Horses for hunting

[Homer]

I’m reading a lot of threads but I haven’t seen anything about horses. I’ve hunted Montana a few times and always wished I had a horse to get me deep into the mix or pack out. I’m headed to Denver area and will be going the horse route when we get there. Texas doesn’t have the rugged country to the extent that Colorado does and it’s easier to have a 4 wheeler or sxs. Do any of you guys use them and is there anything I should know before heading out there with a horse? Thanks in advance for the information.

[Irving]

I think you need to look into what you're supposed to do to bring horses across state lines. That'll be pretty important. Otherwise, I can't afford a horse to hunt with so know little about it.

[Homer]

I think you need to look into what you're supposed to do to bring horses across state lines. That'll be pretty important. Otherwise, I can't afford a horse to hunt with so know little about it.

I’m not bringing any horses with the move, I’d kill a horse going from sea level to that altitude and expect it to do anything other than a walk in a pasture.

[Irving]

That just goes to show how little I know about horses.

[Hummer]

If you're hunting in the national forest you will need to feed only certified weed-free hay and or pellets, so you'll want to look into that before you arrive. Ask your outfitter. If you have to supply the hay you might call the USFS office near your hunt area to get a list of weed-free hay suppliers in the area.

While I mostly hunt on foot I have used horses extensively over 30+ years to hunt deer and elk and to pack meat out of the mountains. Good horses can be a tremendous asset. They allow you to cover a lot of ground and hunt far from the crowds. In areas with tall grass or shrub, being high up on a horse allows you to spot animals more easily. On horseback very often one can ride up very close to elk, position yourself and make the shot. And when the snow piles up it sure is easier using a horse than post-holing on foot. For packing meat a good horse with full panniers can pack half an elk in one trip. Some mules will pack a whole bull elk. If you get an animal down in warm weather and far in, a horse is the best way to preserve the meat from bears and spoilage.



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[Irving]

Any idea on the general cost to rent a horse for a week?

[Hummer]

Here ya go, Sombrero (https://www.sombrerohorses.com/hunting-horse/) has corral locations around the state.

[Irving]

Well, your other post pretty much turned me off to the idea. The area I hunt is pretty small anyway. I don't even use binoculars.

EDIT: Those prices aren't too bad, especially compared to a full guided hunt.

[Hummer]

Aw c'mon, HBAR, a train wreck in the dark timber with a string of heavily loaded mules and horses always makes for an exciting day. [cigar] [beatdeadhorse]

[def90]

People also use llamas as pack animals..

https://www.gohunt.com/read/why-pack-llamas-for-your-next-hunt#gs.tItXEHc

[Homer]

People also use llamas as pack animals..

https://www.gohunt.com/read/why-pack-llamas-for-your-next-hunt#gs.tItXEHc

I’ve looked into this idea also. I’ve been leaning towards a mule but, have zero experience with a mule and know they can get hardheaded.

[gnihcraes]

My father has used horses to pack out some elk during archery season. I'm not sure where he sources them, but usually goes to the local town and someone knows someone.

I don't believe it's unreasonable, and they will deliver and help or sometimes I think they have left the horse for a day or two with some food.

Only rented when there was an animal down in a less than desirable location and difficult to pack out. Worth the $'s usually.

[CO Hugh]

Any idea on the general cost to rent a horse for a week?

I believe our party pays about $450 a week per horse. My actual experience is limited to riding on a circle track as a kid. However I have been hunting with this group for 10 years and they pack, first 1 horse, then 2, and now 3. We hunt an area about a 1-1.5 hour hike up. The horses are used strictly for packing and not ridden to hunt.

The big advantage is packing gear up: tents, stove, food and most importantly your elk out. They carry more stuff up then I see people use car camping. Since we are close we have put a whole elk on 1 horse, 4 quarters. One load will be tack and food to care for horses. We buy hay and pellets at Murdochs or a local feed store. If you are much farther up, say 2-4 hours then you will have to lighten your loads and also can 't make as many trips in a day, we can make 3-4.

Panniers make it easy to pack, just keep everything balanced and low. I have learned a lot watching and assisting but still a novice. There are some websites, books and social media pages for packing.

From what I have heard too, I think using the horses to pack not ride is a good idea. You can still get hurt but much less likely then if riding the horse around. Plus what to do with the horse when you want to hunt, you tie it up starts pawing, whinning etc.

Good Luck.