Pack Mules??

[Ryan Avery]

So I bought two mules. Both are good riding mules and one has packed quite a bit.

Anyone in the CDA Idaho area want to show a rookie how to pack with these ladies?


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[mntnguide]

If you have extra time this summer, you could check out Cody and LeRee at Royaltine. They offer a couple long weekender packing clinics, just show up and learn on their stock in western MT. They've been teaching packing for nearly 30 years and know how to teach it. I worked for them for 5 summers helping teach the guide/packing school many years ago, and they are great people. .. They also have a online download DVD you could buy just to start getting the hang of it that goes through all sorts of hitches, backcountry stock techniques etc.; www.royaltine.com

They mainly teach Decker style, cause thats whats used most in ID and MT, but also go over sawbucks as well. Sawbuck is much easier for a new packer to be able to use, and Outfitters supply has the not-a-knot system that works great with their bear boxes and a top pack if you dont know how to throw a diamond or box hitch. . I always throw a hitch on mine just cause its quick and I know how, but its not necessary.

 

[Ryan Avery]

If you have extra time this summer, you could check out Cody and LeRee at Royaltine. They offer a couple long weekender packing clinics, just show up and learn on their stock in western MT. They've been teaching packing for nearly 30 years and know how to teach it. I worked for them for 5 summers helping teach the guide/packing school many years ago, and they are great people. .. They also have a online download DVD you could buy just to start getting the hang of it that goes through all sorts of hitches, backcountry stock techniques etc.; www.royaltine.com

They mainly teach Decker style, cause thats whats used most in ID and MT, but also go over sawbucks as well. Sawbuck is much easier for a new packer to be able to use, and Outfitters supply has the not-a-knot system that works great with their bear boxes and a top pack if you dont know how to throw a diamond or box hitch. . I always throw a hitch on mine just cause its quick and I know how, but its not necessary.

Thanks!

 

[Pony Soldier]

Horses,hitches, and rocky trails by joe back. A reference for the rest of your life.

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

Talk to my cousin at the HAHA event. He's a country bumpkin and cattle herder. Has been packing into the Idaho wilderness since he could walk.

Ken

 

[sndmn11]

So I bought two mules. Both are good riding mules and one has packed quite a bit.

Anyone in the CDA Idaho area want to show a rookie how to pack with these ladies?


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Chris Davis at Davis Tent would be a good resource for tack.

 

[doverpack12]

I’m shocked @Ryan Avery I thought you were all in on goats. What brought on this change and going with mules as a first go over horses?
The plains backcountry horseman chapter is pretty active. They usually do a packing clinic in the spring. The one I went to was in Trout Creek. I have one of their main guys contact info that clears a bunch of trails in that area.
Smoke Elser is doing a few in Missoula this year through the Missoula backcountry horseman chapter but hasn’t picked the dates yet. His wife is going to let me know the dates since I live in Missoula.
Smoke has a book and Bob Hooverson has a book and DVD that goes with the book so you can see it real time not just in pictures.
I’ve thought about the Royal time classes and they have some YouTube videos. Just haven’t signed up for one yet

 

[mt terry d]

Horses,hitches, and rocky trails by joe back. A reference for the rest of your life.

^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^

You'll be throwing double diamond hitches in no time but for the love of God
don't do it wearing Crocs!

 

[Mike 338]

Whoops... had to look up CDA. I'm out of the area.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Horses,hitches, and rocky trails by joe back. A reference for the rest of your life.

Ordered


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[Dixie]

So I bought two mules. Both are good riding mules and one has packed quite a bit.

Anyone in the CDA Idaho area want to show a rookie how to pack with these ladies?


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[Dixie]

^^^This is the best I've seen and they have a good Video also.

 

[Tobe_B]

What brought on this change and going with mules as a first go over horses?

Some people like learning the hard way.

Do some research on clinics and pack training schools. Any local Backcountry chapter will be active in doing trail maintenance, so go volunteer and go to the meetings.

I’ve got a friend down in my part of the country that’s starting a pack clinic and training. Complete with several days of training at a base camp and then a live field trial with your own stock. If you want details PM and I’ll get you set up.


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[blick]

I'm sure you got good trained animals to start but understanding basic training principles of how equine minds work and some basic techniques will lay the foundation to start packing confidently. Ty Evans, Jerry Tindell, Pat Parelli, John Lyons etc. When mules wear diamonds is a good book for packing.

 

[giabbit6]

Horses,hitches, and rocky trails by joe back. A reference for the rest of your life.

I’ll add it to the library. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Pony Soldier]

Joe Back also authored or co- authored a couple other books that talks about packing and hunting experiences that are informative and entertaining. Over the years I have learned a lot from other peoples adventures and mis- adventures.

 

[MTN BUM]

Just starting down this road too. Check out Muledraggerchris on instagram. He does a weekend primer on site in MT- I was going to try but dates dont line up. He just did a podcast with the Wittwer guy and seems like a good dude. He might even be a member on here, not sure

 

[Arithson]

Ordered


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That book is like the Bible when it comes to packing. And a fun read.

 

[Haulin'Ass Backcountry]

You could also look into the Nine Mile Packers Clinic that is put on by the USFS here in Montana. Royal Tine Outfitters as stated in another response above is a great resource as well. Stay positive and learn all that you can. The beginning can be a little rough especially if you have never done it before. Once you learn the basics of equine care and packing skills its all about consistent practice.

Good luck this season!

 

[nrspence]

A lot of good responses above, I suggest a hands on pack clinic, or find someone to mentor you who has been in stock for decades. Owning pack stock and building a good pack string isn't a fall hunting tool, it is a lifestyle. Be patient, and enjoy the ride literally.... Your first few trips will be very trying, but once you get the hang of stock in the back country it is great.