Off-Road Powerhouses: Hunting Trucks and Tactical Rigs Gear Up for SHOT Show 2025

By April Fischer
Automotive Reviewer for Utah Channel 3
Published: September 22, 2025

LAS VEGAS — Just as the neon-lit frenzy of SEMA 2024 had me geeking out over high-octane Corvettes roaring through the Las Vegas Convention Center—those sleek beasts blending raw power with pinpoint engineering—I’m shifting gears for the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) from January 20-23 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. If SEMA is the supercar symphony, SHOT is the rugged rock concert where off-road trucks and tactical vehicles take center stage, tuned for the backcountry hunts and tactical ops that define Southern Utah’s wild side. As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel dissecting vehicle dynamics—from torque curves to trail-rated suspensions—I’m pumped to preview the 2025 lineup of hunting rigs and armored haulers that promise to conquer red-rock trails and remote elk grounds alike.

Picture this: While SEMA dazzled with carbon-fiber exotics pushing 1,000+ horsepower, SHOT flips the script to vehicles built for the grind. These aren’t pampered show ponies; they’re workhorses engineered for the Wasatch’s snowy passes or the dusty detours near Zion, hauling gear, game, and grit without breaking a sweat. With over 2,700 exhibitors drawing 60,000 attendees, the show’s outdoor trade focus amps up the automotive angle, spotlighting trucks that merge hunting utility with off-road dominance. Drawing from my test drives of everything from lifted F-150s to amphibious UTVs, these rigs emphasize ground clearance, towing muscle, and modular storage—essentials for any St. George shooter chasing mule deer at dawn.

Topping my must-see list is Lenco Armored Vehicles’ BearCat G3 at Booth #10971 on Level 2 of the Venetian Expo. This beast, a staple for SWAT teams and civilian responders, boasts heavy-duty suspension and run-flat tires for extreme off-road conditions. At 10,000 pounds, it shrugs off Utah’s boulder-strewn backroads like they’re paved highways. In a recent briefing, Lenco emphasized its versatility for high-stakes scenarios, from disaster response to rugged hunting retrieval. Priced around $300,000 for civilian variants, it’s a tactical titan that’ll demo its 360-degree mobility—a far cry from the street-legal Corvettes but just as adrenaline-charged.

No SHOT roundup skips the UTV surge, and Polaris’ Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Edition takes center stage, ruggedized for hunting with a fully enclosed cab, 2,500-pound towing capacity, and on-demand AWD that rivals the trail-bred Broncos I raved about at SEMA. Priced under $30,000, it’s a steal for Southern Utah’s high-desert hunts, with accessory rails for crossbows and coolers to keep your catch chilled. NSSF data shows a 25% uptick in UTV sales for hunting since 2023, driven by the need for remote access in terrains like our slot canyons.

For Utah Channel 3 viewers, these vehicles hit the sweet spot where automotive innovation meets outdoor necessity, much like the power-packed Corvettes at SEMA. Early-bird registration ends November 15—grab yours for the New Product Center and live demos. Whether trailering to the Henrys or scouting from a cab, SHOT 2025’s rigs prove: In the hunt, the right wheels are your first shot at success.

April Fischer is the Automotive Reviewer for Utah Channel 3, specializing in vehicle performance and off-road capabilities for Southern Utah’s adventure seekers.