It is known that atv's usually are not allowed, but are horses allowed for public land hunts in New Mexico, Colorado, or Montana. I know guides often use horses. But what about a "do it yourself hunt"? Could a tag winner, use his/her own horses to get back into far reaches of the areas?

yes i do believe so. i know that when i helped out in unit 15 on an elk hunt there was a ton people that came in on horses just wondering around i was pissed. i asked a game warden and he said nothing could be done.

sorry that was in new mexico. not sure of the other states

I've do it yourself hunted from horses in Colorado several times and they are allowed on public land and you can go off trail. Sometimes they are a pain in the rear, but overall it is a ton of fun.

If you are thinking on taking your own horses, get there early to allow the horse to acclimate to avoid big problems.

When I took mine to NM, we got there about 4pm and I gave them the next day off. They were good to go after that.

Everyone is different and the altitude that you will be hunting makes a difference as well. We generally hunt from 7000 to 9000 FT above sea level in Colorado. Takes a little to get used to above 6000 ft, for me anyway.

We used them in NM. All that is required is to have them checked/treated for Coggins disease.

I know in Texas its only allowed at a few select areas so I would check with the AZ wildlife folks/website.

You're probably talking about National Forest Service, right?

Check with the local Forest District.

The will be concerned about the feed. Here is an example from the NFS site:

"Ride or lead your horse along varied terrain.
Ranger district offices offer trail information and
detailed maps and can help you locate trailheads
with adequate stock trailer parking. Pack animals
are not allowed in most developed campgrounds or
where otherwise posted. Certified weed-free hay is
required (or pelletized feed or grain products). A
list of local suppliers is available online at: http://
wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/WeedFreeForage.htm."

Another thing to check (I know in NW Colorado) is the Pine Beetle problem. Lost of dead trees, down fall, spraying, cutting, closures, etc.

Do a lot of research in the area you intend to visit.