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Advantages of horseback hunting
The first advantage is the capability to cover more terrain on less time and with minor effort; something especially useful when stalking elusive games with wide territories, requiring to cover several miles a day until the final shot.
Once you are near your game, horseback stalking seems to be quite easier than stalking on feet; in fact, the sound produced by a four legs animal approximating to the area will be less suspicious for a wild animal than the characteristic sound made by humans with their two legs; thus using a horse to stalk a big game such as a moose might be considered a camouflage technique!
Finally when you killed the game and it's time to bring the trophy back home you will be grateful to count with equine help; especially if you hunt with two horses.
Once you are near your game, horseback stalking seems to be quite easier than stalking on feet; in fact, the sound produced by a four legs animal approximating to the area will be less suspicious for a wild animal than the characteristic sound made by humans with their two legs; thus using a horse to stalk a big game such as a moose might be considered a camouflage technique!
Finally when you killed the game and it's time to bring the trophy back home you will be grateful to count with equine help; especially if you hunt with two horses.
Different Hunting Gloves Materials
Despite its ability to keep hands warm, wool is not the most durable material on hard terrains, plenty of thorns and twigs, thus if you are planning to hunt on a heavily wooded area, gloves made with a more resistant material would be better as well composite gloves where wool is inside while the outer layer is made of a more durable fabric.
Among the most durable material we find leather which is the preferred option when horse riding hunting as well falconry, however it may be used for all kind of hunting, especially when out on difficult terrain where hands require extra protection.
Perhaps leather gloves are most expensive but since it's a sturdy material, it's a sort of investment while they will last for years and years. Leather is flexible, allowing to perform fine movement tasks, additionally it's able to keep hands warm while protecting from external elements.
Despite its advantages, some hunters discourage leather gloves use because of its smell while some others prefer cheaper options such as fleece.
Among the most durable material we find leather which is the preferred option when horse riding hunting as well falconry, however it may be used for all kind of hunting, especially when out on difficult terrain where hands require extra protection.
Perhaps leather gloves are most expensive but since it's a sturdy material, it's a sort of investment while they will last for years and years. Leather is flexible, allowing to perform fine movement tasks, additionally it's able to keep hands warm while protecting from external elements.
Despite its advantages, some hunters discourage leather gloves use because of its smell while some others prefer cheaper options such as fleece.
Choosing the proper pair of gloves to hunt
Is the area where I pretend to hunt very wet?
If so, you will need waterproof gloves, otherwise the cold weather and wet, will make your life miserable. Remember that a wet area does not only mean to get inside a pond to hunt ducks, but also includes territories with many creeks, springs and even water disperse over the terrain, leaves and so on, then if there's much water around there, just remember to protect your hands properly with water resistant gloves.
How much insulation? It depends of weather, since not all wet areas have the same temperature; thus consider wet conditions as well temperatures in order to find the best choice for you.
Do I need extra protection?
It's not the same to hunt on open areas than deep on the bushes, especially if vegetation is too dense, on the other hand mountain terrains may be dangerous for your hands due to sharp, rock edges or the need to climb; thus additional protection will be required depending of the hunting area.
If so, you will need waterproof gloves, otherwise the cold weather and wet, will make your life miserable. Remember that a wet area does not only mean to get inside a pond to hunt ducks, but also includes territories with many creeks, springs and even water disperse over the terrain, leaves and so on, then if there's much water around there, just remember to protect your hands properly with water resistant gloves.
How much insulation? It depends of weather, since not all wet areas have the same temperature; thus consider wet conditions as well temperatures in order to find the best choice for you.
Do I need extra protection?
It's not the same to hunt on open areas than deep on the bushes, especially if vegetation is too dense, on the other hand mountain terrains may be dangerous for your hands due to sharp, rock edges or the need to climb; thus additional protection will be required depending of the hunting area.
How to assess mountain goats sex
From the distance and with not enough experience, differentiate a male from a female mountain goat is not an easy task considering that both sexs have almost the same size and body shape, then paying attention to tiny, little details is critical to choose the game you wish take home with you.
First thing to do is pay attention to the hornes. A mature bull will have robust horns curved from the base up to the end while nannies horns are thinner, so they grow straight and get curved only on the last third.
Still on the horns, a mature male goat horns practically touch each other on the base because they are thick and robust; so if you see some hair between horns bases, you'll probably seeing an immature male or a nannie.
Regarding body shape, even when almost identical, mature billies show a hump over their shoulders and have a thicker body than female goats but it's not always easy to see such difference.
First thing to do is pay attention to the hornes. A mature bull will have robust horns curved from the base up to the end while nannies horns are thinner, so they grow straight and get curved only on the last third.
Still on the horns, a mature male goat horns practically touch each other on the base because they are thick and robust; so if you see some hair between horns bases, you'll probably seeing an immature male or a nannie.
Regarding body shape, even when almost identical, mature billies show a hump over their shoulders and have a thicker body than female goats but it's not always easy to see such difference.
Mountain Goat hunting basic tactics
Among hunting gear perhaps the most important thing is a pair of good binoculars. Mountain goat hunting usually takes place on a long range and good binoculars makes the difference, not only to locate your trophy but also allowing to differentiate easier sex and maturity of your potential catch.
Additionally you will be able to evaluate the area where the goat is, as well access to retrieve the animal once killed. This is a critical step, otherwise you could end with a great trophy on an inaccessible area, making impossible to retrieve the goat, just a waste of time and energy!
Once you have located a goat, it's time to plan your approach and to do it you'll need to have the whole picture, not only where the goat is but also from where you will chase it, possible escape routes for the animal and access to retrieve your game.
Additionally you will be able to evaluate the area where the goat is, as well access to retrieve the animal once killed. This is a critical step, otherwise you could end with a great trophy on an inaccessible area, making impossible to retrieve the goat, just a waste of time and energy!
Once you have located a goat, it's time to plan your approach and to do it you'll need to have the whole picture, not only where the goat is but also from where you will chase it, possible escape routes for the animal and access to retrieve your game.