Horses for hunting

[Homer]

I’m reading a lot of threads but I haven’t seen anything about horses. I’ve hunted Montana a few times and always wished I had a horse to get me deep into the mix or pack out. I’m headed to Denver area and will be going the horse route when we get there. Texas doesn’t have the rugged country to the extent that Colorado does and it’s easier to have a 4 wheeler or sxs. Do any of you guys use them and is there anything I should know before heading out there with a horse? Thanks in advance for the information.

[Irving]

I think you need to look into what you're supposed to do to bring horses across state lines. That'll be pretty important. Otherwise, I can't afford a horse to hunt with so know little about it.

[Homer]

I think you need to look into what you're supposed to do to bring horses across state lines. That'll be pretty important. Otherwise, I can't afford a horse to hunt with so know little about it.

I’m not bringing any horses with the move, I’d kill a horse going from sea level to that altitude and expect it to do anything other than a walk in a pasture.

[Irving]

That just goes to show how little I know about horses.

[Hummer]

If you're hunting in the national forest you will need to feed only certified weed-free hay and or pellets, so you'll want to look into that before you arrive. Ask your outfitter. If you have to supply the hay you might call the USFS office near your hunt area to get a list of weed-free hay suppliers in the area.

While I mostly hunt on foot I have used horses extensively over 30+ years to hunt deer and elk and to pack meat out of the mountains. Good horses can be a tremendous asset. They allow you to cover a lot of ground and hunt far from the crowds. In areas with tall grass or shrub, being high up on a horse allows you to spot animals more easily. On horseback very often one can ride up very close to elk, position yourself and make the shot. And when the snow piles up it sure is easier using a horse than post-holing on foot. For packing meat a good horse with full panniers can pack half an elk in one trip. Some mules will pack a whole bull elk. If you get an animal down in warm weather and far in, a horse is the best way to preserve the meat from bears and spoilage.

[Irving]

Any idea on the general cost to rent a horse for a week?

[Hummer]

Here ya go, Sombrero has corral locations around the state.

[Irving]

Well, your other post pretty much turned me off to the idea. The area I hunt is pretty small anyway. I don't even use binoculars.

EDIT: Those prices aren't too bad, especially compared to a full guided hunt.

[Hummer]

Aw c'mon, HBAR, a train wreck in the dark timber with a string of heavily loaded mules and horses always makes for an exciting day.

[def90]

People also use llamas as pack animals..

https://www.gohunt.com/read/why-pack...unt#gs.tItXEHc