Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Equestrian & Livestock => Topic started by: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 03:40:55 PM

Title: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 03:40:55 PM: What types of horses would be best for backcountry hunting and packing? I want to get into backcountry hunting, but I don't want to do it on my feet I want to do it on a horse. I can ride, but I know very little about horses with respect to the various breeds available. I want a horse with a good temperment and build for hunting and packing (i.e. strong and calm). I was looking at Percherons, but I don't know. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I don't plan on buying a horse anytime soon because I don't have the land for it currently, but I plan on getting one eventually for this purpose.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: K357** on October 22, 2012, 03:42:52 PM: Bump
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 22, 2012, 04:15:27 PM: Mules for the pack animal(s), for sure.
For riding, a mule is tough to beat there too. That was difficult for me to admit being a horse guy. :chuckle:
If it's a horse you choose for your saddle animal, I prefer Quarter's.
It's very hit and miss (more miss) with this breed but one of the very best trail horses I ever owned was an Arab. Go figure.... :chuckle:
It's mostly about the breeding and the training.
It's also like trucks and the Chevy/Ford/Dodge is better than the Chevy/Ford/Dodge thing. Everyone has there opinions. :)
Never ridden a Percheron so no real experience with them.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 04:33:51 PM: Would a horse or mule be able to pack out an entire elk on its back with a rider?
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: kentrek on October 22, 2012, 04:38:56 PM: Quote from: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 04:33:51 PM
Would a horse or mule be able to pack out an entire elk on its back with a rider?

one elk + one rider on one mule ?? i dont think id wana go more than 300 pounds on a mule..ours start to get pretty stuborn if there loaded to much..ive road on a horse with half an elk underneath me..didnt seem to phase the horse much..big horse tho

a this is just my experiance and animals..lots a other stuff to consider such as distance, terrain,shape of the mules/horses
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: RG on October 22, 2012, 04:49:08 PM: Try to keep the total load to 200 lbs or less plus saddle and rigging.... unless you find a really big horse or mule then you can stretch that. Standard loading is a half elk per pack animal plus a riding animal unless you load the stock and walk yourself. I usually load my pack horse with 170 to 180 lbs plus saddles, etc. since she doesn't work every day for months at a time like the stock we used when I did it for a living. Speaking of working every day, if you let your horse stand in the pasture all year then try to use it for a week at hunting season you are going to have a long season unless it's a pretty special horse. The more you use them the better they are. They can be your best friend and your worst enemy all within the same 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 05:05:42 PM: Would a Percheron be unwieldy in steep, rough, rocky terrain because it is a massive horse (2,500lbs) compared to the Quarter Horse or Morgan (1000lbs)? I want a horse that I can take anywhere, and if I have to load it up and walk out with a little on my back that is fine. I just don't want to have to take multiple trips on foot in and out. I want to have a one-way ticket out once I bag an animal.

@RG: Does that 200 lbs include a rider, or is that 200 lbs on top of the rider?
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Todd_ID on October 22, 2012, 05:21:21 PM: Think of it this way: it takes a big, strong horse to carry a large person. Many horses can't carry a 300# person; therefore, many horses can't carry 200# of elk and a kid let alone an adult. Plan on needing 2 horses to pack an elk and you walk/lead them out; then ride one back and lead the other to bring camp out like you brought the elk out--walking/leading them. If you want to ride, then you'll want 3 to be able to get an elk out in one trip. If you want to bring out camp and an elk and ride in one trip, then bring 5 (and good luck getting the trailer needed to haul 5 into many of the backcountry trailheads).
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: RG on October 22, 2012, 06:38:37 PM: Quote from: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 05:05:42 PM

@RG: Does that 200 lbs include a rider, or is that 200 lbs on top of the rider?

A horse carrying a rider can handle more weight since the rider, theoretically, works with the horse as they go along. Packs are dead weight that just hangs there and is harder for the horse to handle. (I've seen some riders that look like a sack of fertilizer on the horse though). My riding horse is a 16 hand big quarter horse and he has no trouble with carrying my 190 lbs and a pretty heavy 65 year-old saddle that I ride. I ride him a lot too so he's in shape. My pack horse is a smaller quarter horse mare that spent her life as a reining/cutting horse. She does well in the mountains because she's so athletic but she doesn't get used as much and is quite a bit older (18), so she's not in as good of shape. I ride her too and she handles it fine but wouldn't do as well carrying me in the steep country without some more work, or more frequent rest stops. Mules vary just as horses do. I've had a smaller mule out of a mustang mare that was super to work with and very smart. He carried about the same load as a horse. I had a big 16 hand molly out of a thorobred mare that could probably handle 300 lbs if you didn't go too far. She had a few more mule quirks but was still a great animal. I have a little mule out of a POA pony, Sassy, who carries about 120 lbs on a sawbuck I rigged for her. I've had her 22 years so she's part of the family.

Sometimes, when you consider all the up front and ongoing expense and potential vet bills, it's not too bad to spend some extra time riding that bicycle and pack it out on your back. The pain goes away after a good meal and a nap and your life is easier. Of course I got bit by the bug 30 years ago working on cattle ranches and as a guide/packer in several states and provinces so I can't help myself. I feed horses all year round.

Sorry Jimmy but I'd probably just eat the goat when I got to camp..... that way nobody would see me packing it. I can't help it, it's just the ego speaking again. It's kind of like packing llamas, (Peruvian Camels). I'd wear a different hat, and maybe a disguise... Sorry
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on October 23, 2012, 07:43:58 AM: Quote from: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 04:33:51 PM
Would a horse or mule be able to pack out an entire elk on its back with a rider?
Definately not. You'll need more horses. Half an elk per horse is fair. That's without a rider.

Big horses are not necessarily better at carrying loads. Mules are generally stronger and more sure footed, but a bit tougher to train. A good quarter horse that has experience in the hills is a good bet. Keep them in shape and take care of them and they will take care of you.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: KyleMB123 on October 23, 2012, 02:49:37 PM: I was looking at Percheron/Quarter and Percheron/Morgan crosses. They are a 1300-1500lb horse. Would it be reasonable to assume a horse like that would be able to pack 25% of its body weight (325-375lbs) in meat, equipment, etc. or even 30% of its body weight?
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: IBspoiled on October 23, 2012, 03:17:19 PM: You also have to realize that you have to be able to get the packs on the animal and tie them down. A Percheron is a pretty large animal. We try to stick with our pack horses being in the 15 hand range. But my husband has to load them with me helping him and I'm only 5'2 and have a hard time lifting heavy packs over my head.

We generally pack our gear in with horses, leading them while we hike. Our plan is always to lead them out if we get something and then ride back in and pack out camp the same way. We actually have 4 horses and could ride two and pack two, but keeping 4 in camp just ad's to the load of what you have to bring in. They have to eat too!
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: fillthefreezer on October 23, 2012, 03:19:26 PM: its a tough question here, you want a tall long legged horse for navigating blowdown etc but a short horse for easy loading... :dunno:
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on October 23, 2012, 04:08:42 PM: I don't know much about percherons. They might be able to carry that much, but they might be too damn clusmy under weight... I don't know.

I would rather feed two normal sized horses than one great big one.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 23, 2012, 04:29:23 PM: This is right in-line with what RG said above.
Look at the last part, it nails it! No simple answer.
http://www.outfitterssupply.com/russon/how-much-weight.asp (http://www.outfitterssupply.com/russon/how-much-weight.asp)
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: BurleyDog on October 23, 2012, 04:40:10 PM: I have experience with large draft horses and draft mules.
I also have experience with trail horses.

I don't want to be a wet blanket or anything but based upon what I am hearing so far you should just quit the daydream now. If you don't own pasture and have little exprience with horses/mules then your gonna end up with a very expensive hobby that you get very little from.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on October 23, 2012, 07:20:34 PM: yeah- it's not worth owning them if you're just thinking about packing for a week or two a year. Hire it out- it's going to be WAY cheaper in the long run.
Unless you want to make a serious committment to owning them, you'll want to reconsider this idea. Find some freinds with horses and spend some time around them to learn their limitations and your own limitations... and really take this seriously. Horses are a huge committment and (to be honest) a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Knocker of rocks on October 23, 2012, 07:41:20 PM: Quote from: WAcoyotehunter on October 23, 2012, 07:20:34 PM
Horses are a huge committment and (to be honest) a pain in the ass.

Especially in Enumclaw
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: RG on October 23, 2012, 07:54:16 PM: Horses are a huge commitment. My comment earlier about riding a little extra on the bike all summer and backpacking the meat instead of trying to use horses was dead serious. First you get the horse, that's not too expensive, maybe $1200-$2000 or so for a good experienced horse. Then you find out he's herd bound and you need to get another one to keep him from losing his mind. Now you can't get him home so you have to go buy a horse trailer. Plan on $3000-$12000 depending on what you get. Then you will figure out your truck can't haul that much so now you have to go buy a bigger truck. After you get the horse home you figure out you need a saddle, $400-$1200 for a good one, don't buy junk! Now if you want a pack saddle, panniers, and all the rigging plan on $450-750. Then you have shoes every 6 weeks, $95-$110. Then you figure out that your pasture only feeds him part of the year. Another $250-$350 per month for hay at todays prices. Now you notice your horse is rubbing his butt on a tree, time to worm him, $15 per horse 3 or 4 times a year. Then it's spring and time for shots $40 -$75 more. That's the price for worming and shots if you do it yourself without a vet. Then it's a wet winter and your horse starts limping. You don't know it because he's your first horse but he has an abcess in a hoof. Call the vet, $250-$450, or, if you already did this, your farrier, $100. Now it's time to hunt. Buy horse feed to pack in, probably 100 lbs. if you will have two horses in there for 5 days or so. Now deduct 100 lbs from the weight you can pack for your camp. If you didn't work your horses quite a bit all summer go pick up all the stuff they bucked off, then go try to find them again so you can repack it. When you get to camp they have to be highlined at night and allowed to graze on grass 2 to 4 hours a day. Picket, hobbles, portable electric corral? What are they broke to do. Then you get your elk, you just figured out the horse is afraid of blood. Bone it out, bag it, stuff it in a pannier and hope the horse doesn't notice. Otherwise you might not be able to get within 20 feet of him with a bloody carcass.

My point here is I speak from experience. These are all realistic. If you love the packer, horseman, cowboy lifestyle it will all be worth it to you. As you become more experienced these problems will diminish and become non-issues. I shoe my own horses, have found good discount hay, worm them, give them their shots, have a pretty horse proof pasture so I don't call the vet very often. I have an old horse trailer that I keep refurbishing so it works well. I already own all the tack that I could ever use. My expense is much lower than it could be. I still buy good hay and ride every week. It's a commitment but I love it. It may not be the right thing for you.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 23, 2012, 09:28:18 PM: And that pretty much sums it up RG. Great post!!! :tup:
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: kentrek on October 23, 2012, 09:56:05 PM: Quote from: RG on October 23, 2012, 07:54:16 PM
Horses are a huge commitment. My comment earlier about riding a little extra on the bike all summer and backpacking the meat instead of trying to use horses was dead serious. First you get the horse, that's not too expensive, maybe $1200-$2000 or so for a good experienced horse. Then you find out he's herd bound and you need to get another one to keep him from losing his mind. Now you can't get him home so you have to go buy a horse trailer. Plan on $3000-$12000 depending on what you get. Then you will figure out your truck can't haul that much so now you have to go buy a bigger truck. After you get the horse home you figure out you need a saddle, $400-$1200 for a good one, don't buy junk! Now if you want a pack saddle, panniers, and all the rigging plan on $450-750. Then you have shoes every 6 weeks, $95-$110. Then you figure out that your pasture only feeds him part of the year. Another $250-$350 per month for hay at todays prices. Now you notice your horse is rubbing his butt on a tree, time to worm him, $15 per horse 3 or 4 times a year. Then it's spring and time for shots $40 -$75 more. That's the price for worming and shots if you do it yourself without a vet. Then it's a wet winter and your horse starts limping. You don't know it because he's your first horse but he has an abcess in a hoof. Call the vet, $250-$450, or, if you already did this, your farrier, $100. Now it's time to hunt. Buy horse feed to pack in, probably 100 lbs. if you will have two horses in there for 5 days or so. Now deduct 100 lbs from the weight you can pack for your camp. If you didn't work your horses quite a bit all summer go pick up all the stuff they bucked off, then go try to find them again so you can repack it. When you get to camp they have to be highlined at night and allowed to graze on grass 2 to 4 hours a day. Picket, hobbles, portable electric corral? What are they broke to do. Then you get your elk, you just figured out the horse is afraid of blood. Bone it out, bag it, stuff it in a pannier and hope the horse doesn't notice. Otherwise you might not be able to get within 20 feet of him with a bloody carcass.

oh an then after all that peaple will still get mad at you when you wont go pack there elk out for em... :bash: :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: KyleMB123 on October 24, 2012, 12:55:11 AM: Thanks for all of the info. I think I'll just hire them out when I need them.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: RG on October 24, 2012, 08:10:36 AM: Quote from: KyleMB123 on October 24, 2012, 12:55:11 AM
Thanks for all of the info. I think I'll just hire them out when I need them.

Do what the smart guys do, find a hunting partner who has horses.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: JPhelps on October 24, 2012, 08:20:30 AM: Quote from: RG on October 24, 2012, 08:10:36 AM
Quote from: KyleMB123 on October 24, 2012, 12:55:11 AM
Thanks for all of the info. I think I'll just hire them out when I need them.

Do what the smart guys do, find a hunting partner who has horses.

Or just hire an outfitter to drop you off and pick you up. Way cheaper than owning them and a lot less headache.

At least that is how I justified it on my trip. ;)
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Yak-NDN on October 31, 2012, 08:11:05 PM: If you do decide to get horses go with BLM you can't beat them.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: MountainWalk on November 01, 2012, 01:58:42 AM: do you even have an idea as to how you plan on packing it out? panniers? mantied? decker sawbuck?
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: RG on November 01, 2012, 04:41:21 AM: Quote from: MountainWalk338 on November 01, 2012, 01:58:42 AM
do you even have an idea as to how you plan on packing it out? panniers? mantied? decker sawbuck?

All of the above. Deckers are most common but sawbucks do the same thing. Panniers are also the most common for most people although professional packers manty their loads more often than not. I saw a package on craigslist for around $650 that, if memory serves me right, had a decker and some panniers and maybe a few other assorted goodies. It's still cheaper to do the drop camp. I think Icicle Outfitters does them in the Entiat for around 800 to 900 per person or so and Norsepeak's outfit is probably around the same for the Chinook Pass area. That's cheaper than hay for a year.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Yak-NDN on November 02, 2012, 10:28:10 AM: I couldn't imagine not having horses they are allot of money but in who's mind? I can load up headed to the hills 45min drive stop and grab food and drinks and spend the weekend horseback. (cheep weekend if you ask me) If I'm not horse back my weekend's are allot more expensive than that. If you use horses the cost is offset in my opinion. When they just sit and are not used is when you feel the cost but when you are a horse person you don't see it as a money pit or a burden you see it as a way of life.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: RG on November 02, 2012, 10:44:00 AM: Quote from: Yak-NDN on November 02, 2012, 10:28:10 AM
I couldn't imagine not having horses they are allot of money but in who's mind? I can load up headed to the hills 45min drive stop and grab food and drinks and spend the weekend horseback. (cheep weekend if you ask me) If I'm not horse back my weekend's are allot more expensive than that. If you use horses the cost is offset in my opinion. When they just sit and are not used is when you feel the cost but when you are a horse person you don't see it as a money pit or a burden you see it as a way of life.

Absolutely. If the bug bites you, you're pretty much helpless. It's like elk hunting. Then elk hunting with your horses, I have the tattoo for that one.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: alecvg on November 26, 2012, 03:41:41 PM: Mules for packing for sure. My favorite I have used for riding is a half draft half quarter horse. Hell of a horse.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: LARK on March 26, 2014, 12:00:36 PM: For the back country, I ride a mammoth (15.2 hands) donkey. Smart, smooth, very even disposition, long-lived, easy keeping and tough. Pound for pound a donk can carry more weight, responsibly than a horse or mule. Great personalities. Also, they can utilize a wider variety of the plants, brush, forbes and grasses in the backcountry than either a horse or mule. Mammoth donkeys come in all sizes from 14 to exceeding 17 hands. I like mules also.

There are good horses out there, but being green as you are I'd get a mammoth donkey or a mule, stay away from the horses.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: bearpaw on March 26, 2014, 12:48:08 PM: There's a lot of good advice so far, especially about there being a lot of work and cost involved with horses. Maybe someone mentioned it and I missed it but you also need to trim feet regularly and you need to shoe them before taking them on a hunting trip. Toughest thing is finding good horses and keeping them good. There is a ton of hobby horses that are rarely used and have tons of bad habits. Not all riding horses will pack, so make sure you get horses that will do both. My advice is find a friend who knows horses very well to help you find decent animals. Once you find a good horse then you need to ride and care for it often to keep it a good horse.

I used to keep several of my own horses and a mule and rent additional horses during hunting season. I finally sold my horses and now rent all the horses I need from a guy who does family horseback rides all summer. I get mostly the same horses every year, they have been ridden a lot, there are no surprises.

One of my all time favorite mountain horses is Quarter/Percheron cross, he probably weighs 1200-1300, I weigh in at 240ish, that horse could carry me, saddle, saddle bags, and back pack, all day in the most rugged country. Another really stout horse that wasn't so tall was a Quarter/Morgan cross. There are a couple other large horses I use that are Quarter/Draft horse cross. I've put 400 pound riders on them before. I did pack three cow elk on three horses once, but they were all good sized horses, the elk were quartered, and I only had to go a few miles in easy terrain. Normally I put 1/2 elk per horse.

Final advice, get help finding good animals, learn proper care, and be sure you are ready for the cost and commitment. :twocents:
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Machias on March 28, 2014, 09:55:57 AM: Persheron Mule

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F33bmnfc.jpg&hash=87c268f366939932adc8b7a729e683854fc69697)

My saddle mule Abbey

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F0625.JPG&hash=c46e202020b87e4377a8c0ba416a535df38cb91c)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F0658.JPG&hash=0d94d6388c9ca9ff429e217beec09023fba615f7)

Getting ready to go up into the Salmo Priest area for some trail clearing

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F02051.JPG&hash=772693ed34b506f77123ef3522fc4b3989c40b15)

We all got caught in a huge thunderstorm and hail storm. Temps dropped from the upper 70s to the upper 40s in less than an hour. Shivered all the way down the mountain!!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F03919.JPG&hash=4ae65c7f5831e768eb0c6d2ed5edfbba99f725f3)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F003217.jpg&hash=b0e89c32ea188191697dcf2762bcc21f36b898cb)

Hey LARK, look familiar? :)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F007165.JPG&hash=8f8bb2b6cb3ae2910fdd84b41ca67eeb1d02d26f)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F03022.jpg&hash=1a7849e451d09f75d11c43ce0a359f2bbdf7735f)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F004198.jpg&hash=dcb295810a80858cbe469cc04a20a387fd387ae9)
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Machias on March 28, 2014, 10:03:00 AM: A couple more of LARK's Mammoth Donkey

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FCalvin2.JPG&hash=a302a297a2d0639078e15c80e2eceae36c7caccb)

Me and Denny (Calvin) waiting on the Judges I think he was genuinely interested!! :)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FCalvin3.JPG&hash=87bb9ba1be704aea552a5629c49707eaf718951f)
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Machias on March 28, 2014, 10:08:04 AM: Of course you could always end up like this and I bet you don't bend like she does!! :)

Started off nice and then the little donkey broke away and headed for the exit gate!!!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F457_Medium_.JPG&hash=beb7d7426d588944cd3c6e3dd996edc8ee43fa58)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F461_Medium_.JPG&hash=91d6ff36c4754fc7e454d0d44b0eeb06de33c48d)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F462_Medium_.JPG&hash=638a9e2df16667163c4083b5a7c1d75f56c21fb3)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F463_Medium_.JPG&hash=c77b3bf67c99f4c3c64f53da87a7c61a2596175c)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2F464_Medium_.JPG&hash=195734fd0e191f48abee87fbb743481a8730fe50)
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: REHJWA on May 13, 2014, 09:35:59 AM: I don't bend like that any more :o...ouch
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: stevemiller on June 21, 2014, 12:34:13 AM: Your mules are awsome,That said a quarter horse would fit your needs best. :twocents: Appies are nice but flighty in my op.Arabs are to small not a good stock horse if you will.Mules are hard to come by.So left is a good Quarter horse.They dont break the bank when you buy them and you can depend on them to be your other best friend.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Redneck Russell on June 25, 2014, 03:20:40 PM: That us a big mule
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Piscatory_5 on December 26, 2014, 10:03:18 PM: I was considering using my horse to hunt in road closure areas, just day hunts. But i keep wondering what to do with him if i need to start following some tracks. Tie him up, hobble, small rope corral, or just let him wander. Seemed like to much trouble so i walk. Cannot shoot off him anyway, rifle or bow. As for biking in, I did a lot of mtb trail riding and to be honest it is not more efficient than just walking. If you think about it in addition to all the hunting gear, you have the 30lb bike to propel up and down the road so that is like an extra 30lb you are carrying. Then what do you do if you get a deer or elk ; not practical to ride it out on the bike.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: 6x6in6 on December 26, 2014, 10:20:53 PM: I prefer to highline mine. I keep a 20' rope, a lightweight pair of tree saver straps and a knot saver in the saddle bags. 2nd choice would be just tying him up.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: steen on December 27, 2014, 02:50:31 PM: Love my Arabs but they are not for everyone. Much more thinner skinned and could be a problem for packing and lighter bodied animal but they will go forever on not so much feed. We take them up to the Pasayten every 3 years with 2015 or next goal year. Definately not cheap and I hear about it regularly but I can't live without a horse or an Arab.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Little Dave on December 27, 2014, 11:08:43 PM: Another picture I had from trail clearing with Machias.
This is right before the thunderstorm.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: 6x6in6 on December 29, 2014, 09:35:58 AM: Quote from: steen on December 27, 2014, 02:50:31 PM
Love my Arabs but they are not for everyone. Much more thinner skinned and could be a problem for packing and lighter bodied animal but they will go forever on not so much feed. We take them up to the Pasayten every 3 years with 2015 or next goal year. Definately not cheap and I hear about it regularly but I can't live without a horse or an Arab.
I would agree. We have 3-1/2 Arabs. :chuckle: The 1/2 has quarter in him.
So many people think Arab's are whacked out. Many are courtesy of breeding (people and the horse). A well conditioned Arab is pretty tough to beat on a long and tough trail ride.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: boneaddict on December 29, 2014, 09:43:21 AM: I always just tied the up. Thankfully I didn't have any neurotic diggers. Then I would have went highline I suppose. It was usually for short duration stints on a mountainside. Back at camp we always used a highline.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: 6x6in6 on December 29, 2014, 09:54:51 AM: If I can highline an Arab mare in heat - by herself and in completely unfamiliar in the middle of nowhere country - anyone can highline.
OK, that's as close to slamming an Arab as I'll get. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: lokidog on December 29, 2014, 11:22:20 AM: And then your new pack horse/mule slips and breaks its neck the first time out.... I met some guys who this happened to, they ended up butchering the horse up since they were out for meat. 😉

Growing up, my grandfather raised Arabians, he had a three quarter Arab, one quarter Quarter horse that would do anything you asked. But I also learned what a PITA keeping them is and how expensive they are.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: AKHUNT on December 29, 2014, 11:57:16 AM: Owning horses is sort of like owning an airplane. It's not a hobby, it's a lifestyle. They take some amount of work everyday, hunting season or not. You also need to keep them conditioned and work them. We own Morgans and they do great at hunting and packing. Pretty cheap to feed vs some other breeds and tend to be calm and good at picking their footing. During the hunt, when we are calling moose or going after something, we high line if there is time. Otherwise we just tie them ( high and short is the rule here). I don't prefer this as some horses are great escape artists. We keep them on high lines and behind an electric fence in camp. We have to worry about brownies up here.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Jaques Bonet on December 29, 2014, 12:34:57 PM: Save your self the time, pain, and money , hire a Packer. Use an outfitter, you will spend as much money or more in the long run, and hunt a lot more. If you feel the need to look the part Buy a cowboy Hat. Been there done that. If you feel the need then contact me, I've got a real nice pair of chaps, you will need them.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Machias on December 29, 2014, 03:53:56 PM: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Piscatory_5 on December 30, 2014, 12:37:17 PM: Both our horses are Quarabs, and they sometimes are a little jumpy but controllable. We trail ride frequently enough that they are used to it but not conditioned well enough for a back country hunt. I was just thinking of day hunts riding him in a few miles on gated roads. Gives him some exercise and it seems game animals are not as afraid of them as they are a hunter on foot. I don't think he would do well tied for very long, half hour or so. Never highlined either of them. We did lose a papered purebred Arab couple years ago cause he was tied too long - wrapped up in the rope and went down. He pulled something in the groin area even though we untied him and got him up in about 15 seconds. Wouldn't put weight on a bind leg and was holding it out to the side. Died about a week later. I think i would prefer a nice lethargic QH for back country.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: lokidog on December 30, 2014, 01:24:10 PM: I used to shoot rabbits with a .22 off my grandpa's 1/4 Quarter 3/4 Arab. What an awesome animal he was. We had a nearby farm that had a shepard that would chase horses walking by on the road. I got sick of it one day and chased that stinking dog right back to his porch, he never bothered us again. :chuckle:

Back in the days I thought about getting a horse, I always thought a Morgan cross would be a good one for this type of thing.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Jaques Bonet on December 30, 2014, 02:02:41 PM: Do you want to hunt or ride? If you want to hunt than use someone else's animals. Not trying to pick on you, just want to save you the hassle of playing guide and RANGLER NOT TO MENTION VET BILLS, FEED AND TACK. IF YOU HAVE'NT PACKED BEFORE IT'S AN ART THAT TAKES PRACTICE. ALL THIS WILL LEAD UP TO LESS HUNTING. I grew UP AROUND HORSE'S,MY FATHER GREW UP ON A CATTLE RANCH IN MONTANA. I LOVE HORSE'S,JUST TRYING TO GIVE YOU MY EXPERIENCE. I LIKE TO HUNT MORE THAN RANGLE. WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: Piscatory_5 on December 31, 2014, 09:59:11 AM: That's what i was thinking, a drop camp. They pack your stuff in and come back in a week to haul you out.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: AKHUNT on December 31, 2014, 11:34:48 AM: Quote from: Jaques Bonet on December 30, 2014, 02:02:41 PM
Do you want to hunt or ride? If you want to hunt than use someone else's animals. Not trying to pick on you, just want to save you the hassle of playing guide and RANGLER NOT TO MENTION VET BILLS, FEED AND TACK. IF YOU HAVE'NT PACKED BEFORE IT'S AN ART THAT TAKES PRACTICE. ALL THIS WILL LEAD UP TO LESS HUNTING. I grew UP AROUND HORSE'S,MY FATHER GREW UP ON A CATTLE RANCH IN MONTANA. I LOVE HORSE'S,JUST TRYING TO GIVE YOU MY EXPERIENCE. I LIKE TO HUNT MORE THAN RANGLE. WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK.

Yup.

It does take time away from hunting. An atv, you just park and turn it off, then go. A horse(s)...not so much. We do the majority of our big game hunts on horses up here. We do quite well with them, and there are benefits to having them as well as negatives. Our horses are pretty well versed in the hunting thing, and I can bail off, tie up quickly to a bush/tree and go if I need to, and they do OK with that. But these are really calm horses, who have been doing this for a while now. Normal day:

Wake up about two hours ahead of your normal wake up call, so you can feed/water them. Then spend about half an hour ahead of your leave camp time to tack them up. While out hunting, you have to take time to set up a high line if your going to glass or call for any extended amount of time (otherwise you have to keep them on a leash which is a pain). At the end of the day, you have to untack, feed, water......which all put you relatively late into the night if youve been out all day, then do it all over again the next day.

The positives are, you dont have to pack meat on your back, you sit high while riding, which can be a great advantage, and horses seem to attract moose for some reason. Had more than one bull step on the trail in front of our horses and stand there long enough to get themselves shot. Calling with horses tied on highlines is also very effective. Horse make a lot of "moosey" sounds which just adds to the calling. Done very well in this area. Caribou.....just crazy animals, I've had them come running up to us A LOT of times while riding around. But they are just some really goofy animals.

In our case, obviously, the benefits of using horses is worth the hassle. That, and we get lots of enjoyment from them the rest of the year.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi69.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi45%2Fd_allen01_2006%2Fcaribou%2520hunt%2Fimage_zpsf9e420bb.jpg&hash=13ded29921e50bffef61535a08fb6fdc16b246ef) (http://s69.photobucket.com/user/d_allen01_2006/media/caribou%20hunt/image_zpsf9e420bb.jpg.html)

We do occasionally just "ground tie" them when conditions require....I was putting the finishing touch on this bull with the horses "ground tied" behind me. Our horses are very good hunting horses.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi69.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi45%2Fd_allen01_2006%2Fcaribou%2520hunt%2F2.jpg&hash=695283fa9506ed0dacce2a321591e87789219e00) (http://s69.photobucket.com/user/d_allen01_2006/media/caribou%20hunt/2.jpg.html)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi69.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi45%2Fd_allen01_2006%2FIMG_0915.jpg&hash=faac426dba48a5e82cdf5c017aceff4b8ba0cbb0) (http://s69.photobucket.com/user/d_allen01_2006/media/IMG_0915.jpg.html)

One other benefit.....my horse crazy daughter goes hunting with us.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi69.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi45%2Fd_allen01_2006%2FIMG_0903.jpg&hash=ad52f26f939f42342dbafdf02fe10bfccd598a59) (http://s69.photobucket.com/user/d_allen01_2006/media/IMG_0903.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: csaaphill on January 10, 2015, 12:19:46 AM: can't add much, but my grandad had his own farm Miss that place, but he always had 2-3 horses. he always hunted,and packed with them. I never got to go, but always wished I had. He did all his own shoeing and working with them so I'm sure there was a hassle but I bet worth it in the long run if you had your own place as OP oringinally stated he was planing on getting sometime. Always wanted to hunt this way, way back in the wilderness and see all the deer, and elk you wanted.
Title: Re: Horses for backcountry hunting and packing?
Post by: longrange7mm on September 08, 2015, 04:29:27 PM: Quote from: KyleMB123 on October 22, 2012, 04:33:51 PM
Would a horse or mule be able to pack out an entire elk on its back with a rider?

65# a side + 60# top pack is the most I will pack my animals. you have to remember this is dead weight on them it doesn't balance and move so they have to do all the work. If you sore a horse or mule you will ruin a good one in a hurry.