. However they might be useful for the areas close to home that you routinely hunt and know what the restrictions are.
I use a regular pedal bike for deer hunting and this year finally traded in my fat tire bike for a normal tire mountain type bike cuz its so much easier to load in the truck. Picking up and loading that fat tire bike was getting old.
Quote from: Southerngobbler on January 01, 2020, 07:24:43 PM
Where I hunt in Florida there are different rules as to where you can and can't use them. State land, private land, management areas. And the rules are difficult to fallow. Some places just say no, others you can't ride them off numbered or well established roads, some places restrict the size of the motor. Some places matter whether or not you can also peddle the bike.
I would think travailing with them would be difficult at best. However they might be useful for the areas close to home that you routinely hunt and know what the restrictions are.
I use a regular pedal bike for deer hunting and this year finally traded in my fat tire bike for a normal tire mountain type bike cuz its so much easier to load in the truck. Picking up and loading that fat tire bike was getting old.
It was hunting down in florida that made me think I need a new fat tire bike over my regular bike. Even though I have never used a bike down there its hard walking on that sugar sand, I didn't feel my skinny bike tire would work well if I had it with. And figured if I drivedown there will bring my bike along, can't use if you dont have. And figure if I get used to using a bike may need it in other states.also.I might have to call a lot of the different Game and Fishes in different states. Most state game regulation don't explane there rules very well. Its a long winter and a lot of time to decide what may work best for me. Just looking for them answers from different states, thanks for your opinions and answers so far.
I've used a bike for Florida turkey hunting for over 30 years
3 things .....
1 get a gun rack for the handle bars ..pad it with foam
2 get the biggest and fattest tires you can possibly squeeze in your frame, down hill tires etc...
3 get a basket for the rear to haul your gear
Hogs deer and the like can be hauled out by putting the back on the lower pedal and legs tied up to the top ..and walking it out
I watched a 250 pound hog bend a huffy mountain bike one time hauling it out ....
Electric I know nothing about , I'm tempted ...but it's a matter of time before the fwc cracks down on a good thing
Here's how it's worded in my WMA and every WMA is different.
1) Pedal assisted (pedelec) bicycles whose electric motor kicks in while pedaling are allowed.
2) Bicycles whose electric motor kicks-in and propels the bicycle without pedaling are prohibited.
That just happens to be the WMA that I hunt, everyone is completely different as is state land, national Forrest etc.
Also most places even if they let you use an ebike wont allow you to use it anywhere you couldn't just take your truck.
And as far as using any type of pedal bike on sugar sand-your gonna be disappointed there, more than likely your gonna be walking along side the bike-pushing it.
Quote from: Southerngobbler on January 01, 2020, 08:39:40 PM
Here's how it's worded in my WMA and every WMA is different.
1) Pedal assisted (pedelec) bicycles whose electric motor kicks in while pedaling are allowed.
2) Bicycles whose electric motor kicks-in and propels the bicycle without pedaling are prohibited.
That just happens to be the WMA that I hunt, everyone is completely different as is state land, national Forrest etc.
Also most places even if they let you use an ebike wont allow you to use it anywhere you couldn't just take your truck.
And as far as using any type of pedal bike on sugar sand-your gonna be disappointed there, more than likely your gonna be walking along side the bike-pushing it.
Good information, thanks moving more to just fat tire.
I guess I left out the most importation thing but it probably goes without saying. I can't think of any reason whatsoever to use a bike of any sort if you can use a vehicle. Maybe there are some reasons I haven't thought of-exercise maybe. Everyone I know that uses a bike including myself uses it cuz motor vehicles are not allowed in the area. There very useful under those conditions (provided there are established trails to ride your bike) but otherwise just use your truck. I have been on a few roads where both vehicles and bikes were allowed and enjoyed being able to listen for gobbles but after the first couple trucks blast by you it really takes the fun out of it.
Was hunting yesterday and had a guy come driving out of the area I was hunting . Quiet , fat tire elec bike . Gun in scabbard over his shoulder , area is bow only but connects to another area that allows gun . Sure looked easy. I'm in Florida also 61 still liking my walking , waiting on the fwc hammer to drop after they become popular .
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There are some manufacturers who's e-bikes have a removable battery, thus making it a regular bike...which would make it legal in many places. I know of several guys (not myself) that use the battery in restricted areas until they get back to the parking lot, then pull it off to avoid any flack.
Now this isn't a suggestion, but more of an example of what to look for when purchasing. There are some manufacturers who's battery is built in...that wouldn't be a good purchase if you had to leave your $1,500 bike at home because of the restriction.
I too think I'm going to be adding a bike to my arsenal this season.
I'm also interested in a fat tire bike, mainly to go through muddy areas.
I may end up going with just a cheap Walmart mountain bike and decking it out the way Old Gobbler suggests. It will be nice for deer too.
Only issue with that electric bike is it's probably pretty darn heavy. And I want a bike I can just chuck in the back of my truck with ease. Also it may be a little too loud??
A bike will definitely help I think. I've had to walk a good 45 min to a roosted bird where as a bike would have got me there in about 8-10 min.
eBike....65 lbs
Walmart junk....45lbs
Mud,and deep snow forget any bike.
I use a bike set up to hunt. With a 20 min walk..... By the time you,pull the bike out of the truck,hook up the light,mount your gun,travel in hilly ground,you could have been set up. At this point you still have to get your gun off the bike and get to your hunting spot. I do it because I'm also and avid mtn. biker.
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Gentlemen, as I get older (62), I've come to realize that comfort and safety is Paramount when hunting. When I was in my 20's and 30's I would shimmy up a pine tree 25 to 30 feet and hang on the side of tree in an old Baker treestand and not think a thing about it. Now safety and comfort play a major roll in my hunting. It's box blinds and turkey seats for me. When you are comfortable, hunting is so MUCH more enjoyable. If a bike allows you to cover more ground, gets you closer to your quarry, it's legal and makes the hunt more enjoyable then GO FOR IT. For those guys that are Debbie Downers, they will understand when they reach their 60's.
Quote from: bbcoach on January 02, 2020, 01:57:00 PM
Gentlemen, as I get older (62), I've come to realize that comfort and safety is Paramount when hunting. When I was in my 20's and 30's I would shimmy up a pine tree 25 to 30 feet and hang on the side of tree in an old Baker treestand and not think a bit about it. Now safety and comfort play a major roll in my hunting. It's box blinds and turkey seats for me. When you are comfortable hunting is so MUCH more enjoyable. If a bike allows you to cover more ground, gets you closer to your quarry, it's legal and makes the hunt more enjoyable then GO FOR IT. For those guys that are Debbie Downers, they will understand when they reach their 60's.
AMEN .. Well said ....
i agree with bbcoach. I'm getting old. even though i hunt on mostly private land, i have an eBike that i use. I always seem to have limited time, so getting in an out faster allows me to have more time to hunt. comfort and ease of access become more important. i usually ride to a couple hundred yards of where i am going to hunt and the load up and walk rest of way and setup or if i cant strike up something i can ride and call and cover more ground
I have been using a bike for decades. Never thought much about it until reading this post. I park at the trail head: hop on my bike and travel for miles. I don't necessarily need a bike but it is fun and great to get you way back in and away from other hunters. An E-bike? I am away's from that yet. Too much weight and cost. The only issue I had one time was running though some green briers. Cost me two flat tires and a very long hike out with the bike on my back. Always carry a flat kit and know how to use it. lol
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 02, 2020, 09:08:58 PM
I have been using a bike for decades. Never thought much about it until reading this post. I park at the trail head: hop on my bike and travel for miles. I don't necessarily need a bike but it is fun and great to get you way back in and away from other hunters. An E-bike? I am away's from that yet. Too much weight and cost. The only issue I had one time was running though some green briers. Cost me two flat tires and a very long hike out with the bike on my back. Always carry a flat kit and know how to use it. lol
I know about flat tires, I also ended up with two flat tires once, from sand bur's in Oklahoma. Ended up pumping tires up twice to get back to camp.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 02, 2020, 09:08:58 PM
I have been using a bike for decades. Never thought much about it until reading this post. I park at the trail head: hop on my bike and travel for miles. I don't necessarily need a bike but it is fun and great to get you way back in and away from other hunters. An E-bike? I am away's from that yet. Too much weight and cost. The only issue I had one time was running though some green briers. Cost me two flat tires and a very long hike out with the bike on my back. Always carry a flat kit and know how to use it. lol
And a chain repair tool with a spare master link too. :icon_thumright:
I have been hunting off a bike for 15 years.... truly a game changer.
1 you can get further back QUICKLY and with no lights to spook game...
2 you can cover 10+ times the amount of ground vs walking...
3 you can get back to your truck in a flash if you only have a little while to hunt meaning you have more time to hunt vs walking back...
4 it is QUIET vs a noisy vehicle and you can hear birds as you travel...
5 great exercise
Quote from: fallhnt on January 02, 2020, 01:42:37 PM
eBike....65 lbs
Walmart junk....45lbs
Mud,and deep snow forget any bike.
I use a bike set up to hunt. With a 20 min walk..... By the time you,pull the bike out of the truck,hook up the light,mount your gun,travel in hilly ground,you could have been set up. At this point you still have to get your gun off the bike and get to your hunting spot. I do it because I'm also and avid mtn. biker.
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sorry
just not true... it takes me 30 seconds to pull the bike off and start peddeling...
Quote from: Greg Massey on January 01, 2020, 06:41:55 PM
At our age , if it's a E bike you need for turkey hunting and getting around to still enjoy turkey hunting GO FOR IT.. one day these young guns will feel the pain of old age ... i want you to enjoy turkey hunting anyway you can ... i have never used one , but they sure do look like a easier way of getting around...so if you want one buy it , you only live once .... you know a lot of us can hunting on days others have to work .. it's called retirement...lol....
X2 Well said!
You guys that do have e bikes,what brand models ?
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Quote from: WV Ridge Reaper on January 04, 2020, 04:52:39 PM
You guys that do have e bikes,what brand models ?
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I got a M2S electric all terrain was quite a bit less than the "hunting" electric bikes
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Quote from: WV Ridge Reaper on January 04, 2020, 04:52:39 PM
You guys that do have e bikes,what brand models ?
After much research a year or so ago I ended up with a Sur-Ron: https://lunacycle.com/sur-ron-x-bike-black-edition/
It's an impressive machine, but really an electric trail bike and not an electric assist bicycle, although you can buy a "pedal kit" which is more to appease the law in certain cases than to actually pedal with. Because I use it strictly on my own property, that's not a concern to me.
Quote from: Bill on January 05, 2020, 12:23:27 AM
Quote from: WV Ridge Reaper on January 04, 2020, 04:52:39 PM
You guys that do have e bikes,what brand models ?
After much research a year or so ago I ended up with a Sur-Ron: https://lunacycle.com/sur-ron-x-bike-black-edition/
It's an impressive machine, but really an electric trail bike and not an electric assist bicycle, although you can buy a "pedal kit" which is more to appease the law in certain cases than to actually pedal with. Because I use it strictly on my own property, that's not a concern to me.
That is a nice bike, but for my self to start I will be looking for something I do need to paddle some. I am looking for something to use for hunting but will be useig the rest of the year riding around with wife.
Quote from: Bill on January 05, 2020, 12:23:27 AM
Quote from: WV Ridge Reaper on January 04, 2020, 04:52:39 PM
You guys that do have e bikes,what brand models ?
After much research a year or so ago I ended up with a Sur-Ron: https://lunacycle.com/sur-ron-x-bike-black-edition/
It's an impressive machine, but really an electric trail bike and not an electric assist bicycle, although you can buy a "pedal kit" which is more to appease the law in certain cases than to actually pedal with. Because I use it strictly on my own property, that's not a concern to me.
Wow an impressive bike for sure but what a cost! 3,600!!! I could buy am awesome rifle, pay for another grand slam of Turkey's or a fantastic deer hunt. Six hundred is my top price and the bike takes me where ever I need to go. I would suggest anyone looking for a good bike go to a local bike shop and check out the models they have ask questions and use the shop for maintenance and the occasional tune up. Of course I'm poor and the only way I have been able to hunt so many places is by being frugal.
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I got a M2S electric all terrain was quite a bit less than the "hunting" electric bikes
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The M2S is one of the models I have been comparing along with the Rambo750. I like the center hub on Rambo and the enclosed rear wheel hub with no chain derailleur hanging down on Rambo. But then the Rambo only has three speeds, and not very good reviews as the M2S. Have you had much problems with weeds or trash getting into chain with derailleur sticking down? And one other question I have not heard how much water can anyone of them go through. Can you go through water over the top of them Hubs on any brand?
Quote from: ddturkeyhunter on January 06, 2020, 09:00:59 AM
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I got a M2S electric all terrain was quite a bit less than the "hunting" electric bikes
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The M2S is one of the models I have been comparing along with the Rambo750. I like the center hub on Rambo and the enclosed rear wheel hub with no chain derailleur hanging down on Rambo. But then the Rambo only has three speeds, and not very good reviews as the M2S. Have you had much problems with weeds or trash getting into chain with derailleur sticking down? And one other question I have not heard how much water can anyone of them go through. Can you go through water over the top of them Hubs on any brand?
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I have had sticks get caught in the chain etc a few times. Not a big deal. Just stopped and pulled them out and got back on. I ride mostly logging roads so I haven't had much of an issue. Most of the water I have been thru didn't get up to the motor or electronics so no problems there. If water was too deep I don't know if it would make it thru anyway. Probably have to get off and carry it
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[/quote]
The M2S is one of the models I have been comparing along with the Rambo750. I like the center hub on Rambo and the enclosed rear wheel hub with no chain derailleur hanging down on Rambo. But then the Rambo only has three speeds, and not very good reviews as the M2S. Have you had much problems with weeds or trash getting into chain with derailleur sticking down? And one other question I have not heard how much water can anyone of them go through. Can you go through water over the top of them Hubs on any brand?
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I have had sticks get caught in the chain etc a few times. Not a big deal. Just stopped and pulled them out and got back on. I ride mostly logging roads so I haven't had much of an issue. Most of the water I have been thru didn't get up to the motor or electronics so no problems there. If water was too deep I don't know if it would make it thru anyway. Probably have to get off and carry it
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The places I am thinking about could be interesting, but like they say where there is a will there is a way. But thats what makes hunting interesting. Thanks