Hunting season in Ontario can mean early mornings, cold temperatures, muddy trails and long days away from the road. A Can-Am ATV or side-by-side can make reaching your hunting area and transporting equipment much easier—but the right accessories can make the experience safer, more comfortable and far more organized.

Whether you ride a Can-Am Outlander, Defender, Commander or another Can-Am Off-Road vehicle, these are some of the best accessories to consider before heading into the bush this hunting season.

1. LinQ Gear Grips

Some hunting equipment simply does not fit neatly inside a storage box. Can-Am LinQ Gear Grips provide a convenient way to secure long or awkward items such as bows, fishing rods and tools.

The grips can be positioned in different directions and adjusted to accommodate equipment of various sizes. Their quick-release design also makes it easy to access your gear once you arrive at your destination.

For hunters using archery equipment or carrying tools to a camp or hunt site, LinQ Gear Grips can help keep everything organized and prevent loose equipment from bouncing around on rough trails.

Always make sure hunting equipment and firearms are transported safely and in accordance with current federal and provincial regulations.

2. LinQ Cargo and Trunk Boxes

A good storage box is one of the most useful upgrades you can add to a hunting ATV or side-by-side. Can-Am offers LinQ cargo and trunk boxes in several sizes for carrying clothing, food, tools, recovery equipment, optics and other supplies.

The LinQ system allows compatible accessories to be attached or removed quickly, making it easy to change your setup between hunting, working and recreational riding. An enclosed box also keeps your cargo organized and provides more protection than leaving equipment exposed on an open rack or cargo bed.

Moisture-sensitive items should still be packed in suitable protective cases or dry bags, especially when riding through heavy rain, mud or wet brush.

3. A Front-Mounted Winch

If you ride in remote or muddy areas, a winch should be near the top of your accessory list. Ontario hunting conditions can change quickly, and a trail that was firm in the morning may be soft and deeply rutted by the afternoon.

A winch can help recover a stuck ATV or side-by-side, clear smaller obstacles and assist with jobs around camp or private property. Can-Am offers different winch capacities and configurations for its ATV and side-by-side models, along with accessories such as wired or wireless remotes.

A winch is most effective when it is paired with proper recovery equipment and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Carry suitable straps, shackles, gloves and a tree protector, and learn how to use the system before you need it in the bush.

4. A Cargo Bed Winch for the Can-Am Defender

For hunters who use a Can-Am Defender, a cargo bed winch can make it easier to load heavy equipment into the vehicle’s bed. It may also reduce the amount of lifting required when moving supplies or legally harvested game.

This can be especially helpful when hunting alone or travelling with a smaller group. Before loading anything heavy, confirm the vehicle’s payload rating, secure the load properly and follow the instructions for the winch and cargo bed.

5. LED Lights and Work Lighting

Hunting trips often begin before sunrise and finish after dark. Additional LED lighting can improve visibility while travelling on private trails, setting up camp, loading equipment or returning to your vehicle at the end of the day.

Depending on the Can-Am model, available options may include auxiliary lights, flood lights, spotlights, hood-mounted lights, rear work lights and light bars. The best setup depends on where you ride and how you use the vehicle.

Lighting should be positioned carefully so it improves visibility without creating glare for the driver. Use auxiliary lighting responsibly and follow all applicable hunting, trail and property regulations.

6. Windshield, Roof and Cab Protection

A windshield or roof may not seem as exciting as a winch or light bar, but it can make a major difference during a cold, wet day in the bush. Windshields help reduce exposure to wind, rain, mud, insects and trail debris, while a roof provides protection from rain, falling leaves and overhead branches.

Side-by-side owners can take the setup further with rear wind protection, doors or upper door panels. These accessories can help turn a Can-Am Defender or Commander into a much more comfortable hunting vehicle when the temperature drops.

Different windshield styles provide different levels of airflow and weather protection. Full, half, flip and vented designs may be available depending on the vehicle, so it is important to choose a system that matches your riding conditions.

7. Heated Grips and Hand Protection

Cold hands can quickly make an otherwise good day uncomfortable. Heated grips and thumb warmers are valuable additions for anyone using an ATV during late-fall hunting season.

Handguards or wind deflectors can provide additional protection from cold air, brush and trail debris. Together, these accessories can make early-morning rides more comfortable and help you maintain better control of the vehicle.

For side-by-side owners, cab accessories and an appropriate heating system may provide even greater cold-weather comfort, depending on the model and cab configuration.

8. Skid Plates, Bumpers and Vehicle Protection

Hunting trails are rarely smooth. Rocks, stumps, branches, mud and deep ruts can all put extra stress on the underside and body of your Can-Am.

Skid plates, A-arm protectors, bumpers and other protective accessories can help shield important areas of the vehicle from impacts and trail hazards. Fender flares can also help reduce the amount of mud and water thrown toward the rider or cab.

Protection upgrades are especially worthwhile for riders who regularly travel on rough private trails or use their Can-Am for both hunting and property work.

9. Hitches, Racks and Cargo Bed Accessories

Hunters often carry more than they expect. A properly equipped hitch can allow a compatible trailer or utility accessory to be used within the vehicle’s rated capacity. Cargo racks, rack extensions, bed wall extenders and tie-down accessories can also make it easier to organize bulky equipment.

On the Can-Am Defender, cargo bed accessories can be particularly useful for carrying camp supplies, stands, tools and other large items. Always confirm the vehicle’s towing and payload limits, distribute weight carefully and secure every load before riding.

10. Tires and Traction Upgrades

The right tires can make a noticeable difference when travelling over mud, loose soil, rocks or wet leaves. A hunting vehicle does not necessarily need the most aggressive tire available; it needs a tire suited to the terrain it will encounter most often.

An overly aggressive tread may create additional noise, vibration or trail damage, while a tread that is too mild may struggle in deep mud. Tire size, vehicle clearance and compatibility also matter, so speak with a knowledgeable parts specialist before changing from the original setup.

Regardless of the tire, check the pressure and condition before every trip. A repair kit and compact inflator are also useful additions when travelling far from the road.

Which Accessories Are Best for Your Can-Am?

The best hunting setup depends on the vehicle and how you plan to use it.

Can-Am Outlander

For an Outlander, a practical hunting setup may include LinQ Gear Grips, an enclosed LinQ cargo box, a winch, heated grips, handguards and underbody protection.

Can-Am Defender

The Defender’s cargo bed makes it a natural hunting and property-work vehicle. Popular upgrades may include a cargo bed box, cargo bed winch, roof, windshield, additional lighting, hitch and cab protection.

Can-Am Commander

The Commander can balance recreational riding with utility. A winch, cargo storage, weather protection, lights and protective accessories can make it better suited to hunting trips without taking away from its trail capability.

What Should You Add First?

If you are building your hunting setup gradually, start with the accessories that solve the biggest practical problems:

Winch and recovery equipment for remote or muddy conditions.
Secure cargo storage for tools, clothing and supplies.
Gear grips or suitable carriers for bows and long equipment.
Weather protection for cold and wet Ontario conditions.
Additional lighting for early starts and late returns.
Comfort and protection upgrades based on where and how often you ride.

Make Sure Every Accessory Fits Your Vehicle

Can-Am accessory compatibility can vary by model, model year, platform and trim. Some accessories attach through the LinQ system, while others require mounting hardware, electrical connections or additional components.

Before ordering, confirm exactly what fits your vehicle. Professional installation is a smart choice for winches, electrical accessories, cab components and any upgrade that requires modifications or affects vehicle operation.

Find Can-Am Hunting Accessories at Cartronics Powersports

The right accessories can turn your Can-Am into a more capable hunting companion—one that keeps your equipment organized, helps you handle difficult terrain and makes cold-weather travel more comfortable.

Visit Cartronics Powersports at 538 O’Connor Drive in Kingston for help choosing genuine Can-Am accessories for your ATV or side-by-side. Our team can help you check compatibility, select the right equipment and arrange professional installation.

We proudly serve Can-Am riders and hunters from Kingston, Napanee, Belleville, Brockville, Gananoque, Smiths Falls, Perth, Trenton and communities throughout Eastern Ontario.

Get your Can-Am ready before hunting season arrives—and keep Bringing the Fun Since ’71.

Best Can-Am Accessories for Hunting Season in Ontario