It’s a chilly South Dakota morning as I get my first glimpse of the Can-Am Defender HD10 Max Limited. It slowly rumbles down a ramp off a semi-trailer as pheasants cackle in the distance. And from first glance, I can tell this is a purpose-built machine. Can-Am Defender for hunting, yes please!
Two Gunner dog kennels sat mounted in the bed of the 4-person, off-road chariot. Behind the cab, four shotgun cases were ready to receive our weapons. Water coolers, dog bowls, and everything an upland bird hunter could want for a day in the field had its place aboard the powerful, luxurious off-road vehicle I had come to inspect. With the rig so dialed and ready to transport hunters into the field, there was nothing left to do but load up two dogs and hop aboard for a quick ride over the dirt roads and grass to the world-renowned R&R Pheasant Hunting owned by Sal Roseland, where the tricked out Can-Am was put to work.
Can-Am Defender For Hunting
Can-Am worked with the state of South Dakota to build this ripping little vehicle. Indeed, the state is giving it away in 2021 as part of a tourism promotion (more on this later).
The build is certainly unique. Meant as a work vehicle at R&R Pheasants, the side-by-side is an example of how focused buyers can create a vehicle for very specific needs. Just take a look at the breakdown of this build!
To start off, the Can-Am Defender Max Limited HD10 rocks 82 hp, 69 lb.-ft. of torque, and has 12-inches of ground clearance. It seats up to six, has heating and air conditioning, power front windows, and a 4,500-pound winch. It’s basically the interior luxury of a nice truck coupled with the crazy capability of a Can-Am side-by-side. To that base, this upland hunting masterpiece adds:
- Roof Racks over cab and bed
- Locking diamond plate 2 drawer system in the bed for shotgun shells, dog bowls, etc…
- 2 Gunner Kennels
- LinQ Shotgun Racks
- 2 extra Hardcase Gun boots for rifles (for coyotes)
- LinQ Front Rack
- YETI Silo to water the dogs
- Satellite Radio / Sound System
- Oversized 32-inch tires for additional clearance
- Full skid plate package
- KC Hilites Lighting package mounted on the roof rack
The estimated build value of this tricked out rig is a hefty $50,000. The base vehicle is $28,000 of that.
Win This Rig
If you’re an upland bird hunter, or just spend a lot of time running around the farm or ranch, this Can-Am is a dream setup for work and play, especially if dogs and shotguns often ride along.
The state of South Dakota is giving this rig away after it makes the rounds of festivals and fairs in the summer of 2021.
This Defender will be raffled off during next year’s pheasant hunting season through South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and all of the proceeds will go to support hunting habitat in South Dakota. This will be a great opportunity for one lucky hunter to walk away with the vehicle and raise funds in support of upland hunting habitat in SD.
Anyone who buys a hunting license in South Dakota in 2021 will have the option to enter to win (at no additional cost). Anyone who attends the SD Stock Show, Pheasant Fest, Dakota Days, or the state fair will also be able to see the vehicle in person in the South Dakota Game and Fish booth and enter to win (or increase your odds with extra entries if you already have a hunting license). And, you can buy raffle tickets now, HERE, for $100 each.
