what canoe for hunting?

[Brianlocal3]

ok gang. I am looking at adding a canoe to the house for general outdoor fun and hunting.  I had a plastic type old town about 15 years ago I got used but sold if after I joined the service.  This thing went all over the country with me on my little trips and was used a lot. The thing is I'm not sure what it was.  I have looked online and have found a few of interest, and am thinking of  a three seater skanoe type with the flat back for a possible trolling motor for future use.

lets hear some suggestions and pics if you got them.  For general outdoor use and hunting would you go 14 or 16 feet?  
Thanks

[Bob4st]

...multiple seats for multiple people would best be served with the longer the better...hunting slowly along waters edge with potential for taking a shot indicates wide/stable so you don't get yer feathers wet...should your hunt be successful you will need plenty of room for awkward cargo...toss in some camping gear and you will need a yacht... all those potentialities have always lead me to long (18'), light hull (Kevlar), quiet accessories (wood, not aluminum hardware), high sides (more effect by wind), etc... next issue of concern is the type(s) of environments you will use it (open lakes, slow narrow river, number of portages, protected or exposed to high wind, and on and on)...work out as many of these factors as possible to assist in narrowing your selections...rarely will one canoe handle all factors well...

[LKH]

You're right on about the motor.  It's an option you don't want to pass.  Al is too noisy.

[SpeirHunting]

Ghenoe, the original. I have a 15'4" highsider that my dad bought when I was 13. Caught many a fish, very stable even with a 7.5 on it.

http://redrockoutfitting.com/

[Brianlocal3]

I was wondering about the aluminum and noise. Thanks.
And Bob4, you just wrote me a book!!! Thanks. Mostly small rivers, not too many portages, and smaller lakes.  light camping gear i.e. tarp hammock. and my ruck sack.  Nothing for long range rough waters.

[SpeirHunting]

Gheenoe, sorry.

[dirtguy]

I have an old town discovery 16 footer.  It is plastic with wood thwarts.  I have had it for over 20 years and used it for mild whitewater, river tripping, fishing, hunting and lots of other fun.  It is not the best for any specific use but is a great all rounder.

[nutmeg]

Ditto on the Old Town Discovery. I have a 17 footer for 25yrs. and put it many uses including hunting. Darn good all around canoe (nut)

[Tatonka17]

Old Town makes a square stern called the Discovery Sport 15. That's the one I'd look at.

[Spence]

You didnt mention your budget, lots of options.  You do not need a square stern for trolling motor use, just get a motor bracket.  Check out Native watercraft for a very stable design.

[Kevin Hansen]

I no longer own a canoe, but for many years I did and the best one I ever found was the Radisson. Check them out.
Kevin

[Bob B.]

Brian,

I will try to call ya tomorrow ... too much to discuss in a simple post.  

Bob.

[riverrat 2]

Radisson. They make a square stern model,and a transom model that is even better. Unsinkable,40 pounds,well made,great looking canoes. They are a bit pricey. I transom camo 14'er will set you back $1200ish. But that thing has a 800-900 pound payload I think,and you can carry it over your head to the water. rat'

[450 marlin]

We have a couple Mad River 14' canoes and love them..very light, easy one person hunting...Had a Radisson canoe...that thin aluminum flexes a lot and makes noise when it does....check craigslist...always some deals this time of year..both of ours we picked up for under $300 ea

[Paul Shirek]

Look at Goldenhawk canoes. They are a little wider and shorter, carry heavy loads, are light and very maneuverable and almost indestructible. I have had one for years and unless you are going to do very long trips, you cant beat them.

[northener]

River Ridge Canoes would be my choice.

[Osagetree]

My favorite, 15.9 Old Town Charles River @ 80lbs carry weight

Carries a lot of gear or large game. Great for spring & summer scouting, fishing and fun
 

Rock tough and great for camping
 

Does great in the winter for hunting too
 

Manuverable and can handle class III whitewater
 

You can get factory seconds with small blemishes for around $700.00.

[Countcoup43]

I trap out of canoes and currently own 2. A 16 foot fiberglass Old Town and 12 foot fiberglass of unknown origin.
Stability is really about the same with either one. Key to short ones is width at the center.Both of mine are double enders but it would be nice to have a flatback for motorized travel. Usually I'm trapping solo so 12 foot is easier to portage but longer canoes do track in water better .

If I were to buy a new canoe today IMHO it would be hard to beat a 14 foot flatback Sportspal.They are made of aircraft aluminum for strength,are completely lined inside with sound deadening foam which by the way allows the canoe to be completely filled with water and not sink. They also have large sponsons attached to the sides which really make them extremely difficult to capsize. Check them out online. Will definately be my next canoe!!

[Osagetree]

A little Krylon Fusion paint for camo, and that's all you need to get you back in to where ya wanna go.


An actual shot from a canoe is hard to come by in my areas. Most large game catch on to you & your canoe pretty quick. It is good to get you back in the areas you wanna go without as much detection.