I think that it always depends on the type of hunting that you are doing, the # of people that you hunt with and the # of dogs that you take.
I think that the most versatile machine we have ever run was our Mini Truck, Mater. It was only good for two people in the cab but we built a removable bench seat in the back too so you could carry 4 people and six dogs easy. If it was just the two of us hunting, we would ditch the bench and could load 10 dogs in the bed. It was also stone deaf quiet. The Mini Truck was a BAD little rig! The one draw back was leg room. Them Koreans must be some short little dudes!
My second favorite rig is the crew cab UTVs. Again because of their versatile load capacity (assuming that you are willing to load dogs on the back seats) and offroad prowess. But they actually have a little less room than the Mini Truck (with the exception of leg room) and dog capacity is definitely diminished.
Between the two, my decision would be based on two things.
1) Which capacity and comfort is more important, Dogs or people?
2) leg room if you are too tall for the Mini
3) Expense.
I am currently running an '87 Jeep Cherokee which is also a great hunting vehicle. The fold down back seats and large cargo area make it very versatile and comfortable as well. With the back seats down, I can easily fit 8 dogs and 2 people. With the addition of a "hitch haul" dog box on back and a front rack/quail seat rack for the front (work in progress), I can fit 4 people and still carry 8 dogs. The only real drawback is the confined cargo area; Id definitely prefer a bed. That being said, this one doubles as a deer/quail rig and has proved a pretty good all round ranch vehicle. The Jeeps #1 attribute, AIR CONDITIONING!
Now If I were trying to do this on the cheap and was willing to give up a little here and there but expected a very capable, versatile and totally serviceable hunting truck, Id go for a little single cab Toyota or Nissan truck with A/C and rigged out with a removable bench seat in the bed. Something like this
http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104830 customized.
I may be in different country than you and I may hunt with a different style but a two seat UTV with a tiny little bed would not do me any good unless it were just me and a guest who didn't own any dogs.
Steve
