Building My Ultimate Hunting and Fishing Truck

See how the author tailored his truck specifically for hunting and fishing adventures

By Ryan Chelius – Field & Stream

In December 2021, I made the decision to move from New York to Colorado. The reason for my venture west was simple: I wanted better access to bigger mountains where I could chase elk, mule deer, trout, ducks, and upland birds. So, I gave myself six months to get my things in order, find a place to live, and be ready to hit the ground running for summer trout fishing and my first hunting season out west. But the first order of business—buying a truck.   

Leading up to the new year, I did my research, talked to friends in the industry, and wrote down what I wanted to get out of a vehicle—off-road capabilities, a mid-size build, durability, longevity, and an excellent reputation for minimal maintenance. I wanted something I could take deep into the backcountry without worrying if I’d make it back out. So, that January, I purchased a brand new 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road pickup truck. 

Shortly after I got the keys, I started down the road of turning my new Taco into the ultimate hunting and fishing rig. There were things I wanted to get done right away, like doubling my bed space with a cap and adding a storage system to organize my gear. Once I got to Colorado and started exploring the Rocky Mountains, more ideas started to pop into my head—some small and some big. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE