Yes sir... I am always armed with my 1911 loaded with a mag of Hard Cast lead that are loaded to max charge when I am out in the wood. May not be ideal but I figure it would be sufficient and better than a sharp stick
Mountain Lions and Guns
- Thread starter Zaydok Allen
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22-rimfire
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Do you believe there is a breeding population in AL? The so called experts say 'No'.
They claim there is none in TN either. There is a college professor in VA that has been studying them for years. I met someone in East TN that claims they saw one and it tried to attack his little dog. This was in the Blue Ridge area or far East TN mountains which is exactly where a breeding population would be IF one existed.
bromdenlong
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I am pretty sure I saw one run across a highway in broad daylight in central Kentucky a few years ago. My mom's husband is from there, and insisted there are no mountain lions in Kentucky. He and Mom saw it too. It was strange looking and moving fast, but it moved like a cat and was way too big to be a lynx or bobcat...
I've had a few experiences with lions here in MO. You wont hear or see them coming if they decide they want to kill you. My grandfather has chickens and goats and other animals on the farm. They started turning up dead...not eaten just dead. We knew it was a cat from the start, there are not too many animals that kill simply because they enjoy killing. One night I went to check it out and took a spot light on me, I got to the middle of the field and flipped the light on SURPRISE the lion was only around 10 feet from at me and looking right at me I didnt aim it was a stupid mistake so I missed completely but it was enough to scare the cat off. I believe without me firing that gun the cat most likely would have had me. A few days later it broke into the coup and killed 2 nanny goats and all the chickens but my grandfather caught it in the act with his pump gun and that was that.
We lived next to a high way when I was around 12 and it was common to see a lion drag half dead animals from the road to be eaten, it stayed a good distance from the house and never bothered the horses (tho I think that was due to our perchon stallion.
My third encounter with a lion was when I was out alone hiking and I watched it chase down a young buck as I sat down on a bridge that over looked a fairly large valley.
The only other large cat I have gotten the pleasure of seeing was a panther that used to hang around on my grandfathers old property. It would set up in tree in the field and completely ignore us till we got too close then it was apt to jump down and run off. I'm surprised none of us got killed by that cat, we were young 8-11 out there in groups in two or three or sometimes 5-10 when relatives came over. I now know that panthers are not really aggressive towards humans and that they would rather run but it still amazes me that it never decided that it wanted a snack while we were convinently near.
We lived next to a high way when I was around 12 and it was common to see a lion drag half dead animals from the road to be eaten, it stayed a good distance from the house and never bothered the horses (tho I think that was due to our perchon stallion.
My third encounter with a lion was when I was out alone hiking and I watched it chase down a young buck as I sat down on a bridge that over looked a fairly large valley.
The only other large cat I have gotten the pleasure of seeing was a panther that used to hang around on my grandfathers old property. It would set up in tree in the field and completely ignore us till we got too close then it was apt to jump down and run off. I'm surprised none of us got killed by that cat, we were young 8-11 out there in groups in two or three or sometimes 5-10 when relatives came over. I now know that panthers are not really aggressive towards humans and that they would rather run but it still amazes me that it never decided that it wanted a snack while we were convinently near.
My wife and I saw a bobcat about a month ago. We saw it from our house and this was about 50 yards away. This was the first my wife ever saw and only thr second for me. I saw one while deer hunting about 48 years ago. They move in total silence. It was a thrill to see both of them.
It would be a much bigger thrill to ever see a mountain lion. The game commission says that they do not exist in Pa, but they lie. If they do not exist why is it illegal to shoot one. I had a gun in my hands years ago but never even thought of shooting the bobcat and would still not shoot a bobcat, or mountain lion.
I saw a 650 pound black bear from my bathroom window and never wished to shoot him either. I live in the country and enjoy seeing animals. I shoot only deer and woodchucks. Yesterday I saw the smallest rabbit I have ever seen while I was walking on the road.
It would be a much bigger thrill to ever see a mountain lion. The game commission says that they do not exist in Pa, but they lie. If they do not exist why is it illegal to shoot one. I had a gun in my hands years ago but never even thought of shooting the bobcat and would still not shoot a bobcat, or mountain lion.
I saw a 650 pound black bear from my bathroom window and never wished to shoot him either. I live in the country and enjoy seeing animals. I shoot only deer and woodchucks. Yesterday I saw the smallest rabbit I have ever seen while I was walking on the road.
They are amazingly strong, and quick animals, even when they are starved or sick. This happened up in the foothills, outside of Denver.
Read more: Mountain lion that seized dog is caught, killed - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10108069#ixzz2Y5FaQmQ9
22-rimfire
Member
There are rogue males that travel. But if there is no female, a reproducing breeding population is impossible. There are also escaped pets. That is pretty much what is believed in PA. I for one tend to believe that a limited breeding population extends further East than most would believe.
Lots of Fishers in PA. Who would have believed that?
Lots of Fishers in PA. Who would have believed that?
shrewd
Member
This is an interesting thread fellas, I'm loving your stories!
Keep it up!
Keep it up!
I saw one for a second in NW Arkansas last year while I was out looking for property. I was in the car and it ran off quickly.
When I was in high school one of my Dad's customers had one as a "pet". He said he hit a mother cat with his car and killed it. He found this cub and kept it so it didn't die. The cat was as friendly as a wild animal could be unless you were afraid. Fear drove it crazy.
When I was in high school one of my Dad's customers had one as a "pet". He said he hit a mother cat with his car and killed it. He found this cub and kept it so it didn't die. The cat was as friendly as a wild animal could be unless you were afraid. Fear drove it crazy.
jimmyraythomason
Member
Personally,no. Too many are seen here annually for there not to be a breeding population with-in a few hundred miles of here though. A friend of mine sees several every year on his hunting property(in central Al.).
The last person I would ask about Alabama's wildlife is an "expert". If you want to know what animals we have....ask a farmer. Tell a wildlife official that you saw a cougar and they will laugh it off saying it was just a case of "mistaken identity". Same was true with black bear sightings...until carcases started showing up.
wow6599
Member
I have seen a bobcat or two when trukey hunting, but never a mountain lion until last year.
The Missouri Dept. of Conservation has reintroduced elk to Missouri, and while my wife and I were on a trip to a remote B&B in Ste. Genevieve, MO I saw one about 200 yards away.
They had an enclosure with a few Elk in it, and the cat was just on the outside edge of the tree line, heading towards the enclosure. I watched for about 20 minutes, but the winery's were calling to my wife.....
Even at a couple hundred yards, it was impressive.
The Missouri Dept. of Conservation has reintroduced elk to Missouri, and while my wife and I were on a trip to a remote B&B in Ste. Genevieve, MO I saw one about 200 yards away.
They had an enclosure with a few Elk in it, and the cat was just on the outside edge of the tree line, heading towards the enclosure. I watched for about 20 minutes, but the winery's were calling to my wife.....
Even at a couple hundred yards, it was impressive.
farm23
Member
I am outside almost everyday and walk/run my bird dogs most evenings. I have seen bobcats several times along with coyotes, black bear and deer but no mountain lions. Supposedly they are now in the area and there have been reports of sightings but none are confirmed. It would not surprise me to find they are indeed around because they are expanding their territories and are adapting to civilization. I am always armed but have only had to shoot rapid animals and the occasional deer to eat. I hope never to have to try to shoot a bear or mountain lion. A greater danger comes from hopped up 2 legged creatures.
X-Rap
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I'm surprised to hear of all the actual encounters not to mention the near attacks.
Thirty yrs ago coyotes were unusual in much of the mid west and eastern US so it only stands to reason that the big cats have migrated as well.
In all my years in the mountains I have only seen a couple, they are not particularly robust so it doesn't take much gun to put one down but as said they hunt by stealth and kill with a bite to the back of the neck. There are enough stories of cats stalking humans for me to still find it worth the trouble to carry a gun into cat country and unless you are alone the cat can't strike multiple targets at once so if an attack has ensued a gun would be better to help your partner with than a sharp stick and stern words.
My daughter shot hers with a 270 because that's what she had at the time, it was a big one and made a nice rug.
Thirty yrs ago coyotes were unusual in much of the mid west and eastern US so it only stands to reason that the big cats have migrated as well.
In all my years in the mountains I have only seen a couple, they are not particularly robust so it doesn't take much gun to put one down but as said they hunt by stealth and kill with a bite to the back of the neck. There are enough stories of cats stalking humans for me to still find it worth the trouble to carry a gun into cat country and unless you are alone the cat can't strike multiple targets at once so if an attack has ensued a gun would be better to help your partner with than a sharp stick and stern words.
My daughter shot hers with a 270 because that's what she had at the time, it was a big one and made a nice rug.
Sam Cade
Member
What gun for a mountain lion?
The mountain lion should carry whatever sidearm they are able to shoot best.
They should probably stay away from any firearm that has a thumb safety since, as a rule, mountain lions don't have thumbs.
The mountain lion should carry whatever sidearm they are able to shoot best.
They should probably stay away from any firearm that has a thumb safety since, as a rule, mountain lions don't have thumbs.
Torian
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Exactly. I prefer something a little lighter than a 44 magnum.
I'm comfortable with either my 10mm Elite Match with 200 grain leadcast, or my 627 PC 357 with 180 grain leadcast.
JohnBiltz
Member
I've seen mountain lion tracks while out in the woods up in Wyoming. The first time freaked me out for about 30 seconds and then sanity came back and I went about my business. Its like sharks in the ocean they are out there, get over it.
jack44
Member
Yeah they can run fast but a bullet is FASTER!.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Not if you never see or hear it coming.
And you won't!
rc
And you won't!
rc
loose noose
Member
A few years ago while running my Lab along the river (Colorado River), all of a sudden the dog started barking excitedly, which is out of character for the Labrador Retriever. I then went over to see what he was barking at, and low and behold a Bobcat came running out with my dog in hot pursuit. Well he treed the Bobcat, but what I didn't expect right behind it sprung a Cougar, about 90#s he took off down along the river and shortly thereafter out of sight. Thank God!
After going over to the Mesquite Tree that my dog had treed the Bobcat in, I shot my little Beretta .22LR into the ground to get my dog to come along with me and leave that Bobcat alone up in that tree, which after a little bit of coaxing he finally obeyed and we left.
Needless to say from that time on, I carried a lot bigger handgun on my hip incase of another encounter. I've seen lots of Bobcats as I go out along the river quite frequently, but that is only the second Cougar I've seen in 20 plus years out here. The other went running across the road just before daybreak, about 10 years or so ago as I was driving my truck to Lake Havasu to go CAS shooting.
After going over to the Mesquite Tree that my dog had treed the Bobcat in, I shot my little Beretta .22LR into the ground to get my dog to come along with me and leave that Bobcat alone up in that tree, which after a little bit of coaxing he finally obeyed and we left.
Needless to say from that time on, I carried a lot bigger handgun on my hip incase of another encounter. I've seen lots of Bobcats as I go out along the river quite frequently, but that is only the second Cougar I've seen in 20 plus years out here. The other went running across the road just before daybreak, about 10 years or so ago as I was driving my truck to Lake Havasu to go CAS shooting.
harrygunner
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Here, out West, I've seen two. Once with a group. We watched it walk across about 150 yards away. He looked at us, we looked at him.
The second time, I was alone, hiking when one rose from the grass only 30 feet away from me. I drew immediately and kept him in my sights as I walked away. Even then, I wondered if I'd be able to react in time if he charged, Fortunately, he slowly reclined back into the grass. He was literally invisible in that tan grass.
Over the years have seen plenty of tracks and other signs. Saw tracks belonging to a mother with at least two cubs as well as lots of lone cats. In addition to the foot prints and long thin, shiny black scat, once, I saw four parallel lines about eight inches long with a total width of about four inches. The grass was torn up. I figured these could have been a mountain lion marking territory or hiding food.
I carry my Glock 29 when I'm hiking. Plenty enough IF I see them first.
The second time, I was alone, hiking when one rose from the grass only 30 feet away from me. I drew immediately and kept him in my sights as I walked away. Even then, I wondered if I'd be able to react in time if he charged, Fortunately, he slowly reclined back into the grass. He was literally invisible in that tan grass.
Over the years have seen plenty of tracks and other signs. Saw tracks belonging to a mother with at least two cubs as well as lots of lone cats. In addition to the foot prints and long thin, shiny black scat, once, I saw four parallel lines about eight inches long with a total width of about four inches. The grass was torn up. I figured these could have been a mountain lion marking territory or hiding food.
I carry my Glock 29 when I'm hiking. Plenty enough IF I see them first.
Confederate
Member
A friend of mine was checking his father-in-law's fence posts when a cougar dropped out of a tree and charged him. Drawing his Dan Wesson .357, he drew down on it and fired, dropping it in one shot. Since it was in broad daylight and it showed no fear of man, he removed its head and sent it to the Center for Disease Control in Denver. Sure enough, he got a phone call. It was rabid.
"Shooting that cat was the toughest thing I've ever had to do," he said. "I turned it over with my foot and it was beautiful." He added that he's had a tough time getting it out of his head. Guess cat lovers are cat lovers. I would have been a basket case.
When we were in Colorado, we were warned by our B&B hosts to avoid running on the trails, as it triggered a predatory response. Also, if we had to tie our shoes, to back up to a large tree and not just bend down to tie them. Lots of cougars and black bears, but it's mostly bears that are feared.
A few years ago, a honeymoon couple went hiking out in the woods. They soon spotted a black bear trailing them and, not being armed, began to fear for their safety. The man, heroically, decided to hurry off for help and return while his wife tried to find a place where she could safely wait. Unfortunately, she couldn't, and by the time he got back with help, they found her partially eaten body. If he'd had a good S&W 66 or Ruger Security-Six, it would have been a much different story. (That's why I think these gun companies made a big mistake going to heavier model .357s, which are fine for range use but crummy for trail or camping use.)
The Ruger Security-Six was the "perfect" trail gun, in my view. The
6-inch was great for hunting and camping; the 4-inch, for just about
everything; and the 2.75-inch for cross country trips and hiking/camp.
"Shooting that cat was the toughest thing I've ever had to do," he said. "I turned it over with my foot and it was beautiful." He added that he's had a tough time getting it out of his head. Guess cat lovers are cat lovers. I would have been a basket case.
When we were in Colorado, we were warned by our B&B hosts to avoid running on the trails, as it triggered a predatory response. Also, if we had to tie our shoes, to back up to a large tree and not just bend down to tie them. Lots of cougars and black bears, but it's mostly bears that are feared.
A few years ago, a honeymoon couple went hiking out in the woods. They soon spotted a black bear trailing them and, not being armed, began to fear for their safety. The man, heroically, decided to hurry off for help and return while his wife tried to find a place where she could safely wait. Unfortunately, she couldn't, and by the time he got back with help, they found her partially eaten body. If he'd had a good S&W 66 or Ruger Security-Six, it would have been a much different story. (That's why I think these gun companies made a big mistake going to heavier model .357s, which are fine for range use but crummy for trail or camping use.)
The Ruger Security-Six was the "perfect" trail gun, in my view. The
6-inch was great for hunting and camping; the 4-inch, for just about
everything; and the 2.75-inch for cross country trips and hiking/camp.
OP
OP
Zaydok Allen
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Absolutely. While it was a great experience that made me think a little bit, cougars are kind of like worrying about meteors. If one hits you, you probably won't see it coming, and it will likely kill you very quickly. So why worry. They are just part of the landscape and should be respected and given their space. Look behind you once in awhile and you should be ok.
I seriously doubt I'll ever encounter an aggressive one. As I said, I work alone in the woods all the time (I'm a professional forester), and I hike all over the place, particularly in our wilderness area all the time. And this is the first I've seen in nine years. I consider myself lucky more than anything. They had almost become a myth in my mind despite the fact that I see their tracks everywhere in winter, and in the mud in spring time.
When I hike, I either carry a 3" SP101 or my XDs if I expect to encounter people at all. Both are plenty to stop a crazzy (my bigger fear) and both are plenty for a cat should the need arise. If I'll be off trail and expect no people, I open carry my FNP-45 or 1911. I come across a lot of tourists on the designated trails, and many of them would be uncomfortable with open carry. I don't much care if they like it or not, but I don't want the hassle of explaining why I carry. I hike to escape people, not encourage conversation.
The ranchers killed the local bear population decades ago, and wolves only show up now and then for the same reason.
I did run into a bobcat last year. I was scaling a deck of logs at a landing, and tagging it, and this critter came crawling out about six feet from me. It saw me, and crawled right back in. I just laughed and finished my work. I don't even consider them a threat.
I've nearly been run over by spooked elk. I've been bit by a dog. I've been charged by a whitetail buck. I've nearly been run over by fighting bucks in fall, and by spooked ones in summer. I've been chased by domestic cattle, and sent into the rocks by 2 bulls. And I had one jackass come up to me on his lawn mower with a shotgun in hand demanding to know what I was doing on his property. I wasn't on his property, and he was out of line. The judge thought so too.
I tell you, if you want an interesting career, be a forester. Boy I wish I could carry at work.
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Readyrod
Member
Went for a day hike in canyonlands park once and on the way back noticed large cat tracks. A few minutes later saw deer parts (ok ruminant stomach) on the trail. Sure glad they weren't my parts.
I've seen lots of bears in the wilds (and not so wilds) but the sighting that struck me the most was a wolverine. It was about 100yrds away and it didn't even see me. It just looked so pissed off that sent a chill down my spine. That was when I decided to arm myself in the bush.
I've seen lots of bears in the wilds (and not so wilds) but the sighting that struck me the most was a wolverine. It was about 100yrds away and it didn't even see me. It just looked so pissed off that sent a chill down my spine. That was when I decided to arm myself in the bush.
I have a regular cat that lives outside on our 20 acres.
I feed him everyday, but he hunts & kills mice, chipmunks, ect...
His short burst speed is amazing.
As related to this thread, he will try to playfully ambush me our our dog.
He will hide crouched behind a tree or bush and wait for us to pass before making his move.
This regular 3 year old cat gives me a clue as to how a large 120# cat could be on you quick.
I feed him everyday, but he hunts & kills mice, chipmunks, ect...
His short burst speed is amazing.
As related to this thread, he will try to playfully ambush me our our dog.
He will hide crouched behind a tree or bush and wait for us to pass before making his move.
This regular 3 year old cat gives me a clue as to how a large 120# cat could be on you quick.
mljdeckard
Member
Didn't the cougar know it's illegal to kill a deer in the park?!
I've seen Bighorn and coyotes in and around Canyonlands, never seen a cougar. Lucky you.
I've seen Bighorn and coyotes in and around Canyonlands, never seen a cougar. Lucky you.
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