To use a horse? Or not to use a horse?

[SarcasmPhD]

That is the question. After a successful archery season this year, I'm already planning for 2016. I am considering renting a horse(s) for next season in order to really get into the backcountry.


With everything there are pluses and there are minuses. Anyone have any experience renting a horse(s) for elk hunting? Is packing food for and maintaining the horse(s) worth it? How about cost? Ballpark figure? Any input or thoughts on the use of horses for elk hunting I'd greatly appreciate.


Thanks!

 

[GYPSUMREAPER]

If you haven't been around horses much, it could be a rough time.  I've done pack trips on horses, drop camps and guided off horses.  Many people that go on a drop camp hunt, guided hunt or pack trip don't truly understand all the extra work it takes.  So pluses- you can get further into country with less effort to yourself, you have an animal to pack out your game, you can sneak into an area with horses and they just hear the 4 hooves and consider it another wild animal.
Minuses- using pack saddles can be an nightmare(weight and being able to even weight is a skill without scales), many things can set a horse off and start a rodeo in the backcountry, 1 horse to ride and 1 horse to pack most likely will not get all your gear into the country you want, packing 2 horses and riding one can turn into trouble, keepin horses at night or while your hunting can be tough- high lines are best option yet tough to maintain and horses are really good at getting themselves in trouble, remember ur up an hour and half earlier to saddle and get ready and out an hour an half later putting horses away,

I know there's a lot ofminuses but this is just stuff that could go wrong not saying it will I have seen some people with some crazy luck get away with a lot, I guess having the experiences I have I see things before they happen and worry more about it getting worse.  I have quite a bit of horse experience about 10 yrs packing and 20 riding and rodeoing


If you get meat from the store then dont criticize me for having the courage to go out and kill my own meat

 

[SarcasmPhD]

Yeah Gypsum.... I'd say you know a thing or two about horses and hunting. I'm familiar with riding but that's the extent of my experience. You really gave me some good info to soak in. I'm glad I'm planning for '16 now.

 

[K9Kodi]

did your successful archery season this year include horses? If not why change up what works for you?  Unless your looking for more experiences

 

[SarcasmPhD]

No I used no horses for my hunt. I'm just looking to get away. As in, way in the backcountry. I mean, damn, my two week planned hunt ended on day 1. I'm not complaining. I'll take what I can get. Being solo, I really didn't get as far as I would have liked.


I'm just doing logistical planning now for next season. Checking out my options. Figured I would inquire about the use of horses. And I'm finding out that unless you're experienced and don't mind tending to the horses at 2-3am preparing them for the days hunt, horses may not be my best choice.

 

[GYPSUMREAPER]

In my opinion your better off doing a drop camp hunt or setting up with an outfitter in the area to pack your animal out, some outfitters will some won't, a drop camp hunt you get packed in, they usually have the tent stove and that at your camp, they bring ur gear drop ya off and that's that. Then you down something they come in get it and if ur done you all come out at once if not some will even take it to a processor for you, outfitter I worked for we charged $125 per horse to pack out game. 2 horse minimum


If you get meat from the store then dont criticize me for having the courage to go out and kill my own meat