Hurricane Helene Relief: The Mountain Mule Packers

Vader, Lil’ Wayne, Max, Smokey, Apache, Buzzkill, Kev, Amigo, and Jeb.

These are the names of the now-famous Mules, who immediately brought aid and comfort to the hurricane-ravaged area of Western North Carolina and the surrounding region. 

These mules belong to the Mountain Mule Packers, a unique company offering mule-packing services and training in North Carolina. With over 35 years of experience, this team provides tactical mule-packing courses for the military, corporate teams, and civilians. 

This expertise is particularly helpful in high-altitude or rugged terrain missions where vehicle access is limited for transporting supplies. Combined with mules, known for their endurance and reliability, the team is highly effective in remote, inaccessible areas.

Mules, a hybrid of donkeys and horses, are known for their intelligence, strength, and sure-footedness, making them perfect for challenging conditions and terrains. Proper handling and care are emphasized in every course, ensuring clients and animals have the best experience possible.

With the recent destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, accessing hard-to-reach areas became invaluable. The company’s emphasis on sustainability and practicality revives the traditional use of mules for transport in situations where modern vehicles or helicopters are not an option. 

The Mountain Mule Packers used their team and expertise to deliver much-needed food, water, supplies, and support to remote areas in North Carolina after the hurricane. 

(Hurricane relief video)

Courses

The team’s focus on hands-on, practical training sets them apart from other mule-packing companies. During their courses, participants learn to handle and pack mules for extended trips over rough terrain. 

The courses are designed to cultivate specific skills, whether for military or civilians, including navigating challenging terrain, packing techniques, and mule handling and care. Mountain Mule Packers taps into teams’ potential, offering training and real-world applications to improve operational readiness for their participants. 

For clients unable to visit Mountain Mule Packers Ranch, the team offers mobile training, tailoring to their specific needs, whether in rugged mountain terrain or remote deserts. This flexibility allows the team to support various clients, including military preparing for deployments or corporate teams looking for unique team-building opportunities in a hands-on wilderness experience. 

However, Mountain Mules is not just for military personnel and corporate teams. The same type of training is customized for youth organizations and other educational programs. Children can learn to navigate the wilderness, handle mules, and learn responsibility within a supportive team. 

Mountain Mules Packer Ranch

The Mountain Mules team, both individuals and mules, find their home at Mountain Mules Packer Ranch in Mount Ulla, NC. The ranch gives a glimpse into ranch life and the world of pack animals in the mountains of North Carolina. 

Mountain Mule Packers is more than just a service provider—it offers a view into a rugged, backcountry world that most people will never experience, empowering clients with valuable, practical, and connected-to-nature skills.

Interested in learning more about Mountain Mules Packers? Visit their website or follow them on Facebook to learn about their latest courses, projects, and team members.

Photos of Mules