DIY: Hunting Bike and Game Cart Build

In preparation for public land hunting, I set about modifying a bike that would allow me to trek in deeper and hang a stand, as well as efficiently get an animal out at the conclusion of the hunt. This build is broken into two distinct parts: a custom hitch for a game cart and a specialized handlebar mount for a bow or rifle.

Part I: Cart Attachment Build

This section describes how I’ve attached my Hawk Crawler Cart to the bike for ease of pulling game out of the field.

Materials Needed

• Schwinn Rearpost Bike Rack

• Hawk Crawler Game Cart

• PTO Pin (with square clip)

• 1 7/8” Brace or Tension Band

1. Modify the Rack: Drill a hole in the rear of the Schwinn Bike Rack to accommodate the large PTO pin.

2. Lock the Cart: Place two small, round PTO pins in the Hawk Crawler cart frames to prevent the cart from accidentally closing during the ride.

3. Hitch Assembly: Place the tension band around the handle of the cart. Slide this into the bike rack (you may need to remove the plastic insert included in the rack to get a proper fit).

4. Secure: Connect the tension band to the bike rack using the large PTO pin.

Part II: Bow Rack Build

This section focuses on how I adapted my handlebar setup to allow for the secure carrying of a bow.

Materials Needed

• Kolpin Rhino Grip XLr – Pair

• Off-Road ATV/UTV Light Bar Mounting Brackets (Mini Bar Clamp Kits)

• 1” Aluminum Round Tube (cut to 3’)

• 3/8” x 1.25” Hex Bolts & Nylon Locking Nuts (2 each)

• Black Plastic Caps (1" size)

1. Prepare the Bar: Cut the 1″ aluminum round tube to the length of your handlebars. Paint it to match and install the plastic end caps.

2. Base Mounts: Attach the first set of light bar clamps securely to your handlebars.

3. Secondary Clamps: Using the 3/8” bolts and locking nuts, attach the second set of light clamps to the top of the handlebar clamps.

4. Install Crossbar: Secure the 3' aluminum bar within the open top clamps so that it runs perfectly parallel to your handlebars.

5. Grip Placement: Using your bow as a guide to determine the correct width, securely attach the Kolpin Rhino XLr grips to the aluminum bar.

Wrapping Up

With this setup, you have a stable platform for your primary weapon and a heavy-duty "hitch" ready to haul out a harvest. The use of PTO pins makes the cart easy to detach once you reach your vehicle.