Success with a horse?

[dylanvb]

I am curious if anyone has had good and or repeatable success with using a live horse as a decoy for antelope hunting? I have seen some videos on YouTube but I am curious if there is something to it.
My wife and I have 4 horses and she constantly rides where the antelope are. Knowing how hard it is to get close to these critters when it’s not the rut has me considering multiple options

 

[S.Clancy]

We used to hunt antelope off horses alot growing up (with rifle). They don't really care too much when you are riding, but they notice as soon as you get off. You may be able to walk beside the horse on a stalk.

Remember, you still have to deal with the horse at the shot. IME not many horses accommodate a high-powered rifle being shot near them.

The best thing about horses is the amount of ground you can cover in antelope country (given there is not a ton of roads).

 

[dylanvb]

We used to hunt antelope off horses alot growing up (with rifle). They don't really care too much when you are riding, but they notice as soon as you get off. You may be able to walk beside the horse on a stalk.

Remember, you still have to deal with the horse at the shot. IME not many horses accommodate a high-powered rifle being shot near them.

The best thing about horses is the amount of ground you can cover in antelope country (given there is not a ton of roads).

Sorry I should have clarified, I’ll be using a bow and plan on using them for the walking/stalling part of the hunt

 

[S.Clancy]

Sorry I should have clarified, I’ll be using a bow and plan on using them for the walking/stalling part of the hunt

I think you would be better off with a horse or cow decoy then, personally.

 

[2Stamp]

yes. I killed a buck in 2022 by walking using horses. It was in one of my buddies giant pastures. This buck was moving around in there erratically (pacing, posturing to other bucks). Told my buddy I should use the horses a decoy, he told me good luck with a laugh. The buck walked away from me and out of sight over a small crest. I quickly walked up to the group of 4 horses about 200yds away and stood there, wondering what to do next. They were busy nibbling on my hat and bino harness as I watched this buck and a smaller one start making their way up towards me and the horses. I backed off from the group about 5 yards and quickly ranged the small buck as he walked past, at 45 yds. The bigger buck kept walking the same direction and as he cleared the horses I was drawn and took a walking shot on him. He ran probably 80yds and piled up. They never took a second look at the horses. The elk hunting scene from "Jeremiah Johnson" popped into my head.

I'd definitely try it again given the opportunity.

 

[dylanvb]

I have 3 horses that I could probably use and was honestly considering having my wife with me to lead line the horses where needed. But that's awesome @2Stamp I have seen others do it and that's what brought up the question.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Do antelope know if horses have 4 legs or 6? pilgrim?

 

[dylanvb]

Do antelope know if horses have 4 legs or 6? pilgrim?

I heard they are bad at math so I am going to up my chances by having more horse legs then human lol.