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

by **SarcasmPhD** » 09 12, 2015 • [Post 1]

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!

by **Vids** » 09 12, 2015 • [Post 2]

I've never rented one but have camped with guys that did. They definitely give you an advantage of getting further in, faster, and make packing out quarters easier. It didn't seem worth it to me though, those guys were up at 2-3 am every morning to go through a two hour routine of feeding, saddling, etc before they went hunting. They had to bring them to water every afternoon as well. They spent a lot of time on the horses that I would rather spend sleeping or hunting.

You also have no way of knowing whether you'll get a good horse or not. They always had some crazy misadventures with a horse that didn't want to be saddled up, or would bolt as soon as they got on. More than once they had to call the ranch and have them bring a different horse out.

I think the way to go is to hunt on foot, go as far as you want and then hire someone to get your elk for you. I think that costs about the same. That way you still get the advantage of the pack out but don't have to deal with horses everyday. Go hunt, kill your elk, then call the ranch and have them come get the meat.

Cost wise - I think it was about $500 to rent a horse for a week.

by **SarcasmPhD** » 09 12, 2015 • [Post 3]

Thanks Vids. I'm learning that there is a lot of work just in maintaining the horses while you are on your hunt. I knew about the feed, saddling them wicked early but never considered the watering part. I wasn't aware you could hire someone to help pack out. Glad I posed this question.

by **Packn** » 09 12, 2015 • [Post 4]

Horses definitely make it easier to get farther into the back country buttttttttt, they multiply your work at camp 10 fold. If you don't have a lot of experience handling, caring for, packing and riding horses this is not a great idea. If you are set on getting farther back spend your money on a drop camp. You will be money ahead in the end in the end I promise and no head aches or time wasted taking care of horses. I can elaborate if you want.

by **SarcasmPhD** » 09 13, 2015 • [Post 5]

Packn wrote:Horses definitely make it easier to get farther into the back country buttttttttt, they multiply your work at camp 10 fold. If you don't have a lot of experience handling, caring for, packing and riding horses this is not a great idea. If you are set on getting farther back spend your money on a drop camp. You will be money ahead in the end in the end I promise and no head aches or time wasted taking care of horses. I can elaborate if you want.

Again, I am glad I'm planning for next year now. The consensus appears to be that more than enough work is involved using horses. Which sounds like time is taken away from hunting. So, a drop camp, they'd basically pack everything in then pack everything out? The rest is up to you. The rest, being the DYI hunt. Any idea the price range I'd be looking at?

Many thanks!

by **Packn** » 09 13, 2015 • [Post 6]

Depends on how many people are in your group. It is quite often a $3,000 or so base price for one person. 2, 3 or 4 people can get it down to $1,500 to $1,400 a person

by **SarcasmPhD** » 09 13, 2015 • [Post 7]

Thank you Packn. I appreciate your input. This will be something I will look in to.

by **_rj_** » 09 13, 2015 • [Post 8]

Also make sure the horses are actually use to carrying dead things. Like if you rent or borrow some that don't normally pack critters out. I've seen people that insisted on using their horses and rarely goes as planned.

It's just part of the experience taking care of and looking out for pack animals. It gives you a glimpse into what "mountain men" did on a daily basis.

I say go for it at least once. Whether it be horses, llamas, alpacas, goats... It may provide some good times and funny stories.

by **Packn** » 09 13, 2015 • [Post 9]

"Good times and funny stories" equals yard sale and horse wreck. Yup. Good times.

by **Bow4me** » 09 13, 2015 • [Post 10]

I don't rent and I don't ride a horse but I couldn't imagine doing it without my mules. You do have to saddle and water them but that's no comparison to the amount of energy I would have to burn to cover 10 to 20 miles a day on foot. And I really don't worry about water a whole lot because your nearly always crossing creeks on your ride just stop a let them drink and go on. And when I get off I try to tie up where there's plenty to eat for them. It's part of the adventure for me. I love it but it's not for everyone.

by **_rj_** » 09 14, 2015 • [Post 11]

Packn wrote:"Good times and funny stories" equals yard sale and horse wreck. Yup. Good times.

Funny to the observer I guess.

by **Elkduds** » 09 14, 2015 • [Post 12]

The best people to ask if there are elk in an area, are those that ride horses there. You see elk while on horseback that would bug out if you were on foot. Still, I'm not interested in a rodeo during my elk hunt.