User Stories: How an E-Bike Redefined Hunting in the Washington Backcountry

For Grant Hardy, the arrival of autumn in Washington State doesn’t just mean cooler temperatures—it marks the start of a high-stakes chess match with nature. From September through December, Grant isn’t just a cyclist; he’s a hunter tracking bear and black-tail deer through some of the most rugged terrain in the Pacific Northwest.

In a region defined by steep mountain faces and endless logging roads, Grant found a way to bridge the gap between his heavy-duty Toyota pickup and the deep, "locked" wilderness where engines aren't allowed.

The "Last Mile" Solution

Grant’s strategy is a hybrid of internal combustion and electric grit. He drives his Toyota on the flat valley floors until the pavement ends and the gates appear. In areas restricted to non-motorized access or e-bikes, he unloads his secret weapon: a high-powered, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) fat tire e-bike.

"I was looking for a bike that was affordable but didn't compromise on power," Grant explains. For him, the ability to switch between AWD, front-wheel, or rear-wheel drive is a game-changer. It allows him to claw up 40-mile stretches of steep logging roads with the traction of a mountain goat, then switch to a more efficient mode for the long cruise back.

Engineering the Ultimate Game Rig

While the bike's stock performance handled the elevation without a flinch, Grant’s specific needs required some "garage innovation." To turn his e-bike into a true hunting rig, he tapped into his DIY skills:

• The Custom Frame Pack: Grant built a 2.5-foot tall bracket using shelf brackets and flat bars at 90 and 45-degree angles. This sturdy frame secures a heavy pack, allowing him to carry out a harvested animal with stability.

• Tactical Mounting: He added auxiliary plates for gear bags, a dedicated game rack, and a homemade rifle rack to ensure his hands stay on the bars while his gear stays secure.

• The Lighting Mission: Navigating the woods at 4:00 AM requires more than a standard flicker. Grant is currently customizing his setup for a brighter, high-wattage headlight, utilizing a standard round-plug extension cable to add custom LED light bars.

Going the Distance

A typical hunting weekend for Grant involves riding Friday through Sunday, averaging 30 to 50 miles per day. Thanks to an auxiliary battery setup, he has eliminated "range anxiety" from his vocabulary.

"On some routes, the downhill return can be 60 miles one way," Grant notes. Having that extra juice ensures that after a long day of tracking, the ride back to the truck is a victory lap rather than a grueling trek.

More Than Just a Bike

For Grant Hardy, the e-bike has transformed hunting from a test of sheer physical exhaustion into a strategic, efficient pursuit. It’s a tool that respects the silence of the forest while providing the mechanical muscle needed to conquer Washington’s most vertical landscapes.

When the gate is locked and the trail turns upward, Grant doesn't turn back—he just engages the motor.