Prairie elk horseback hunt

[Esox]

Anyone done a prairie elk hunt on horseback? I think doing hunt in 102, 104, 108 or anyone of those southern hunts would be a cool experience and a way to get way back in away from roads.

[tony d]

I’ve never done it but am interested to hear any replies as I am also interested in this
Cheers Tony

[Rackmastr]

Originally Posted by Esox

Anyone done a prairie elk hunt on horseback? I think doing hunt in 102, 104, 108 or anyone of those southern hunts would be a cool experience and a way to get way back in away from roads.

I did it in 2 of those zones and have had great hunts in both. Having horses can be a limitation as well as a benefit on those hunts from my experiences. Nice to have them for packing meat though, especially in early season if the temps are over 30 like they usually are.

Depending on season, fire risk can play a big part in your hunt as well and access. Something to keep in mind when applying or planning.

[Mountainaccent]

102 is amazing love it down there

[RZR]

108 is a good zone. Most of the land owners are good for access.

[bonedogg]

a buddy did it on a mule deer hunt and the fencing and absence of gates made it a pain in the but for him. Had to really plan it out with regards to where the gates were.

[Husty]

Never seen any horse hunters out in that area.. know a rancher buddy in the area just picks up his horse if he bags something. Could be nice for some parts but IMO not worth hassle unless your going to the Pinhorn and deep into the coulees or something.. road access is pretty good around there.

[saddleup]

Have hunted all three zones on horseback,for deer and elk, with varying degrees of success. 102 is not an issue with fences, as much as 104. 108 has a bit more fencing than 102. Since i live in 104, and have detailed knowledge of all the zones have hunted them for the past 55 plus years, horseback hunts can be a ton of fun. Access permission ahead of time is very critical in all the zones, but usually is not a problem. Respect the landowners and their land, and usually u will not have any issues.

[RZR]

102 has more fencing than you think it does as the pinhorn put up more fence to make more usable pasture land as they can move cattle around to do a better grazing management plan.

[baticus]

We have taken ours down for rides throughout the year, but have not hunted off them. Even with having some elk tags the last two years.

Fencing is probably the biggest factor in 108.

[M70]

It’s worth the hassle. If the whole experience is as important as the result, take the horses.

[RZR]

Wew, that’s a lot of work for that!

[LKILR]

Originally Posted by RZR

Wew, that’s a lot of work for that!

Your clueless

[Esox]

Originally Posted by M70

It’s worth the hassle. If the whole experience is as important as the result, take the horses.

Exactly why I want to do it. I think it would be just a really cool experience doing a prairie elk hunt on horseback. If we get any bull its just icing on the cake, Id love for a 300inch plus one but that's not going to make or break a hunt.

[ram crazy]

108 bull

[roper1]

Originally Posted by M70

It’s worth the hassle. If the whole experience is as important as the result, take the horses.

Great pic. Thanks!

[roper1]

Originally Posted by ram crazy

108 bull

Great pic. Thanks!

[Joe Black]

Best part of any hunt with horses is you can always eat one of them if you are
unsuccessful

[Jigger]

Originally Posted by LKILR

Your clueless

X2. Rude and clueless.

[KBF]

Been on a few of these southern prairie hunts but never as a tag holder. They are a ton of fun and frustrating at same time. You can sit and glass large open country for hours and not see anything, turn your head for 30 seconds and look back and there is 20-30,50 head in front of and you wonder where in the world did they come from.
While they are neat to see here but from a landowner perspective it sure has brought more fencing work. Do your research and I think you will find most people in the south here accommodate elk hunters.

[kmacisaac]

Originally Posted by KBF

Been on a few of these southern prairie hunts but never as a tag holder. They are a ton of fun and frustrating at same time. You can sit and glass large open country for hours and not see anything, turn your head for 30 seconds and look back and there is 20-30,50 head in front of and you wonder where in the world did they come from.
While they are neat to see here but from a landowner perspective it sure has brought more fencing work. Do your research and I think you will find most people in the south here accommodate elk hunters.

Best advise on here yet. Two of us took a pair of elk out of WMU 102 late one evening. Equally as hard a hunt as any mountain hunt I've been on for its own reasons. The ranchers down in that area are more than helpful as long as you are not driving all over their property with a hot vehicle since fire is always a concern. Stick to the oilfield roads where access is granted and stick to the rules. We ran mountain bikes beyond that but having the opportunity to run horses would be a heck of a benefit to a hunter. I hunt further West these days with another member who has horses and I can truly say it is an amazing experience. A horse hunt is the most traditional style out there in my opinion. It doesn't always go as desired but there is never a dull story afterwards.