I would love to have a dedicated forum to discuss the use of stock in the backcountry as they are used for hunting. I'm sure there are many on here that use horses/mule etc to access the backcountry and punk game out.
I just saw this. We've considered it before but never felt there would be enough people to have a dedicated forum. You know I'd love one. Feel free to stir some people up who might be interested and Ryan and I might rethink it.
I would love to see this. I always have 8-12 horses on the property but did not start hunting with them till 2 years ago. Alot of the areas I hunt water and grazing is in short supply so working out the logistics to care for the horses can be troublesome. I searched all over the web and really didn't have much luck finding information about this subject. Would like to share gear ideas, animal use and possibly locations where they would be more beneficial.
I'd really appreciate a sub forum dedicated to the topic. I'm green, now own two horses and have reached out to several experienced stock users that have all been extremely generous sharing their knowledge. Learning curve has been vertical and I've really been enjoying the journey. There is just SO much to learn. To date, all of my mentors have been guys I've met on the forums and having a dedicated place to share lessons, stories, ideas and to ask for advice would be great.
That's what I'm talking about! I am also new to packing and riding with only a few years experience. I feel that having this sub forum would only add to what I consider to be the best and most informative hunting forum on the net.
I can not even fathom leading a string like that, wow! Awesome.
Been riding like crazy getting as many miles as I can. It's been an incredible learning experience. Can't wait to get everything put together and into the backcountry.
RE: dedicated forum. I'm a member on 3 hunting forums with Horse and mule Sub forums and it always seems to dry up about 3 months in.
I don't know why we don't have year round traffic. Most Horse and Mule folks I know love to brag on their Critters.
This was my longest string hauling in hay to an Idaho Fishing lodge.
If you want to know what not to do - just ask - been there done that.
Before all the G Bears and now the wolves I packed in a camp and hunted for many years north of Yellowstone Nat. Park. You can not believe some of the strings that came by our camp. No doubt what a unprepared rookie and his stock looks like after a 20 mile pack trip. We won't mention what was seen when their horses or mules got around a gut pile for the first time, hobbled, or put on a high line etc. etc. for the first time.
A horse/mule/packing category would be a great addition and I am sure that a lot of information could be shared. The first bit of advise I always give when someone asks me what I look for in a horse or mule for the mountains. I always tell them I look for 3 things: attitude, attitude and attitude. If they are built right, have a decent attitude, I could care less if they were pink in color.
To cowboys point, it still amazes me that people don't at the very minimum try these things once at home...hobbling, picketing, all of it. Ive got a mare that used to think she could outrun panniers or mantis or whatever you threw on her. She was fine being loaded, until she took one step and thought they chasing her. Shes over it now, but I found out at home and let her work through it. Imagine learning that at the trailhead? No fun whatsoever. Most of this stuff is easy to try at home. They arent atv's folks.
i was once one of those laffs. i had packed up every day for 2 months before i went and all that stuff hit the ground 3 times in the first mile on the mountain. all i can say is that was one patient mule while i put it back on.