The only conclusion I've come to in learning about pack animals is there is no consensus....lol. Everybody seems to have their preferred way to do it, with lots of horror stories about any other methods. I know a lot depends on the personality of the animal, but it sure is tough trying to decide what to do. I also haven't talked to anyone that just walks in with a single pack animal, which is what I plan to do for awhile until I get better riding skills. My gear for a week of hunting is only about 40lbs, of which I'll only plan to swap 25-30lbs on the mule and keep the essentials in my pack. She is mainly there to get me an animal out in one trip.
My mule has been pretty good with everything we've tried so far. She is 11 and has packing experience, not spooky, and high lines and hobbles well. Have not been able to work on picketing yet, but she does respect the electric fences. She is a bit herd bound, or at least has gotten attached to the pony that shares her pasture. She is reluctant to leave and then gets pushy coming back to the pasture, but a chain halter has corrected most of that behavior.
Still, I am concerned that she will head back to the truck at first opportunity. So I do plan to high line during the day while I'm away from camp for security. I would like to picket over night and/or when I'm at camp, but it doesn't sound like I should rely on that until I get a lot more work in with her. Electric fence is sounding like the best option, since I could hobble her in the corral all night and there is plenty to graze where we will be hunting so I could move it daily. I also plan to pack in some pelletized food to supplement, at least like a good handful a day. I've also heard this can keep them closer to camp if they get loose and know there is some good food around.
In my mind, the daily itinerary would shape up something like this. High line her when I leave about dawn, and then work my way back to camp mid afternoon to let her graze, water, and feed some pelletized food. Then I could put her back on the high line and go still hunt the neighboring wallows/meadows until dark, then turn her out in the corral overnight. Does that sound feasible? Any feedback is appreciated.