BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[Elk_Hunter]

I have a couple old ranch horses and was thinking of trying them out as hunting mounts but not really sure where to start, both where around here I can hunt with them or how to train them. any help is greatly appreciated.
Frank

[Elk_Hunter]

no opinions or suggestions?
Frank

[Bill M]

Wow, that sounds like a great Idea. I can tell you that my friends and I have often discuss the idea of going on a horse back hunt but, never could find out who had horses that we could rent. Our only alternative was the full blown outfitters and that wasn't what we were looking for.

If you do follow through let some of us know and we will spread the word!!!

Thanks Bill

[rude robert]

souunds like fun though. but u will have to train the horses to carry your game. a lot of horses get very nervous with dead animals on them, if u use them pack them out. your horses i hope are not too old to handle the extra stress of shooting and the such robert

[RINOHUNTER]

Elk_Hunter wrote: I have a couple old ranch horses and was thinking of trying them out as hunting mounts but not really sure where to start, both where around here I can hunt with them or how to train them. any help is greatly appreciated.
Frank
I have trained several horses to pack Deer and Elk. That said, I am not long on words.
Tie an old Deer skin then an Elk skin to the horses back for a couple of weeks.
Get some deer and Elk blood and rub it ruthuslessly on the horses nose.
You can also get some urine and do the same.
Always hobble the horse. ALWAYS.
You may use blind folds or your jacket, if the horse is still nervous.
If you want to shoot around the horse, start some distance with a .22 then work
up in caliber.Don't attempt to shoot of the horses back.
Make and 3 pronged anchor out of rebar and attached it to a rope you can
throw off as you get off the horse. Keeps you from walking back to camp.
Always load on the up side of the horse.
Cut a 4 inch handle hold through the deer's skin at the brisket. This goes over
the saddle horn.
Nestle the back of the deer in the saddle. Cut off the leg at the first hock or elbow.
Poke a hole in the back hocks and front leg for tie down holes. Tie the back hocks to
the saddle cinch and the same with the front legs to the other side.
Tie the head and horns to the back of the horses rump so the horns won't stab the horse.
Elk is a different story because you have to quarter it.
If you want to know more let me know as I have been doing it for 50 years.

[Elk_Hunter]

RINOHUNTER,
Sorry it took me so long to get back with you not much computer time lately. Sure you understand but I am very interested in what you have to say. For now I will limit it to your top picks of must have items?
Frank