Hunting with Pack Animals

Hunting in remote areas can be both exciting and challenging. Hunters need to learn special skills to travel and survive in these areas. They often use pack animals like horses, mules or other animals to carry them or their gear. As a responsible hunter, you need to be aware of some concerns when using pack animals.If you use pack animals while hunting, you should:

  Know and follow all regulations and laws regarding horses and hunting.

  Take care of the landscape.

• Trail stock can be especially hard on wet trails; avoid using them on wet trails, if possible.
• Don't tie trail stock directly to trees.
• Picketed horses should be kept at least 200 feet away from any lakes, streams or campsites.
  • Use a picket line instead, and place insulation between the rope and the tree.
  • Change the location of picket lines every day to reduce ground impact.
  • Follow the trail! Avoid cutting across switchbacks on the trail. If you encounter an obstacle, like a downed tree, remove it rather than trample a new trail around it.
• Avoid spreading noxious weeds by using certified weed-free hay.
• Leave no trace! Use a shovel to scatter manure when breaking camp.

 Remember that trail stock can be intimidating to other users, and act accordingly. Saddle horses should yield to pack stock.

 Travel light! Keep gear and equipment to a minimum to avoid overloading the animals. When using horses, take the minimum number of animals needed.

 Properly and completely train your horses. Skittish or unstable animals can be dangerous.