I have always like the idea. can you get real close to animals?

I have & do hunt elk with horses. Yes you can get close to elk & mule deer when you are riding a horse.

I've been around horses some but never took care of one. I think I'm leaning towards a mule. I read they are not so much stubborn as they are cautious. And that could try my patience. I hunt western washington and would love to do a lot of eastern washington hunting.