Doing a horse/mule based elk hunting Q&A this afternoon

[Cliff Gray]

Had a guy who watches a bunch of my content reach out with a list of cool questions about my thoughts on elk hunting with horses and mules in the wilderness based on my experience outfitting with them. His list was extensive enough that I figured I'd just get him on the podcast and let him run me through all of them while I give him my opinions and thoughts.

Figured there's might be some folks here who have additional questions on packing horses and mules, or want to hear my take on any of the little nuances of that world. If you've got any questions, ideas for topics, whatever, reply here. I'll try to get this episode out late this week.

some already on the list:
1. Saw buck vs decker
2. Saddle panniers vs basket and squaw on saddle with decker cinch
3. Blood and guts at kill
4. Day hunt gear, backpacks, vs worn on person
5. Manties and game bags or just game bags
6. Picket, tie, highline, or hobble or combos
7. Rear cinch use
8. Blanket multi use
9. rifle carry
10. Shoe repair
11. Sweet feed, cubes, bales, or graze.
12. how to deal with horses if you encounter them on the trail while backpacking/on-foot

thanks, cliff

 

[RockAndSage]

4. Day hunt gear, backpacks, vs worn on person

Not sure if this is what you're going for in this one, but I'd be very interested to hear about what you're personally wearing - or not - while mounted, both in packing in and while actually hunting. Backpacks, bino harness, rifle, etc, dangers and pros/cons to consider. Also, if you have anything like that on you, how does affect mounting up, etc.

 

[The_BuckingSpot]

Thanks Cliff!

What are some slick setups regarding truck/trailer that made life better for the animals on rough roads, tight narrow stuff.

Comparing different types of hobbles

Do you leave halters on overnight?

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

For folks who aren't into yet or are considering stock, might be nice to hear from you what kind of a year round commitment it means to have horses and/or mules (time, training, feed, $$$) if primary goal is hunting with them.

Might be nice to hear the strategies you like for managing stock during the hunt, especially if getting into areas has to be on foot (off trail, deadfall, etc.). ie. leaving them in camp all day by themselves (if no camp jack), how long you're comfortable tying them up, etc...

 

[The_BuckingSpot]

For folks who aren't into yet or are considering stock, might be nice to hear from you what kind of a year round commitment it means to have horses and/or mules (time, training, feed, $$$) if primary goal is hunting with them.

Might be nice to hear the strategies you like for managing stock during the hunt, especially if getting into areas has to be on foot (off trail, deadfall, etc.). ie. leaving them in camp all day by themselves (if no camp jack), how long you're comfortable tying them up, etc...

That first one is easy. To become a millionaire, own horses and start as a billionaire.

 

[Cliff Gray]

That first one is easy. To become a millionaire, own horses and start as a billionaire.

bwhahaha. true words

 

[The_BuckingSpot]

For folks who aren't into yet or are considering stock, might be nice to hear from you what kind of a year round commitment it means to have horses and/or mules (time, training, feed, $$$) if primary goal is hunting with them.

Might be nice to hear the strategies you like for managing stock during the hunt, especially if getting into areas has to be on foot (off trail, deadfall, etc.). ie. leaving them in camp all day by themselves (if no camp jack), how long you're comfortable tying them up, etc...

I’m stuck in an airport trying to get home so I ran some rough math… this is assuming you already have a truck to pull a small trailer and a flat spot to set up some horse panels. I just did this in the last year plus some other projects…
Trailer
10 panels
Water trough
Shelter
Saddle
Halter
Bridle and bit
Saddle blanket
3000$ two horse trailer that won’t fit a large horse.

This is very rough math. Cheapest new panels you can get, 1,000 dollar riding saddle, no packing gear, smallest cheapest trailers you regularly see on FB marketplace that are usually beat to shit. This cost doesn’t get you into saddle bags, pack saddle, or multiple horses. This is to go from “holy shit my place isn’t set up” to “ok my horse is home but definitely have to ride them often because they don’t have a pasture”



$6695 to get started. Oh, and now go buy a horse/mule that won’t kill you or others near you.


1/2 ton of hay per month per horse is ~$150
Farrier I randomly said 60$ a month cause most people do a 6-8 week cycle.
Grain is 15$ a bag

This isn’t including vet bills, dental work, or chiropractic work.

225$ per month assuming you’re not doing ANYTHING extra feed or medicine wise.

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

$6695 to get started. Oh, and now go buy a horse/mule that won’t kill you or others near you.


1/2 ton of hay per month per horse is ~$150
Farrier I randomly said 60$ a month cause most people do a 6-8 week cycle.
Grain is 15$ a bag

This isn’t including vet bills, dental work, or chiropractic work.

225$ per month assuming you’re not doing ANYTHING extra feed or medicine wise

Methinks maybe you're being especially optimistic on those numbers, especially if in the rockies or the west coast where trailers and hay can sure be pricey.

In addition to the cost, I always think it's very important for people considering stock to understand it's a year round lifestyle, so it's not worth getting them just for hunting season, if you don't love the lifestyle.

 

[The_BuckingSpot]

Methinks maybe you're being especially optimistic on those numbers, especially if in the rockies or the west coast where trailers and hay can sure be pricey.

In addition to the cost, I always think it's very important for people considering stock to understand it's a year round lifestyle, so it's not worth getting them just for hunting season, if you don't love the lifestyle.

Those are prices I paid this year in Idaho.

You’re exactly right though. If you don’t love the lifestyle it’s doesn’t make any sense at all. We ride ours as a family all year and I want to raise my kids with chores, respect for animals, and ownership.

 

[Pony Soldier]

I have been there since my 20s. Started with one horse. Got married and added a horse. Had kids - added two more horses. Bought 30 acres then added 28 acres. Got successively bigger trucks to haul bigger trailers.

I have grown over a life from a 1 horse assistant to a ranch. It's a lifestyle and it ain't cheap. City folks take vacations - I put up hay. Fancy cars become fsrm machinery. It's an evolution.