Can-Am built the Defender Max Limited to take on the toughest off-road challenges. And now, you can customize these workhorses to become purpose-built upland bird hunting machines.
Modern side-by-side UTVs feature many comfort-minded options in addition to new performance capabilities. In its base form, Can-Am built the Defender Max to haul people and materials over rough terrain, with perks like climate control.
But that’s just the beginning. From there, buyers have several buildout options. Cargo and storage accessories, plow attachments, and guards let users customize the Defender Max with different end uses, be it working, hunting, or joyriding.
One GearJunkie editor had the chance to take a customized Can-Am Defender upland bird hunting and praised its mix of comfort and versatility.
“It’s basically the interior luxury of a nice truck coupled with the crazy capability of a Can-Am side-by-side,” he wrote. “With the rig built specifically to transport hunters, dogs, and gear into the field, there was nothing left to do but load up and hop aboard to put the Can-Am to work.”
Explore the Can-Am Defender Max Limited
Can-Am Defender Max Limited: ‘Upland Hunting’ Build
The Can-Am Defender Max Limited starts at $28,200. An HD10 Rotax 976cc V-twin engine provides 82 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque for a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds. And the Defender’s 4,500-pound winch will help move (or retrieve) large objects.
Inside, the fully enclosed cab holds up to six people and offers comforts like electric windows as well as auto-heating and air conditioning. All glass windows throughout speak to the premium construction, including a three-position, full tilt-up windshield with a wiper/washer kit.
To show off the full potential of this side-by-side, Can-Am outfitted an Upland Hunting build with plenty of extras (an estimated value of $50,000 total). Those include a few performance upgrades, dog-friendly accommodations, and specialized racks for guns and gear:
Can-Am Defender Max Limited: Upland Hunting
- Roof racks over cab and bed
- Locking diamond-plate two-drawer storage in bed
- 2 Gunner kennels
- LinQ shotgun racks
- 2 extra hardcase gun boots for rifles (for coyotes)
- LinQ front rack
- YETI Silo for water
- Satellite radio/sound system
- 32″ tires for additional clearance
- Full skid plate package
- KC Hilites lighting package on the roof rack
Win a Can-Am Defender Max Limited
If you cover acres while hunting upland birds or want a side-by-side for ranch work and recreation, you can outfit the Defender to your liking. However, if you’re feeling lucky, the state of South Dakota will raffle off that maxed-out Upland Hunting build (shown above) during the start of next year’s pheasant hunting season.
After it makes the exhibition rounds at several fairs and festivals this summer, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks will give this do-it-all machine to one lucky winner. And all proceeds will go to support hunting habitat in the state — a win-win.
How to enter:
You will be able to buy your raffle ticket through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website for $25. Additionally, folks can enter the raffle in person at the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks booth during the state’s Stock Show, Pheasant Fest, Dakota Days, or the South Dakota State Fair.
Plus, this Defender will go on display during these events, so you can check it out for yourself. Yes, extra raffle entries are allowed.
Explore the Can-Am Defender Max Limited
This article is sponsored by Can-Am. Find out more about the new Can-Am Defender Max Limited here.
