[DesertRam]

cougar hunting

As I understand it, lions aren't all that hard to kill. Actually getting them in range is the hard part. I would suggest something in the .22-250 to .243 range. Anything less and you may not get a clean kill, anything more and you're going have a big hole to patch up in that pretty hide.

 

[L-Roy]

cougar hunting

One southwestern outfitter I know recommends a 22 Mag handgun for his treed cats. Longer distance would dictate more, I suppose.

 

[savageT]

cougar hunting

Hey, all you experienced cat hunters.......... :x
I think croomdog, and me too, needs a little basic background information also. What techniques work to get a cat within range? Do you call him in with predator calls (rabbit), use dogs to tree him, bait and wait, stalk? What works, and what's a waste of time.

We're beginning to see cats here in the northeast and some of us are concerned about the affect it will have on the deer herds. Don't think we've got a legal season here yet., but it doesn't hurt to get a little education!
savageT

 

[jeff f]

cougar hunting

i never hunt cats on purpose but usually get a license for colorado hunting. i have called a lot of coyotes with calls and am almost always in good cat country and have yet to see one in 4 years. the only way i know to get them is with dogs. baiting is too unpredictable and whatever bait you put out will be consumed by coyotes in short order. the cats usually come in and drag things off, never to be seen again. that being said, there are always stories of cats sneaking into a caller but i dont know of anyone who it actually has happened to.

 

[lobo]

cougar hunting

calling for lions is very hard they respond to calls but if you ever see one calling you will be lucky. I have called in a bunch but never new it till i got up to leave an seen ther tracks behind me or i see them running away. Bait will not usally work they like there own kill. The best way i have found is to go out after a fresh snow an walk a rocky ridge till i get on some fresh tracks an call for 15-20 minutes if nothing comes in track for 1/2 mile or so an call again. keep doing this till you get it or give up. this has gotten me 3. Most guids do want you to shoot them with a 22 mag when they are treed because if you shoot them with a high power rifle an knock them out of the tree they will usally loose a dog. The 22 mag dosnt knock them out of the tree, they die then fall out of the tree. The guide wil usally carry a bigger firearm just incase. I use the 17 mack IV when im calling for them. If you want a lion fast i suggest using dogs. I have been doin this for 20 years an only 3. About the deer herds they will go to crap if game an fish dont manage the lions.

 

[Dogshooter]

cougar hunting

Don't know too much about them lions but I can tell you how to get a polar bear. 1st, cut a hole in the ice. 2nd pour a can of peas all around the hole. Now, when that big ole polar bear comes to take a pea, just kick him in the ice hole.

 

[yella hammer]

cougar

If they are hungry enough you don't have to hunt them

Several years ago in west Texas four deer hunters in our group had large cats pass them at less than 30 yards

One evening after good shooting light (bowhunting) my Uncle opens the sliding door on his van (interior lights 'a blazing), puts his bow in, turns around to see a good sized kitty following his trail. He just stood there and it walked by within bow range