I am interested in getting started in hunting with lamas. Not sure what to expect for cost or what all I need. They seem like a very affordable way to get away from a few more hunters. Is that true or am I missing something.
Lama hunting
- Thread starter IDELKFVR
- Start date
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
Lama hunting....I far prefer elk or deer, but I'm sure I could probably eat lama in a pinch. 
Sorry I couldn't leave it alone.
Sorry I couldn't leave it alone.
HiMtnHnter
Active Member
Lama hunting is super easy.Lama hunting....I far prefer elk or deer, but I'm sure I could probably eat lama in a pinch.
Sorry I couldn't leave it alone.
NHK9
Member
I was using goats to hike with out here in NH. They are great to hike with and can carry fair amount of weight. I'm not sure but I don't believe you can use them in all parts of the west. I remember reading something about them being banned. They are super easy keepers and don't require as much water. Sure footed, and funny as hell. If you want more info drop me a pm.
CrossCreeks
Veteran member
I actually have kicked around the idea little also , I hope some one can post some good info on the subject ?
wyohunter1
Member
- May 5, 2012
- 112
- 1
I have 7 llamas and they are very easy keepers. Shear them once a year, clip there toe nails once or twice a year and worm them twice a year. They don't eat and drink a whole lot, a $40 or $50 round bale lasts me a month or more. Easy to train. I bought all mine wild for dirt cheap and usually halter train them in a couple sessions and lead them, and have packs on them in a couple sessions also. They are very smart and easy to train. The trail miles and mountain experience is what they need the most. A couple times of crossing creeks, down fall, trailer loading, and they catch on quick.
HiMtnHnter
Active Member
That sounds harder than what I had in mind . . .
I have never used them, but I know of a company that rents them for $100 per day or so with a required a training. I know a guy who used them this year and he's planning to do it again, as he said it was very easy.
If you're soloing into big country on a multi-mile basis for elk, you almost need to look into something like this . . .
wyohunter1 thanks for the info. sounds like you have some experience with them. Can i ask what you paid for them untrained and what you think a trained one would go for. I guess whats a fair price for one. How much weight can one haul. Male vs female any issues there. Do you haul them in a pickup with a stock rack or horse trailer.I would guess if you take seven with you probably need a trailer. Do you take all seven? How many does a guy need? sorry have a lot of questions dont know much about them.
kentuckyhunter
Member
My wife has some as pets and I don't have any use for them. She would tell you that they are great.
They are stubborn and I don't think they like me. The thought of taking them hunting has never crossed my mind.
I've tried to like them and walk them around but These are just useless.
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They are stubborn and I don't think they like me. The thought of taking them hunting has never crossed my mind.
I've tried to like them and walk them around but These are just useless.
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mnhoundman
Veteran member
cmbbulldog
Active Member
- Jul 18, 2011
- 264
- 21
My buddy and I are very seriously considering using 3 or 4 for an elk hunt this upcoming year. We have access to 1 and would rent a couple. We have been told they can pack about 75 pounds a piece. With 3 or 4, you can pack in a nice comfy camp and easily pack out an elk. Would love to hear from others that have done this.
Vikingload
Member
My wife just loves lamas and they would seem a great fit to pack meat out. I have to say the sarcastic comments made my day!! I thought the same thing when I first read the post. Like what caliber would be appropriate for a lama? How would you judge a trophy? How high of a ceiling to have a wall mount?
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wyohunter1
Member
- May 5, 2012
- 112
- 1
There is a lot of info out on the internet on packing, I had a friend that has done it for years and I got some Packing llama books and went to town. I paid anywhere from $40-$150 a pc for them and was able to buy a lot of used packing gear off the internet over the past. I've seen fully trained llamas go for $1,000-$3,000. So, that is why I chose to train them myself. From what I read in my packing books, a person can haul up to four in the back of a pick-up truck, I'd assume this would be a long box. I heard you can train them to jump right in easily and they like it I guess. I use a 12 ft stock trailer and take 5 at a time. They can pack up to 30% of their weight and can't be fully packed until their 3 yrs old because their bone structure is still growing. I use all males and have them gelded, you either need to use all males or all females, but have heard of people mixing the two. The number needed I guess depends on how much of a camp your going to pack. There is a few resources in Idaho for llamas and llama packing. I've seen llamas on craigslist for sale in Idaho quite a bit. I'm thinking about building some more saddles in the future if you ever get into it. Also I just started a Facebook page called "Backcountry Llama Packing" where there is some guys on there that may help you in the right direction too. Pm me if you have anymore questions.
Hey thanks a lot for the info. I am definitely learning but appreciate the all the help I can get. I going to do some more research on them and maybe I will have some more questions then. Sounds like untrained is the way to go for me if I was going to pay 3000.00 for one I would just buy a horse that can haul twice as much. when you said they can haul 30% of there weight what does a three year old lama weigh.
wyohunter1
Member
- May 5, 2012
- 112
- 1
Mine are all different sizes they weigh anywhere from 300 - 400lbs I'd guess. I've even see a lot of Llamas for free too.
roknHS
Member
I was told a 300lb llama would pack maybe 60lbs(30lbs/side). Load them too heavy and they just lay down. I don't think they are very tough.
Sorry llama guys, thats what I was told.......................so it would take 2 or 3 llamas to carry what 1 horse can?
Sorry llama guys, thats what I was told.......................so it would take 2 or 3 llamas to carry what 1 horse can?
FitToHunt
Active Member
I'm gonna rent some Llamas this September. They seem pretty ideal for wilderness pack in hunting. I've never used them, or horses. But, everything I read is they are much more relaxed than horses, and for a guy that has no experience with horses, that is worth more to me than being able to pack a ton... Just my 2 cents.
I have used them and rented them out for about 20 years. They are amazing pack animals, with pros and cons just as with any other stock, very unique animals. You must have good animals, trained, and in condition, most horror stories (like for any other pack stock) involve rookie handlers using animals that are lacking in condition or training. And lets face it some people should stick with ATV's... throttle/brake and they will even have trouble with that! Most people should rent for a week or two trip before jumping in with both feet, if they like it by all means get in. Getting un-trained llamas will be very challenging for most, depending on background and skills. But the reward is huge when you come out with your string and elk, no feeling on earth better !
