BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

ginkgo72 · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 59 Location: Midwest

How about it? Anyone have a story about shooting or attempting to shoot an elk or animal while riding a horse?

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2652 Location: Colorado

I've not done it myself, but have been told quite a few stories about doing it. I guess basically it comes down to the horse. Some will tolerate it, others your risking your life.

bustbigking · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 70 Location: WA

Well first off, you must be a riffle hunter if you are shooting from a horse. Remind's me of the poacher videos on youtube of the riffle hunter's blasting shots out of there truck! Second, you should probably get off the horse and hike a little to earn your kill. Mabey like 2 steps or somthing. Im pretty sure it's illegal anyhow. At leased in some states. States with brain's

GBoyd · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 8:12 pm Post subject:

Bustbigking-

Quit being so hostile! It isn't necessary. The guy asked a reasonable question, he deserves answers to be at least civil. If you don't think shooting from a horse is sporting, just say it.

Personally, I don't see a difference between shooting from a horse and shooting something that you happen across when you're walking (except that the horse might object). I don't see anything immoral with it, it isn't like shooting from a car. Riding can be hard work.

bustbigking · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 70 Location: WA

I use horses to get into areas and ive come accross alot of shot opportunies where if I had a riffle and didnt give a rip I could have blasted them. But I dont riffle hunt and I wouldnt shoot from a horse. It's dangerous and to me pretty boring. But Im not the law so do what you like if you think it's cool.

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2146 Location: Antelope, Ore

Wow. so how do you really feel about it?

I tried it when I was young, teens. what I found out is that you caan shoot off of any horse,,,,,one time! I saw an article in some magazine about shooting off a horse and the author was sitting on the horse with a lever rifle aiming between the horses ears. If the noise didn't get him thrown, the blast would. But I suspect there are some horses you could shoot off of.

Alamosa · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 125 Location: Southern Colorado

Remember the scene from Jeremiah Johnson where he shoots the elk across his saddle?
I think it often ends like that.
I am sure that there are some horses that will tolerate it.

CVC · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 1296 Location: Kansas

Horses can and are often trained to tolerate firearms being fired by their rider when mounted.

People use these horses for reenactments and other activities.

Seems to me I recently viewed an episode where a guy shot a buffalo from a horse using a bow. Wanted to take a buffalo like an Indian.

I don't think I'd reccomend shooting an animal with a rifle from a horse simply because I'd want to get off and get a firmer rest. I think shooting from horse back is essentially shooting off-hand.

I can see where it might be quite fulfilling if it is your own horse that you trained.

wyoelkhunter · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 56 Location: wyoming

Shooting off a horse is very possible, I have done it my self not at an elk but have killed quite a few rattlesnakes with my 44 mag. it is not a good idea on a new horse but a horse4 that is well seasoned that is used to it it can be done.

ginkgo72 · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 59 Location: Midwest

Interesting replies - I was only wondering if anyone would be willing to share things they've experienced or heard about when shooting off the back of a horse. I got the new Ruger catalog where it shows a guy shooting a pistol off the back of a horse in some sort of rodeo....I've always heard that horses don't tolerate this type of thing. Then again - all those western movies that show actors shooting while running down the bad guy.....
Thought it would be interesting to hear what people thought. Not that I'd try it - I'd rather shoot standing on solid ground anyway.
Thanks!

CVC · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 1296 Location: Kansas

A horse will tolerate shooting off its back. It just needs to have the right disposition and training.

Lots of people shoot off horses backs for a variety of reasons.

SoCoKHntr · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 730 Location: Pueblo Colorado

I saw John Wayne do it with the reigns in his teeth at a full gallop. It was bad guys and not elk and oh of course it was a movie. On a serious note as someone else said it's all about the horse and seasoning.

Romey · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 221 Location: Montana

It is VERY hard on a horses ears.
In mounted cowboy action shooting, ear plugs are used and the rounds arent fully louded rounds.
Horses hearing is much greater then a human so imagine what a firearm going off with the muzzle in same line as your ears within 2ft from your ears and times it by 10 , thats what a horse hears.
Lemme do it to you first then maybe id let someone do it on a horse of mine or one we guide off of.

Rifleman · Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 38 Location: Utah

My Father in law has horses he swears are tolerant of gunfire, and he hunts with them all the time. Once about 4 years ago when i was with them I had a chance to shoot, not off the horse (I dismounted first because they tend to not stand completely still), but I waited too long and the deer went into some trees...still kicking myself for that one.

I wouldn't shoot off of just any horse but just like a dog they can be trained to tolerate it.

SoCoKHntr · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 730 Location: Pueblo Colorado

Romey wrote: It is VERY hard on a horses ears.
In mounted cowboy action shooting, ear plugs are used and the rounds arent fully louded rounds.
Horses hearing is much greater then a human so imagine what a firearm going off with the muzzle in same line as your ears within 2ft from your ears and times it by 10 , thats what a horse hears.
Lemme do it to you first then maybe id let someone do it on a horse of mine or one we guide off of.

Uh, no thanks, I'll take your word for it. ::-k