I want to do some trekking this summer. But I have access to a few mules that we could use. I still want to doit all primitive and pc. Is that something allowed on a trek. You could sure take a lot more gear.
I don't hear this mentioned very much

Most fokes don't have the good forchon to have axses to mules. Your a lucky man. Just rember that where you go there must be water and graizing for them. Have fun! Roaddog

Bones,

Mules ARE a PC accoutrement. Check out Mike Stamm's book on the saddle mule and the Upper Missouri Outfit's 'Cayuse Handbook'. However packing them is definitely a skill, as is traveling with them. Do a little reading on their use in the period. Its interesting stuff. Packmules are definitely not a 3/4 ton truck, no matter what you read. Loads should be kept under 200#, be well balanced and well secured. In addition, you have to think about what and how you're packing it so that it doesn't abrade an animal. A couple of the best modern books on horse and mule packing include Joe Back's classic from the 50's "Horses, Hitches, and Rocky Trails' and Smoke Elser's "Packin' in on Horses and Mules". The former is truly a great book that focuses mostly on the use of sawbucks, whereas the latter focuses mostly on modern Deckers (its still a very good book that covers a lot of usable information).

Good luck,

Sean

PS No matter what you read about the history, never treat your animals like you might have to eat them... Even if you do.

Bones,

Instead of focusing on pack animals and how much truck you're gonna haul, maybe you should also consider going lighter on a saddle animal without the packstock. You do have to really go light when you do this, but you can cover some ground and go places you can't with a string of pack animals.

Sean

man.. if you would post pics after your trek that would be awesome. and yeah mules certainly are pc. i know in my heart a good mule was greatly appreciated by my forefather trappers. might get bull headed but they can haul a good bit. a good robe, elk or deer thrown over their back works as a saddle if in ya plan on riding at all. or a thick blanket.

Sawbones,

Sounds like you have a keen interest in the rocky mountain fur trade period by your different posts? Horses and mules are a great addition to PC camps and treks. Like Sac said just cause you have the animals don't start adding more stuff to your camp. You will have some additional equipment but keep it as if you were on foot. They are great for getting deep in the back country for longer periods like for a trapping camp or hunting.

I have not read all those books that Sac mention but I will be checking them out. I can highly recommend the UMO "Cayuse Handbook". I have mention it before on this forum. Here is a link for it.http://www.manuellisaparty.com/images/cayuse%20handbook%20thumbnail.bmp It is written by the upper missouri outfit of the AMM. It is on PC horse and mule rides. These guys have the experinance to back it. Lots of great research facts, tips and tales of some of their rides.

From what I've seen a mule can carry more than you or I can lift on his back. However; I would suggest keeping your loads down to 75lbs/side or less. Its a lot easier for you to load and adjust.

Fooling with livestock can be more of a hassle than its worth. Just me, but if I didn't feel like they were neccessary for your trek, or if you just wanted to get some practice in before using them to pack out game, I'd leave them at home in the field.

If you are planning on trying to pack dead animals on their back this fall I'd take them everytime you went on a trek this summer and learn how to get them to carry anything you want them to carry. I've had to convince mules that they were going to pack out a dead dear or elk for me and let tell you sometimes it can take a lot of talking to get them to agree! Blind folds, twitches, ropes to tie up a hind leg, and a lot of gentle petting and sweet words are sometime neccessary!

Thanks for all the replies guys. We have taken them up before, just never in a period correct fashion. It is a "tricky at time" adventure. But it would be nice to be able to pack some iron cooking gear, maybe more vittles, etc.

What a dumb way for me to start out this topic. I know that mules and horses are pc! I was trying to get at period correct gear for trekking with mules and horses. (Although you couldn't tell that by first entry) Thanks again for all the replies, I'm really not that much of a greenhorn!

My Grandpa used mules and dogs to haul frieght into the Casiar gold regions by way of the Carabu Trail in what is now BC Canada. That obviously predated my time on this earth. He loved dogs and trained them. Load fast and aim slow.

A good mule can be a great partner in the mountains. Of course a bad one can get you hurt. I think mules are what their owners make them and it starts with the first one. They are the smartest animals out there. We had a pole corral in Montana, the mules went under the poles to graze in the meadow then came back in at feeding time. The horses just stood in the corral and wondered how they did it. I packed commercially for a few years in the Rocky Mtns., the rule we followed is they will carry 200 lbs., more if its a big mule, but 150 is a lot better for day after day. Of course, there's a definite art and science to packing and keeping your sanity at the same time.

The two books by Joe Back and Smoke Elser are excellent, probably the best I've found. Joe Back is a legend from Dubois Wyoming and you can read the book in one evening. You will read it over and over I promise... and still laugh. Elser's book is easy to understand and has a lot of great hints and advice. Elser worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for years.

There's nothing like Rocky Mtn Canary music at feeding time!

My Grandpa used to plow with a mule. All that stuff you've heard about how stubborn they are is pretty much the truth! Grandpa used to say (only about half joking) that the first thing he did in the morning was clobber Old Zeke right behind the eyes with an ax handle, to get his attention. If the mule gets the idea he's smarter than you, you've got big problems!

Thing about a mule is they have a wonderful sence of self preservation. If they think something isn't in their best interest, they won't do it.

All of the men in my family over 60 have worked with mules both in farming and logging. They all agree that once a mule learns it they won't forget...or forgive. If you do something to them they thought was unfair they might take a week or two, but they'll to catch you sleeping and get even. Sorta like arguing with your wife. You might think its done and you won the fight, but she'll let you know otherwise when she's good and ready.