Cougar Hunting

[Icthus]

I was wondering what people could tell me about hunting cougars. I have never done it, but my buddy and I are thnking about going over the Christmas break. I'm told that a ten mile strech right next to my parents house has about 20 cats, and I know there are others in teh area.
I'll be taking my .243, as well as my 9mm (the .243 is only single shot, and I would feel better having a little backup when hunting an animal that could be hunting me at the same time).
While deer hunting in teh area about a month ago, the same buddy saw two cougars.
So how about - how do you hunt them? We don't have any dogs, so how can we increase our chances of seeing them, or bringing them in? ANy experiences/advice you could offer would be great. Thanx.

James

 

[EVAN III]

OK, now let me start by saying here, in california we arn't allowed to shot Mt. Lions. So what do I know.
Now, here's my theory, Find out what kind of animals the loins are feeding on, ( rabbits, house cats, dogs, deer, etc.) then get yourself a call and start practicing. I'm not sure I would want to be hunting cats that large with only a .243, but I may just be a little to cautious. I've heard some cougers get to over 200 lbs. Now if your gonna try and call them in I would say make sure when you get into your hide or blind you should have some kind of protection for your backside. ( heavy bushes, big rocks, a block wall, OK just kidding about the last one. And In my opinion, you should always have a back up pistol while hunting dangerous game. Well I hope someone else can give you some more postive anwsers, and good luck. Oh ya, and welcome to Jesse's. I hope you make yourself comfortable

 

[Icthus]

Originally posted by EVAN III@Dec 4 2002, 01:27 AM
...I'm not sure I would want to be hunting cats that large with only a .243...

They actually lowered the minimum to .22 centerfire. Not sure if anyone is willing to go that low, but it's allowed. I've been told they drop pretty easy - I'm not sure but I think the record up here is around 180 lbs. I'll be using 100 grain rounds with the .243 (which does a great job on deer).

 

[BrushChimp]

I would suggest using a bigger gun. A .243 isn't that big and you could easily wound a cougar and have it get away. My dad had a friend who shot a cougar at 15 yards up a tree with a .22 long rifle only to have the bullet stuck in the cougars skull, didn't even penetrate. I have the skull sitting in front of me now.

I would suggest at least a .270 and not a single shot. Don't forget get to shoot it in the vitals not the head.

 

[WildBird]

ICTUS -

Don't know your location, but they are protected in CA. Open year round in AZ. Most hunts there are using dogs. Tree the kitty, see the kitty, shoot the kitty. Not much sport IMO. Can't even bring the critter into CA if you take one legally.

If you can hunt them I like Evan IIIs idea of setting up and calling them in. The depradation hunters here usually use 30-30s. I would use my .270. In .243 think I would invest in some premium ammo with custom bullets. Good Hunting. WB

 

[TagLine]

I took this Mt Lion Last month while on a coues whitetail hunt here in Arizona, 30.06 at 25 yrds he walked right out in front of me.He was a Tom 6'8" long and weighed about 170 lbs.

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