Would you shoot a feral Horse?

[RazorX]

G'day everyone,

Who here would shoot a wild/feral horse?

I know I would but I've copped flack from people saying that they don't compare to other feral animals.

Jase.

[wazza_X force]

without a doubt mate... i reckon that would be an awesome experience, and a terrific stalk... especially seing as how they are so flghty and dont often stay in the one spot for long...

[Jacob Goodwin]

RazorX

I have shot a few feral horses in Cape York. They are a fantastic game animal that can really sharpen anyone's bowhunting skills.(Try stalking to within 20 metres of one!! Yikes!!)

From a stalking perspective, I find horses much more difficult and challenging to hunt than boars, as they have much better eyesight, travel in pairs/threes and are generally more jumpy/edgy.

I've also heard the claim that feral horses are "different" from other ferals, but remain unconvinced. They can be just as destructive and impactful as pigs/goats/scrub bulls/deer. However, I do understand how people, particularly those who ride horses, would be reluctant to shoot/hunt one.

Jake

[jindydiver]

I would probably shoot one, and I have shot a number of them with a rifle, but if you are hunting the area I think you are you had better make sure they are considered “feral” by ALL of the people who are likely to know you are hunting them. Lots of people get funny about the hunting of horses and when neighbours start to argue you can bet that the farmer will remove the problem (you) rather than argue your case for you against his neighbour.
.

[XTfreak]

However, I do understand how people, particularly those who ride horses, would be reluctant to shoot/hunt one.
That would be me thanks... :D
Bill

[Poppy]

I'm with you Bill.

[bobzila]

i hope to shoot 1 in cape york

[snowy1]

a feral is a feral is it not .?


or am i mistaken / :?
a bit like having weeds in the garden or having a giraffe in your back yard ,
they might look fine,cute and make you feel good but if they are eating something that YOUR STOCK is suppose to be eating then ... or over taking your yard and competing for space then why not?

they still cull rhinos in africa do they not ,why should a feral horse be any different .

snowy

[timbo]

If the oppertuntiy was there I would take it. No question. Horses can be very distructive to the environment.

Tim

[jason]

yep

[HOOD]

I'd skewer one.

[GlennMac]

Have shot them with a rifle before would shoot one with bow if had the chance maybe next year in arnhemland!

[rinaldo]

Yes.

[Piggy]

I also would shoot a horse under the right conditions.

[Owen]

i worked in racing stables for 5 years, and although with certain horses sometimes i wish i had a gun,
i still don't think i could shoot one.

however i think if a clear shot was offered from a comfertable distance in an area heavely
populated by wild/feral horses i could change my mind.

but until i'm put in that situation i'd have to say the answer is still no

[bowhunting4eva]

i would have to say that i would because i would feel i am doing something for the environment

[granty]

naaaayy nnaaayy NNNAAAHHHYYY nn n





that is all i can say :lol: :lol: :lol:
cheers Grant :D

[steviebby]

if a land owner asked me to come and shoot some feral horses on his place and that was all that was there i would probably pass on it with a bow for no reason other than i dont think i would get really exited about it if they were in the true sense "feral" and he also had other critters ie pigs goats or deer i think i would opt for a rifle to shoot the horses then get stuck into the others with a bow! That video of that bloke getting the crap kicked out of him by that deer keeps going round my head!! just that now that deer has been replaced by a stallion!!!lol

[rory]

Horse down :!:

[the real]

Wilbar!!!,
"Yes Mr Ed"
"Could you not please shoot me?"
"Hell No"
Twang or Bang
Feral Horsey go bye bye,

Ps Horse meat is nice to eat!!!
Thought I throw that in to stir the pot!!

[Bazza]

I'd give it a go. No brand = fair game.

[steviebby]

nothing wrong with the meat i agree !

[brandon002]

lmao @ the real

[crazimofo]

yeah i'd shoot a horse then shoot pigs of it 4 the next couple of weeks!!!

[aussie.rum.pig]

Yep .... sure would .... have shoot 2 before up the cape when on a pig hunt ..... both dropped within 5 yrds ... 1 of the best stalks I've ever had

A feral's a feral ... thats all there is 2 it .....

[wazza_X force]

thats quite a shot mate... did you have a pin or was it an educated guestimate

[bobzila]

i think he is refering to a rifle shot not a bow shot

[wazza_X force]

that would make a whole lot more sense... yer...

[bear]

If it's feral, it's in peril! :twisted:

[topendbowman]

hell yeah...nearly wiped myself off the other night while driving home from Bynoe Harbour fishing..damn horses ran out on the road near Berry Springs at 10 pm in the rain. Nearly lost car,boat and me.. :shock:

[Know eye deer]

why not? I could be an interesting way to die....

[Bazza]

What's dying know eyes, the horse or you after you piss it off and it tramples you :lol:

[Know eye deer]

You Bazza,

I will shoot the thing when you are standing right in front of it!!

[Bazza]

Geez, that's a bit rough. I'll have to remember to stay behind you when you've got your bow in hand. :P

[Lumberjack]

yeah i rekon id shoot one as they are ferals and do cause ALOT of damage to the enviroment. i have not seen the damage up north but if its anything like the victorian high country i would have no qualms shooting one myself.
Another thought, there are NO native animals to australia that have hooves or a "hard" foot, so anything of that ilk is fair game in my opinion unless they are farmed or are under controll by humans.
But many of my freinds ride horses and as said before i can understand their reasons not to shoot them. Anyway means more for me.

Cheers Al

[steviebby]

most of us humans get around with a pretty hard foot!!sorry i dont like that argument.

[Luke]

What's the argument mate?

It's fact, anything in Oz with a hard hoof is introduced or feral.

That makes it fair game for bowhunters.

No argument to be had. :?

[steviebby]

the argument that because no native australian wildlife are hoofed(spelling) all animals with hoofs should be shot to extinction (there is an organization in australia called the people against hoofed(spelling) animals im pretty sure. now why i say this is because i have no trouble believing feral animals should be shot but just because it has a hoof does not automaticly class it as feral nor does it having a hoof automatically class it as destructive to our "native Australia".thats the point i want to make here.
smb

[NormGunston]

Over here (Japan) horse meat (eaten raw!) :x is a delicacy. No, I've not tried it. I'm sure it would be top nosh- millions of French can't be wrong. Wild cattle, brumbies, plague roos- the question is one of balance in relation to the environment. I think that emotionally-based decision is hypocritical, illogical reasoning. If you let a brumby walk or not is your personal choice- there's no right or wrong.

[Luke]

But if it has a hoof (and is NOT domestic)... it is feral.

Feral = destructive (or at the very least, not helpful/positive to the environment of Australia). Therefore control is essential. Fair game to the bowhunter IMO.

No one said they should be shot to extinction.

I'm guessing you're fond of horses no doubt :?

8)

[steviebby]

But if it has a hoof (and is NOT domestic)... it is feral.


8)
luke this is the point i am trying to make here is this statement is not true to stop beating around the bush!! there is also a class called a "game" animal which IMAO !! should be upheld at all costs. bowhunters or any hunter for that matter pardon the pun!! but should tread lightly around there justification on why they should be allowed to hunt a specific animal or that an animal because of one specific characteristic or identifying feature without taking into account pardon the pun (im on a roll here!) hard evidence and all contributing factors.As soon as an animal is seen as feral people want them erraticated completly most of our ferals are hardy enough to withstand our best efforts if some animals where put in this catergory they certainly would not stand the test of time.As for horses the only one i am really fond of is one i backed on cup day!!I assure you i do not let my emotions get the better of me when it comes to sound judgement.
smb

[Luke]

C'mon mate, a "game" animal is a glorified feral. That's IMO anyways.

Try telling the farmers who's crops are being flogged, fences broken and cattle infested with ticks that deer are not feral.

As I said, no one said they had to be exterminated, but controlled, yes.

[steviebby]

there are permits for farmers to shoot anything causing problems, including 2 handed out last year for wedge tailed eagles IMO all things should be controlled by us whether it be restore numbers or control numbers you can call a game animal "glorified feral" if you like luke but i think we have to look at the big picture just because an animal was introduced IMO does not (like many people make assume because it seems to go hand in hand) make it a bad thing that we should regret doing on the contray Hog deer for instance We have the biggest population of hog deer out side of there original habitat there numbers are dwindling dramatically in there home countries through habitat loss and other factors,Now i think this should be considered greatly amongst the people that think "just because it has a hoove its bad".There has been no evidence brought forward by studies showing that deer have a negative effect on our bush if of course are keeped in repective numbers like anything!Im sorry you feel that the classicifcation(spelling) "Game animal" bears little regard to you .speaking for myself I am proud to have these animals roaming our Wilderness and IMO without them Australia would be only more boring without them to say the least long live the hooves!

[Clinglish]

I believe the original question was "would you shoot a feral horse" I think the last few posts are headed into a different direction .
Yes I would bowhunt horses
Yes I would eat that horse preferably cooked.
Not because they are feral but because the are a worthy animal that I respect , admire and fear to some degree.

[jindydiver]

C'mon mate, a "game" animal is a glorified feral. That's IMO anyways.

Try telling the farmers who's crops are being flogged, fences broken and cattle infested with ticks that deer are not feral.

As I said, no one said they had to be exterminated, but controlled, yes.


They may be “glorified ferals” in your opinion but you have to concede that with out those “game” species you would not be a bow hunter in Australia, would you?

And you aren’t seriously trying to claim that deer break fences and cause cattle tick infestations? How many ticks have you seen on an average red deer?
And how is their being “feral” got anything to do with this damage you say they do, surely roos and emus are just as bad, not to mention cattle.






There has been no evidence brought forward by studies showing that deer have a negative effect on our bush if of course are keeped in repective numbers like anything!


Deer impacts on native vegetation have been studied and the “scientific committee” (the independent body of scientists responsible for listings under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,) has made a final determination to list "Herbivory and land degradation caused by feral deer" as a key threatening process.
Some examples
Research on the impacts of feral deer in Royal National Park by the University of Western Sydney has shown that the endangered Sutherland Shire littoral rainforest has 70 per cent less understorey plant species at locations of high deer density, compared to low deer density locations.

In other research, the University of Wollongong has shown that deer have major impacts on endangered Sydney freshwater wetland communities in Royal National Park. As an example of the impacts deer are having on the wetland, 75 per cent of the stems and foliage of the threatened plant species, Syzygium paniculatum, was removed by deer. S. paniculatum is a rare plant species restricted to littoral rainforests.

Deer populations around Port Macquarie have been implicated in the trampling and browsing of rare littoral rainforest fragments. In particular, deer have had a negative impact on the threatened plant species: Sophora tomentosa, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Cynanchum elegans, Acronychia littoralis.

Feral deer populations are also increasing in the rare temperate and sub-tropical Illawarra rainforest. The deer have adversely affected threatened species such as Irenepharsus trypherus and Daphnandra species C.

Feral deer in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, east of Armidale, have also been implicated in trampling and browsing of a number of threatened species. These include Thesium australe, Grevillea beadleana, Hibbertia hermanniifolia, Ozothamnus adnatus and Ricinocarpus speciosus.

[Bazza]

They may be “glorified ferals” in your opinion but you have to concede that with out those “game” species you would not be a bow hunter in Australia, would you?


You are probably right there, but that does not detract from the fact that the sport grew from the need to keep numbers in check, not the other way around. But I'm sure your already aware of that, it just seems lost on some other people.

And how is their being “feral” got anything to do with this damage you say they do, surely roos and emus are just as bad, not to mention cattle.


Interesting point there. Even though kangroos are native, they are still allowed to be hunted, but not with a bow, and culled, because they are taking feed away from the cattle that are the intruduced hard hoofed animal. :roll:

[Lumberjack]

I agree that the domestic cattle do damage to our enviroment (enviroment=the paddocks that they are restrained to) and im not saying that they should be removed, this whole country was built off the backs of The "hard footed" animals (sheep, cattle ext) and by the looks of it it will continue to grow because of the industry.
But there are pie eyed "hunters" that belive that the horses are harmless creatures to the enviroment when clearly you just have to look at the evidence, I dont belive that they should be shot and culed till there is none left but i think the odd hunter should take it upon him/herself to take care of the enviroment and destroy a couple and if you have fun.... let the bonuses roll in.

[brandon002]

maybe humans are the ones that are feral ?
we are very destructive to our enviroment and planet earth

[RazorX]

Humans are the cause for all the "Introduced" species. It's our fault that we have animals in this country that weren't here before we arrived. So let's make the most of it by undoing our errors and hunting the "Introduced" species to keep their numbers in check :twisted:

[Luke]

maybe humans are the ones that are feral ?
we are very destructive to our enviroment and planet earth

Yep, so let's start with not farting anymore and polluting the atmosphere with our methane gasses :roll:

[jindydiver]

Humans are the cause for all the "Introduced" species. It's our fault that we have animals in this country that weren't here before we arrived. So let's make the most of it by undoing our errors and hunting the "Introduced" species to keep their numbers in check :twisted:

That is exactly it hey



And I don’t think anybody here is arguing that horses are harmless, Stevie was just pointing out that you have to look at the whole issue not just that horses fit into this “hard hoofed” label and so they should all be shot. Every animal in Australia should be viewed as a separate issue and solutions for their damage (or the benefits in their hunting) should be taken on a case by case basis. Crocodiles are feral and a lot here would like the chance to hunt them :wink:

[Bazza]

Crocodiles are feral and a lot here would like the chance to hunt them :wink:

Seems like I'm picking on you, but I'm not.

I don't think crocodiles are 100% feral. There are places that farm them for their worths ie skins. They are not listed as a feral....at least here anyway - http://www.feral.org.au/content/species/species.cfm

[jindydiver]

Crocodiles are feral and a lot here would like the chance to hunt them :wink:

Seems like I'm picking on you, but I'm not.

I don't think crocodiles are 100% feral. There are places that farm them for their worths ie skins. They are not listed as a feral....at least here anyway - http://www.feral.org.au/content/species/species.cfm

:oops:
Bit stupid of me, I meant to type aren't :)

[wazza_X force]

:lol: i thought it was unlike you to make a statement like that jindy.

your always full of knowledge, you scared me for a bit there!!! :lol:

[jindydiver]

Lack of blood to the brain, it is all down in my stomach looking after all the red deer I have had this week :D Tonight it is shank soup for something less meaty :)

[wazza_X force]

can i come??? :D

[perry]

The Bambi syndrome Neeeyyyy way would I pass up the challenge of hunting feral horses . Number one on my wish list of Australian feral game is a donkey . And to think my youngest daughter is horse mad . regards Perry

[XTfreak]

This was the question,
G'day everyone,
Who here would shoot a wild/feral horse?
I know I would but I've copped flack from people saying that they don't compare to other feral animals.
It is a simple question. That requires a simple I would or I wouldnt answer. So why do people feel they have to justify thier answer? Im not stirring, Im just curious...
Bill

[Sparra]

Yes

[jindydiver]

This was the question,
G'day everyone,
Who here would shoot a wild/feral horse?
I know I would but I've copped flack from people saying that they don't compare to other feral animals.
It is a simple question. That requires a simple I would or I wouldnt answer. So why do people feel they have to justify thier answer? Im not stirring, Im just curious...
Bill

Most bow hunters (and hunters in general) know that horses stir emotions in people and that the logic of an argument to kill them just wont cut through those emotions. Hunters need to more fully understand how they would approach difficult issues like this and conversations with people who understand, even though they might not agree, hone the hunters thoughts so that they are more able to hold their own against the anti-hunters. Simple yes or no answers wouldn’t help anybody. If we get into the habit of feeling co confident in our position that we don’t bother with the argument to support our decision we allow the anti’s to make up their own reasons for our choices, and we know that they will infer “bloodlust” and some sort of mental sickness because it suits their own view of us.

I am sure you have had to discuss your views on hunting with anti-hunters before Bill, the “because it was there” argument only feeds their fury.
The question implied frustration at dealing with anti-hunters and so people naturaly expand on their replies to it :)

[XTfreak]

Most bow hunters (and hunters in general) know that horses stir emotions in people and that the logic of an argument to kill them just wont cut through those emotions. Hunters need to more fully understand how they would approach difficult issues like this and conversations with people who understand, even though they might not agree, hone the hunters thoughts so that they are more able to hold their own against the anti-hunters. Simple yes or no answers wouldn’t help anybody. If we get into the habit of feeling co confident in our position that we don’t bother with the argument to support our decision we allow the anti’s to make up their own reasons for our choices, and we know that they will infer “bloodlust” and some sort of mental sickness because it suits their own view of us.
I am sure you have had to discuss your views on hunting with anti-hunters before Bill, the “because it was there” argument only feeds their fury.
The question implied frustration at dealing with anti-hunters and so people naturaly expand on their replies to it
Understood jindy.
But this is a bowhunter asking another bowhunter a question. Are you saying that we are just so used to giving reasons for what we do that it automatic?
Bill

[jindydiver]

No, I am saying we should always show people why we hunt. We shouldn’t leave it up to others to make assumptions about us, you can bet they will make the wrong ones :(

This is of course just how I feel on these issues, others will I am sure feel differently, but I think the way we will gain ground in this country is not by saying "whatever" and just going hunting but by us hunters actively promoting our pastime.

[Marlin44]

I stick with the motto "If it's feral, it's in peril" - so yes.

[hutcho]

yes!.

Although they are a bit big for the rotisserie (sp) I would munch on one too. A rump or back-strap curried in the camp oven with whole potatoes, carrots & onions slow cooked then about 10minutes to go capsicum and mushrooms - not that I have put any thought into it. :evil:

[rory]

:roll: :lol: hutcho you carnivore :twisted: :lol:

[Paul R]

Yes

So has anyone eaten a horse that they have shot and what are the best cuts?

[bear]

Yeh paul eaten a few rumps, ribbones and straps from horses :D Most people would think they were eating beef if they didn't know :wink:

[derek_webster]

I have been thinking about this one for a few days now, especially now since I have been offered the chance to have a go at a herd of brumby's. I like horses, same as I like dogs, cats and a lot of other critters. As long as some feral creatures are maintained in small numbers I don't see a problem. It only gets to be a problem when that particular critter gets out of control that we need to get out there and do something. A small herd of brumbys on a property would be nice to see, an extremely large herd running wild would be chaos. A couple of wild dogs running in the bush is fantastic, a large pack is both frightening and destructive. A cat sunning itself on the window ledge in a house is comforting, a cat eating a native parrot imakes me see red.

My personal opinion is that in small, non destructive, numbers horses are ok to have around. Large numbers, sometimes for the horses own good, need to be controlled

[Jack.L]

A couple of wild dogs running in the bush is fantastic Mate a couple of wild dogs in the bush is still a scary and distructive thing :(

[Grunter]

Yep!!!!
I would SMACK one with the bow for sure if the situation was right.

Grunter

[crazimofo]

i used to pet meat out of port hedland in wa camel made good spaghetti bol and the donkeys were good chewin so a horse wouldn't be much different i reckon :D

[No eye deer]

Did just that last weekend. They're great pig bait!!

MMMMMM decomposing horse......dangerous AND delicious....


Mark

[Jimmy Alexander]

Once went hunting around Mt Nunnayong near Buchan and saw a massive herd off wild horse with a big black 20 hand stallion leading. It was one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen watching them gallop so freely around the nunnayong plains. Had my rifle but didnt even consider it. Didnt think anyone could. Until now. :?
Maybe if they were destroying fences or hurt someone on private property i could see the reason for someone doing it, a feral is a feral i cant argue.
But i like to think of horses as "wild" i could never shoot one.

Cheers Phar Lap

[petersabbath65]

If I new I could hit and quicky kill the Feral horse I would in a instant
and as for BBQ horse, mmmmmmmmmmmm Horrsseee yum :lol:

[Ben Kleinig]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/b_kleinig/5.jpg

It is pretty daunting looking up at them, crouched down behind a thin little bush!

This fellow was awsome to watch, and one of my toughest hunts, a real game of cat-and-mouse for about half-an-hour, on a droughted Central Oz station. He was the king alright, and the cattle gave way to him at the water.

There're lot of horses out there. They do really well in the desert. I don't know much about horses, but the brumbies in the centre look in heaps better condition than the ones up here around Katherine. They really look regal.

The bow used was my Martin Hunter recurve, 60#@28", with Easton 2419s wearing Grizzly 160s.

[Hoyt_Trykon]

I'd drill a horse for sure, considering it was feral, not just one of my neighbours escapees.

Ben that pic is unreal. Well done on the horse mate. Just out of curiosity, do u have any more interesting pics u may like to share.

[Garden Gnome!]

Though I love horses, I'd also be happy to take one or a hundred with the bow or rifle for that matter either on horse back or not.

Ben Kleinig, did you take skin,meat?

[adam]

Im a horse lover feral and domestic. I have taken a horse with the bow and under the same situation I'd do it again.

Adam

[bear]

there's that many brumbies up here in the top end it's unbelievable:o I often knock em over for pig bait if the need is there, my mate numpty here would rather shoot brumbies than pigs:confused:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/bear74/hunting/IMGP4508.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/bear74/hunting/IMGP4503.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/bear74/hunting/IMGP4500.jpg

BEAR

[aussiehunter]

wouldnt be because they are a big target...lol....

[GREG D]

I think you are you had better make sure they are considered “feral” by ALL of the people who are likely to know you are hunting them.
.

I would take one, but I strongly agree with jindydiver. I had a mate who took several "Feral" horses ie no brands, rough condition, and was charged by the police for it. They were owned by traditional land holders adjacent to the property my mate had legitimate access to.

He was questioned by police and answered honestly. He paid compensation of about $8000 to the owners for the 2 horses and had an offense recorded against him.

So just be careful, particularly on land bordering traditional lands is my advice

[jasonfish]

My mum had a cuddley pet cat that was very cute but i tell you what if i saw the same looking cat stalking around in my native land i would put an arrow in it without a second thought so why would i think differently about a feral horse?

[crazimofo]

ferals a feral,they're all damaging the environment.

[jasonfish]

Precisely Crazimofo a feral is a feral of course of course so why not shoot the feral horse!!!

[crazimofo]

ha ha

[cougerking]

yer i reckon i would if i knew for sure that they were feral.

ck

[misfit01au]

i would take one but i wouldnt go out hunting for them. if i was contracted to do it i would jump at the chance. what do you do with once you have killed it? they may be feral but people will get pissed off at you if you do take one because of the public perception about horses, such beautiful creatures blah blah blah. ive seen the damage they can do so i would take one but they wouldnt be a target of the hunt and i wouldnt be sure what to do with it after