Big game hunt with mules?

[Sonny Phipps]

I'm very new to this forum. I've raised trained and hunted coonhounds my whole life (I'm 42 now). I've hunted off of other peoples mules from time to time and had riding horses most of my life. In the past few years I have really got hooked on mules and hunting with them. I have a top notch coonhunting mule and love using her. My question is- do any of you guys hunt cats,lions or bear hunt from mules with hounds? 2 ndly, how could I get a chance to share this experience with some fellow hound and mule folks? Thanks

[Dads dogboy]

Sonny,

You have posted in the Right Place to get hooked up with some of the Best Houndsmen/Mulemen that God has ever created!

Post some Pics of yourself with your Coon Hunting Mule and tell us a little about your Hounds.

If no one answers you, my phone number is at the bottom of the Page, call and I will give you the numbers of some of the Fellows out West that are the real Deal!

[slowandeasy]

Sony, I started hunting on mules probably 35 years ago. 100% coon hunting at the time in north-central Pennsylvania and central New York. Have been in Arizona for approximately 17 to 18 years. And have switched mostly two horses here. When I first came I trailered three mules here with me, because I didn't think there was a horse that could ever do what the mules capable of doing. My first encounter with horses out here was when a man by the name of Mike Pok asked me to go lion hunting with him. I told dad some guy with a horse wants to go lion hunting with us we will have to babysit him. But I'm here to tell you there are some of the toughest horses in the world here in Arizona, and Mike Pok was in the middle of one that day. They are like spiders in the rocks, and if you point them somewhere and they can't go, you don't need to be there!! I have been always pretty bad about taking a camera, and I sure do regret it. I probably have a few pictures around here somewhere. Although it would probably take me 100 years to figure out how to post them. As far as I am concerned there is no better way to hunt behind hounds than in the middle of a good horse or a good mule. If you think that you have enjoyed hunting on a mules back in Ohio, you can't even imagine the scenery that you see in the western part of the United States. Being in the saddle out here makes it really hard on the hounds. Because you are constantly wanting to look over the next hill, and it flat just wears them dogs out. Well I've rambled enough, I think you get the general idea that I am a little partial to being in the saddle. Good luck and take care, Willy


PS some of the best pictures I've seen all right here on this in the horse and mule section. By a fella called poser. Look under I believe it's pony pictures not really sure but if you look you'll find it and you'll see what I'm talking about. Take it easy

[Sonny Phipps]

Thanks guys, the stuff that poser posted is exactly what I would like to do someday! I would love to ride into remote country and hunt big game with hounds. I'm gonna try to post some pics of my mule and hounds (I'm not very good on a puter ).

[LIONHOUND1963]

That is the only way I hunt anymore. I use to drive a few roads and look for tracks that way, but I have alays enjoyed being on my mule or horse. It is the only way to hunt for me. I'm sure that road hunters catch more lions than I do, but I sure get to watch the hounds work. Let me know if your ever in Utah, we may not catch anything, but we'll have a good ride.

[mulehound]

Been doing it muleback since 1980. Have not rode a horse since. I do love people that raise good sure footed horses, cause they generally make good mules. I just cannot bring myself to rig and run roads to many folks, besides I like being in the saddle at sun up rather than running up and down roads fighting for a track. I like a world less crowded.
Darrel.

[Sonny Phipps]

Let me clear up something, I have a mule and really like it for back country travel. However I'm by in no means bad mouthing a good mountain horse. I would enjoy any steed that acted the way my mule does. I don't believe I have ever witnessed the quality of horses that many of you have. I just think it would be awesome to hunt some big game in remote area from horse/mule back. Thanks and keep it coming.

[Big Mike]

Didn't know there was any other way to hunt!! Riding away from all the roads is half the fun for me