If you have the funds and knowledge for it, lift it like you said. It will save you from mangling fenders and other body parts...as far as the drivetrain holding together, you'll be fine if it's just for hunting. The tires on it are probaly close to 28" already so it's not that huge of a jump. If you stuffed some 39's and buried it in 14" of mud it probably wouldn't hold up too swift, but you should be alright...The only thing you might want to consider is different gears down the road because the bigger tires will make it a little more sluggish from a stop (and remember it will take more to get them stopped too). Good luck and post up pictures with an update...