One thing about using horses or mules is that it can greatly extend your hunting career.
I don't have room for horses but my llamas are in between at that. I still have to walk but I can go in with a llama packing my rifle and day pack. If I score, they will bring out the load.
I'll be 64 in a couple weeks and my partners are 66 & 68. We're getting too old to be backpacking elk quarters but with pack stock, we're all good for some years yet.
