Stalking with Ponies/Horses.

[Munty Hunter]

Brians pic of him and his Pony just had me thinking. It is (I think) quite unusual for lowland stalkers to have ponies. But has anyone known of stalkers who use Ponies or other trained animals to get close to Deer. It is a well known fact that it is possible to get closer to a lot of wildlife while riding a Pony or Horse. I am sure I have heard of people using them as cover to walk behind and even shoot off the back (as in resting the gun on the back) of them.

I am aware of the possible safety issues involved!

 

[nick100]

I always thought this was a good idea.
My Mrs goes out on them and comes back with I have seen deer here there and everywhere.
Plus all the other wildlife.
Last time I rode one of the buggers it all went a little bit wrong.
Maybe I need to get back out on one. Perhaps a bit of dutch courage first ?

Nick

 

[Monument veiw]

Probably easier to shoot and butcher the horse and enjoy some good steaks

 

[matt_hooks]

I've worked with ponies on the hill to recover shot beasts. I wouldn't fancy trying to ride one though, especially on the hill. They're recalcitrant little buggers at the best of times!

Having said that, I've used them to help me creep up on rabbits before to great effect.

 

[nick100]

Probably easier to shoot and butcher the horse and enjoy some good steaks

Dont tempt me!!!!!!!
Never eaten horse, the wife has, she says it's good.
Romantic night in, good bottle of red and her pet to eat.:idea:
Might have a quick look at the other 'livestock thread'.

 

[matt_hooks]

Don't forget, cross between the base of the ear and the corner of the opposite eye, line straight down the spine, sorted!

Dont tempt me!!!!!!!
Never eaten horse, the wife has, she says it's good.
Romantic night in, good bottle of red and her pet to eat.:idea:
Might have a quick look at the other 'livestock thread'.

 

[nick100]

Can you shoot them at night ?
How long do I need to hang them for?
What temp is best ?
Anyone got any recipes ?
Christ if my mrs sees what i am posting it could get lively.
Never mind, what calibre is best ?
That should do it.

ATB

Nick.

 

[Munty Hunter]

I've used them to help me creep up on rabbits before to great effect.

Hey Matt this is the kind of thing i meant, i have done it using Cattle as cover to get closer to Crows, Rabbits and even a Fox once. I just hoped someone on here may have one gun trained. I think the principle is that you lead or have trained the Pony to walk at your side. This gives you your cover untill you are within your desired range or safe angle. At which point you go prone or shoot leaning on its back.

If the little Ba$t@rd moves or kicks out and ruins your shot then you walk away 50 paces and read him his rights.

 

[matt_hooks]

Night is the best time, that way you get a few hours before the wife realises what she's eaten.
Kill it, cook it, eat it, run away. Don't bother with the hanging it bit, none of your roof beams will take the weight anyway.
Cook it at about 180, but you're gonna need a bigger oven!
Slow cooking is the way forward.

As for caliber, I prefer my beer with alcohol in it!

 

[matt_hooks]

Munty, deer aren't as stupid as rabbits sadly. We used to see them on the hill a fair bit, but they'd never let us get close enough for a shot, very wary of the ponies. To be fair the pony is probably more dangerous than the stalkers!

 

[Munty Hunter]

I apprecciate that any association would make them wairy, they probably wouldn't see many Ponies in the highlands and then only with people. On the other side of the spectrum on Dartmooror the New Forest it may be another matter!

 

[Taff]

I have ridden right upto deer in the new forest they would just look at you. The old shar of Iran used to have calvery that trained there horses to brace themselves so they could get a steady shot without dismounting.

 

[Brianm]

When I was very young I think the beef ration was 4 oz per month but no limit on horse meat. It was delicious ! The only way to tell the difference
was that the fat was white whilst beef was yellow.

There was a horse meat shop in Leeds Market with a sign 'human consumption only' if you wanted it for your dog they would not serve you.


Brianm