Arkansas is known as the duck hunting capital of the world. Every winter, hunters from across the country head to our flooded timber, rice fields, and river bottoms. If you live in Benton or anywhere in central Arkansas, you know the feeling of a cold, dark morning and the sound of wings overhead.
The 2026-27 duck season runs in three parts: November 21-29, December 10-23, and December 26 through January 31, 2027. That gives you plenty of time to get out there. But before you load the decoys, ask yourself one question: Is your vehicle ready for the trip?
At Chris Crain Dodge Jeep Ram in Benton, we know that the right truck or Jeep can make or break a hunt. Here is what to look for and which 2027 models we think are the best fit for duck hunters.
What Duck Hunters Need in a Vehicle
Duck hunting is hard on a vehicle. Boat ramps are slick. Levee roads turn to mud after one rain. Some mornings start well below freezing. A good hunting rig should handle all of that without a second thought.
Here is what matters most:
Four-wheel drive. Mud, wet grass, and steep ramps call for real 4x4 traction.
Towing power. Most duck boats and mud motors ride on a trailer. You need enough muscle to pull them up a slick ramp.
Cargo space. Decoys, blinds, waders, shotguns, and a dog crate take up a lot of room.
Ground clearance. Ruts and puddles on back roads can hang up a low vehicle.
Comfort features. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel feel great after hours in a cold blind.
Good tires matter just as much as the vehicle. Check out our RAM tire pressure guide and our Jeep tire pressure guide before you head out. Cold weather drops tire pressure, so check yours often during the season.
2027 Ram 1500: The All-Around Hunting Truck
The 2027 Ram 1500 is a great pick for most duck hunters. It rides smoothly on the highway, but it still has the strength to pull a boat through the mud.
The 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo engine can tow up to about 11,500 pounds when properly equipped. That is more than enough for a jon boat, a mud motor, and a trailer full of gear. You can also choose from several other engines, including the classic 5.7L HEMI V8.
Here are a few 2027 updates hunters will like:
Available 360-degree camera on more trims, including Laramie and Rebel. It makes backing a trailer down a dark boat ramp much easier.
Available 2 kW onboard power with two 120V outlets in the bed on Pentastar V6 models. Plug in a spotlight, a heater, or a coffee maker at camp.
RamBox delete option on Limited and Limited Longhorn trims for the widest possible bed.
Want to go further off the beaten path? The Ram 1500 RHO is built for rough terrain. Read more in our Ram 1500 RHO features and specs blog. And if you plan to upgrade your tires for mud, see our Ram 1500 tire size guide.
2027 Ram 2500: For Big Boats and Heavy Loads
If you pull a big boat, haul a side-by-side, or carry a full hunting camp, the 2027 Ram 2500 is the truck for you. This heavy-duty pickup is built to work hard all season long.
The gas 6.4L HEMI V8 makes 410 horsepower. For even more pulling power, the available 6.7L Cummins High-Output turbo diesel makes 430 horsepower and a huge 1,075 lb-ft of torque. That kind of torque makes a steep, muddy ramp feel easy.
New for 2027:
The Payload Upgrade Package on most HEMI models increases payload capacity to up to 4,580 pounds.
Power Wagon with Cummins diesel power for the first time. It comes with locking front and rear differentials, 34-inch tires, and a 31-gallon fuel tank good for about 600 miles of range.
Standalone Warn winch available on HEMI Rebel and Power Wagon models. That is a lifesaver if you or a buddy gets stuck in a flooded field.
Not sure if you need a half-ton or a heavy-duty truck? Our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500 comparison breaks down the differences among the models. Visit us today at Chris Crain Dodge Jeep Ram in Benton, AR!