I have been toying with the idea of buying a mule or two to use in my sunset years hunting. I have raised horses and broke a couple in my earlier years. Just doing my homework and learning all I can should help me make a wise decision concerning ownership of some mules. Any comments??? I am in several big game hunting forums, perhaps that could be a place to gain some insight. Or a coon hunting group as coon hunters use mules.... in different locations. But I value any comments from such a distinguished and knowledgeable group such as those who frequent this website!!

Not much help on owning them but have been around some good one! The most sure footed animal to hunt with and most people don't understand how they think. Lol When they don't want to do something they usually have a problem with it because they haven't experienced what the new task involves.

I just about bought some years back and wished I had. I still might in the future but want one that has had some work done with it. If you have some time to teach and get acquainted with you will have enjoyment down the road.

I believe Festus on Gunsmoke rode a mule, not what you're looking for but .....

My grandpa was a mule dealer when I was a kid. We often had 50+ at the business. I’ve ridden a few and farmed with many. Even shoveled two-house wagons full of manure and bedding.

I’d love to have one but not needed where I hunt. An ATV is all I now need, plus I don’t have to lead it to a rock or stump so I can get in the saddle.

I was dead set on getting a mule this fall, went to look at a "broke" one and it kicked me and broke my finger. I decided to keep the horses. I feel like alot of mule around here are just accidents, thinking about breeding my good minded mares to a proper mammoth jack for a brainy animal with a good attitude. If I went to buy one again I would find someone who breeds for mule, not someone who just happens to have a couple.

Mules are great. I used to ride them for a man who endurance raced them in Arlee, MT.

They dont take kindly to mistreatment and will do anything for you when their trust is earned.

They have very obvious body language and if you are obtuse in "seeing" what theyre trying to tell you, you can get hurt...or run into misunderstandings.

They have many plusses to keeping them . The ones I rode were of good racing horse crosses, and would do anything for me. We were a team.

Snowy hit it right. Correct introduction to new things and patience is key.

Once they get it, they are into the job with energy.

The only thing I dont like is the genetic trait of mutton withers. Hence the need for britchin or crouper harness. I love a well shaped shoulder with a good rise in withers. No need to cinch tight in the gear then. In racing endurance I always had a loose cinch. The britchin is good and keeps everything in place and comfy.

A FEW mules do have great tall withers, but not many !

Another thing almost all of them despise, is lunging .

Treated with respect , just as we would want , they learn fast and will save your life if something happens.

^ Exactly Sharon! You always have the right words to describe the subject discussed. Described to a T.

There's a reason more people ride horses than mules. Its not just a coincidence.

They’re both mighty fine dog food.

We have 3 horses and 3 mules. They are different. My wife generally prefers to ride a horse, me a mule.
One thing we have found is if you get a good mule it'll be good forever, very even tempered. A bad one may just be that and should be avoided. I rode one of them for about 3 hours today. She hadn't been ridden in almost a year. Was like I rode her yesterday, they don't seem to forget what they know like a horse can. They also are generally healthier and live longer. You do need a little more patience with a mule to get things into there head. But once its learned they just won't forget. And we have found that at takes a lot more to earn a mules trust, but again once you get it unless you do something to lose it they'll do anything for you. We've had both mules and horses to Montana, which is a lot different than Wisconsin. The mules seemed to have more stamina, but the horses did o.k. But the next day the mules recovered better.

A mule is just as good as a horse....until you need a horse and a horse, is just as good as a mule....until you need a mule..

A horse is probably the stupidest animal I've ever fooled with. They're also the most human like in their thought processes as well, which explains the first. Also why we love the stinking things.
Every mule I ever met seemed to be smarter than I, which is saying something.

If the day ever comes I feed another hay burner it'll probably have long ears.

Agreed. I love my mule. Smart, less feed, better feet and with a good relationship, look out for the rider. I had a pack of wild dogs come around, the horses got behind the mule and the mule was welcoming them to bring it own. The only reason that I have horses is because I bought them first.

You can train a horse.

A mule will require YOU to submit your resume'!

Pete

JW, has a couple for mountain hunting, fishing, his young daughter used one in sheep roping competition

I have rode mules and horses. We train horses. My buddy uses horses to pack with, he also rides a horse. I prefer a good well trained horse. Mules are more protective of livestock. They seem to go forever and they comeback faster, but with proper care i can go just as long on a horse. I had an accident and my horse stood over me and protected me. I think it just comes down to personal preference on a horse or a mule. You can not go wrong with either. As others have stated horse or mule it’s about creating a partnership with the animal

A mule seems to be more like a wife, if I am reading correctly.

My friend in Wyoming has a couple for hunting, better than a horse