Hunting as a recreational sport has never stopped evolving. As technology and techniques evolve, hunters are finding more innovative ways to enhance their experiences. One such development is the integration of hunting-adapted bikes into practices and strategies. While it may seem odd at first, using bikes on a hunt can offer a range of benefits, such as accessing hard-to-reach areas and lowering noise levels. In this blog, we’ll delve into the real-life experiences of hunters who have embraced bike hunting, and explore how biking has transformed their hunting adventures.
The Explorer
For some hunters, ebike hunting is a method used in both scouting and chasing. Take the story of Jacob, an avid hunter and mountain biker from Colorado. For Jacob, biking isn’t just a means of getting to his hunting spot—it’s an integral part of his hunting method. He tells the hunting story of a particularly memorable season where he used his mountain bike to traverse a secluded hunting ground that was previously inaccessible by foot or bigger vehicle. Upon successfully doing so, he immediately picked up on footprints, and was able to secure two full grown turkeys within hours, which is a true testament to his amazing hunting skill. He recalls the terrain being “only reachable on a bike”, and became an advocate for bike hunting ever since. He claims that picking an ebike with reliable motors that provide high torque, such as the Birch Grolar, makes all the difference in the world.
From that point on, Jacob continued hunting on bikes, and even convinced his friends to try it out. “They all said it was an amazing feeling,” He proudly said. “One of my friends even offered to buy my bike because he was convinced there was something magical about it.”
“At least from my experience, bikes cover more ground quietly and quickly,” Jacob explains. “It also gives a fresh perspective on the landscape, making it easier to spot animal trails and other signs of game. It makes me feel more adept, and closer to nature.”
Deadly Stealth
The stealth advantage of biking also comes into play for hunters who need to cover large grounds but wish to keep the wildlife undisturbed. In the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, where traditional approaches are often too noisy and cumbersome, Gary, a hunter and cyclist from Oregon, often uses his bike to scout new locations and set up his hunting blinds. He often needs to ride a significant distance from one spot to the next, and e-bikes hit the sweet spot between speed and stealth, allowing him to travel fast without scaring away prey. Gary says that the most memorable moment on the back of a bike was when he was hunting down hare. Traditional vehicles would have sent the animals into a panicked frenzy, yet he was able to trail, chase, and secure the hares with absolute ease.
“One of the best parts about bike hunting is quietness,” Gary says. “You truly feel like one with nature, and unlike a vehicle, which can scare off game from miles away, my bike lets me get close without leaving a scent trail or making a lot of noise. Nowadays I feel much more confident hunting on two wheels.”
Gary also said that when it comes to prey smaller in size, bike hunting truly is undoubtedly the better alternative. “Your prey runs fast, and I mean, very fast,” Gary said. “Being on a bike makes sure they never see it coming in the first place.”
Conservation and Respect for Nature
Many hunters who bike to their hunting grounds also share a strong commitment to conservation and respect for nature. Biking through wilderness areas encourages a deeper connection with the environment and a greater appreciation for its preservation. For instance, Mike, a conservation-minded hunter from Vermont, combined his love for biking and hunting because of his dedication to protecting natural habitats. He liked how eco-friendly ebikes are compared to other forms of hunting vehicles, and was surprised to find out how suitable they are for deer hunting. On one occasion, he had to get to a high vantage point to locate a deer that he had been following. He recalled the climb being “completely impossible without a bike.”
After a successful ascent, Mike locates his target and successfully secures it the next day, a beautiful white-tailed deer with antlers piercing through the sky. In his words, “I still think that was my best hunt to this day. There really is no better feeling than the thrill of hunting on a good bike.”
“I always make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles,” Mike says. “Using a bike to get to my hunting spots minimizes my impact on the land. And they are in no way a compromise of any kind. If anything, I found ebikes to be more useful than ATVs or trucks in so many situations over these years. It’s a way to enjoy nature responsibly while pursuing my passions.”
Stories of Camaraderie and Community
The intersection of biking and hunting often fosters camaraderie among enthusiasts. Group rides to hunting spots or shared experiences in the field can build strong friendships and create a sense of community. Tom organizes biking and hunting meetups in Wisconsin, and has seen firsthand how these activities bring people together. He would engage in conversations on online forums, and routinely gathered with them to hunt on bikes together. Hunts soon developed into friendships and bonds that would last a lifetime.
“It’s incredible to see how bike hunting unites people,” Tom notes. “We shared tips, helped each other pick out gear, and planned strategies out on the field. Bike hunting is not just about the hunt or the ride anymore—it became the definitive hobby that my buddies and I are proud to say we love.”
Conclusion
The fusion of biking and hunting offers a breath of fresh air into the hunting tradition. Whether you wish for the thrill of the ride, or the quiet execution of the hunt, hunting bikes are sure to surprise For those looking to get into bike hunting, we highly recommend checking out Birch’s premium model, the Grolar. Equipped with dual 750 w motors, 160 nm torque, and an astonishing 1200 wh battery, this bike takes on all of your hunting concerns easily, and offers you even more on top of that with an industry leading 400 lbs carrying capacity. With the Grolar, each journey becomes an adventure, each challenge a test of skill, and each successful hunt a testament to the harmony between man, machine, and nature.
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