It’s no secret that water access can be an incredible game changer when it comes to deer and turkey hunting. A boat saves lots of time, energy, and effort. Allowing you to hunt more efficiently, and with less stress on your body, all while minimizing the human pressure placed on the local critters.
But what’s the best boat for hunting? That, of course, is another article altogether. And it’s largely dependent on the body of water you’ll be accessing for the hunt. There’s no one-size-fits-all boat when it comes to hunting. But if you’re looking for a vessel that’ll allow you to tackle small waters, creeks, and rivers, the Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman is hard to beat. When it comes to a hunter-friendly design that’s easier than ever to handle, from the house to the water.
Check it out in our Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman review below.
First Impressions
This canoe easily delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to offering a unique design for hunters and fishermen. Is it a canoe? Yes. Does it handle more like a kayak. Absolutely. It truly offers the best features and function of each.
It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to handle. I knew I liked it the moment I bent down and picked it up with one hand. It’s a solo-style canoe in a compact design that allows one person to throw it up on the roof of a vehicle, or trailer. It’s a grab and go rig that’s easy to get in and out of the water, without having to have the whole family, or a gang of friends, to make it happen. Yet, it has plenty of room to handle all the gear you need for the hunt.
Specs on the Solo Sportsman
Length – 11 ft 9″
Width – 32.5″
Bow Height – 18″
Depth – 12.5″
Boat Weight – 56 lb
Total Weight Capacity – 354 lb
Usable Weight Capacity – 298 lb
Price – $1249.99
The Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman is best described as a hybrid canoe. It’s got plenty of stability, like you might find in a larger canoe, yet has all the mobility and maneuverability that you’d find in a small kayak.
I’ve got a larger Old Town canoe that I’ve hunted out of for years. It weighs in around 75 pounds. I can get it up on the roof rack of our vehicle by myself, but it’s a bit awkward. This smaller size boat makes that chore a breeze. I can easily toss it up on the roof, or in the back of a truck with ease.
However, despite its compact size, its’s crammed with plenty of features for your comfort and convenience.
Favorite Features on the Solo Sportsman
- Super solid and durable three-layer hull
- Lightweight design for easy loading and handling
- Contoured, cushioned-comfort, adjustable kayak-style seat
- 2 flush-mount rod holders
- Recessed accessory track
- Adjustable foot braces
- Shotgun shell and tackle storage
- Padded armrests
- Spacious hull for storage
Performance
As mentioned earlier, the boat has the maneuverability of a kayak, while offering the comfort of a canoe. Maneuvering through tight spots in sloughs, creeks, or rivers? No problem. The Solo Sportsman rivals any of the small and agile kayaks I’ve ever owned. In fact, side by side with my son in a much slimmer and lighter kayak, I was able to out maneuver his rig with ease. And the Solo Sportsman’s tracking abilities are solid and tight.
It also cuts through the water with ease, making the job of slipping through the shallows en route to your favorite hunting spot easier than ever. Sure, it’s built with far less space than other canoes or kayaks out there with massive carrying capacity. If large loads with tons of gear and multiple passengers are in order, this is not your rig. But for the size and weight, it holds it own quite well went it comes to solo hunter approach.
It’s got more than enough space to handle your pack, weapon, and decoys, as well as a dead turkey or deer at the end of the day.
The boat has a nice, dull camo finish that easily blends into the landscape along the bank. Deer don’t a pay a bit of attention to it. In fact, I had a small buck walk within several feet of the boat this past deer season as it made its way into the creek. It never gave the rig a second look.
If you’ve got water access in mind for your next hunt, and you’re wanting a boat that allows for a minimalist approach, be sure to give this one a look.
The Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman sells for $1249.99. Check it out your local Old Town dealer, or visit them online HERE.
