Mountain Hunting on Horseback

G

gps

Regular
Rating - 100%
66   0   0
Location
Scugog, ON
I have an opportunity to go for elk on horseback this fall in Alberta. To be able to ride up into the mountains for a few days will be a golden opportunity all on its own...but to be able to hunt elk too will really be special :)

My plan is to gather as much saddle time as I can before going so that I'm as fit and experienced as possible. I've only ridden a few times in my life, so I guess that makes me new.

For those of you who ride, what should I focus on learning and practicing in order to be able to ride competently for a week in the mountains? Do you know of anyone near Port Perry who can give me access to horses and/or lessons (paid, of course)?

I really want to do this trip right and be prepared. Any advice you may have is appreciated!
 
Are you going with an outfitter or just a friend or acquaintance with horses?

If I was you I would just spend time with, on and around horses as much as you can. You don't need to be a rodeo cowboy to go for a trail ride/hunt in the mountains but some time and experience on and around horses will help you enjoy yourself more for sure.

My family has had ranch/hunting horses around since before I was born. One thing to remember is that each horse is different than the other. So is the way people use, train them. For myself, it is a constant learning experience with each new or different horse. This is why I say spend as much time around them as you can, you will catch on to the basics as you go.

Here is the latest addition to our family. She is a super smart, well trained ranch horse. In one day she taught me what she likes and I taught her a few things I didn't like H:S:. So far she is an amazing horse and am looking forward to taking her into the high country.

IMG_1494-1.jpg
 
There are hundreds of horse farms/riding stables in your region- lots of opportunities to get some lessons in. As cd said, just get used to them and the basics of handling and riding. If you're going with an outfitter, they should provide you with a horse suited to your experience level. Being comfortable around horses will let you enjoy them and focus on things other than being intimidated by them. Have a great hunt!!
 
The hardest part will most likley be trying o walk after a day in the saddle. Have fun, hunting in the mountains in Alberta sure beats those darn Ontario stand hunters :p.
 
I don't know if they have ground wasp nests in Alberta, but if they do, try not to be on the second horse in line. My dad use to go horseback hunting and at times his horse would kick up a wasp nest and the second horse would get hammered. Makes for a little excitement. Unfortunately our neighbours with the horses are long gone and I never got to participate in one of these hunts.
Have fun and take lots of pictures.
 
gps said:
I have an opportunity to go for elk on horseback this fall in Alberta. To be able to ride up into the mountains for a few days will be a golden opportunity all on its own...but to be able to hunt elk too will really be special :)

My plan is to gather as much saddle time as I can before going so that I'm as fit and experienced as possible. I've only ridden a few times in my life, so I guess that makes me new.

For those of you who ride, what should I focus on learning and practicing in order to be able to ride competently for a week in the mountains? Do you know of anyone near Port Perry who can give me access to horses and/or lessons (paid, of course)?

I really want to do this trip right and be prepared. Any advice you may have is appreciated!
Click to expand...
I did a horse back mountain hunt in BC a couple of years back and was and am very much a rookie on the horses, so was in the same situation as you .
I tried to ride the horse that I was going to use as much as possible before the hunt, as well as try to get use to the equipment and learn how to put on the saddle ,bridle etc,just in case you get seperated or something happens to the other person.
I had a real hate for horses before that trip but now kinda like them and would do it again in a heart beat.
The trail we went up and down was down right scarey, steep, narrow, rocky and was a concern for the guy I went with who was an experienced horseman.
It was the best hunting trip I was ever on ,it rained ,snowed ,blowed the whole time we were there, we even had some up close grizzly encounters, like I said best trip ever .
Try not to miss the opportunity
 
Your horses confidence in you goes along way to keeping them level headed when they could get stupid. Like davey says spend as much time as possible with that animal.

groom em, do thier feet and generally hang out. You want to be part of the herd. Preferabley a more dominant member then your mount. LOL.

A confident horse is a stalwart ally. A scared horse is a stupid POS.
 
Well I've been around that game a bit. A good saddle is harder to find than a good horse and can make or break a trip. If given the opportunity try as many as you can. When you sit in it it should feel smooth like sitting on a barrel but you want it as narrow as possible to save your hips. Most saddles built post 1950 started to suck cause men didn't have to spend the hours in them. Look for an old "highback" or a new saddle built with the same attributes. Don't be scared to tell your host asap if something feels pinchy because in a hundred miles it will feel more than pinchy you'll be raw and blistered. I built my own saddle and when I fit the seat I fit it to my body exactly. I seldom ride now as my wife is allergic to horses but when I do I never get sore no matter the distance or time required. Good luck it will be the best time of you life.
 
Have fun. There's not much better than hunting on horses in the mountains. I was addicted the first time I went, and still love every day I'm out there fifteen years later. Hopefully your trip will include something like this:

Hunting2009157.jpg
 
Aries- said:
rolly polly is right... thats one happy horse lol
Click to expand...

Yup, he is a pig :). He is a big horse to begin with but he sort of developed a loneliness eating disorder after I had to shoot his buddy after something chased her through the fence and she flipped over and broke her back.

He will be getting the miles put on him and now he has a new buddy to help keep him busy.
 
I have an opportunity to go for elk on horseback this fall in Alberta. To be able to ride up into the mountains for a few days will be a golden opportunity all on its own...but to be able to hunt elk too will really be special
Click to expand...

This is one of my dream hunts ( South Dakota pheasant is the other). I have never been on a horse in my life, except the merry-go-round at the fair as a kid.

Good luck, have fun and post some photos when you get back.
 
Here's a pic of me and my then 20 yr old mare at the top of Deception Pass on the way to Skoki Lodge near Lake Louise.
My advise is get as much time in the saddle as you can from now till your trip. Try to stay with the same saddle and put on the miles. This will get you used to spending long hours in the saddle and give you confidence in handling a horse.Enjoy-----Cowboy
100_1686.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom