Hunting an animal that is hunting you

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kd7nqb

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So last year during deer season it was my first time ever hunting, and like many western Oregon hunters I grabbed a black bear and a cougar tag in addition to my general season deer tag.

While we were hunting we would occasionally find cougar prints or scat. Well late one night we were all hanging around the camp fire just kinda hanging out and I went up to the truck (a few hundred yards away) to grab an extra jacket. I went up without my rifle but had my .40S&W on my hip. As I approached the truck I found some extremely fresh cougar scat. Anyway over the course of the night we found a few more signs that there was a cougar in our immediate area.

Well this past week one of my buddies that I was hunting with and another guy went out and were doing some scouting and again found some signs that they were being watched by a cougar.

So here is my question, assuming that it can be done within all laws, at what point is it worth putting some effort into eliminating a predator that you feel is stalking you. Out of a purely safety point.

Chances are we were in the animals turf and he was checking us out, but it seems a short jump from that to a mauling.

For the record, this season I wont be walking anywhere alone without my rifle. I just don't think I trust my .40S&W to stop a cougar.
 
If you have a tag, its leagle light, and you get any sort of shot at a cougar in oregon Smoke his ass down! If a cougar confronts you that is very rare and you should probably do what ever you feel to stay safe (insert gunfire here) they are very good at avoiding people. A 40snw will kill a cat just keep shooting until you are sure he's dead I know plenty of folks who have knocked them out of trees with 22wmr.
 
I have killed two cougars in self defense. Both on a friends ranch in Post, Oregon. One was in the barn in the loft. One of the foals was having a fit and we went to check on it. I looked up and saw the cougar looking down at us. I guess he had been trying to get the horse, and we interupted. Shot that one at about 9ft with a .357. It was a 90lb tom, young cat, with and injury to its jaw. (maybe hit by a car?)

The second was while we were deer hunting. We came across a VERY recent deer kill while on horse. Before we knew it the cougar was right there growling at us. We backed away slowly and she came at my friend George's horse just as soon as we moved. That cat covered 40 yards right freek'n now! I drew at the same time as George and we both fired. I ended up getting thrown by my horse. One of us hit the cat, but neither of us know who killed it. (I did!) His horse needed 60 stitches.

Both cases were reported to the ODFWED, and were thoroughly investigated. The first cat was confiscated. The second time they let George keep it and he had it mounted. It was a healthy female, about 5 years old and 120lbs.

They see cats on there land often, but in 30 years there they have only had these two cases where people were threatened.

t2e
 
Friend of mine was hiking in Guadalupe Mountains NP. He's a photographer, had a tripod along. Looked back over his shoulder and a young cat was stalking behind him. He said he stood there wondering what to do, finally charged the cat swinging the tripod. The cat ran off. He reckons it was a young, playful cat, but I've seen my house cats "play" with a mouse for a while before they finally kill it.
 
Cougars aren't really thick in my area. There is the occasional sighting every year or two...then the screaming sometimes when I camp.

Personally, I really don't want to be around one at any time. I think I can go through life just fine without ever seeing one in person. Anyways, I always carry something whenever I go out scouting, camping, and always have a sidearm while hunting.

My camping gear includes either a SKS or AR-15. My Dan Wesson .357 Magnum totes along with me as well.

During deer season, I carry the .357 Magnum.

I do know if I ever see one, there will be 2 movements involved. A bowel movement then a physical movement. :rolleyes:
 
the problem with cougar, is that you probably will not see it if it is actually stalking you. they are pretty sneaky, and if one decideds you are going to be dinner, he isn't going to come up in front of you, he will attack from behind. they like to grab their victims at the base of the back of the neck if possible. if that happens, your rifle isn't going to do you a lot of good. will your 40s&w drop the cat instantly? probably not, but it should make him let go of you if you shoot him with it while it is attacking you. you can worry about killing it after it is off from you. maybe you should do a little practice (with an empty gun of course) trying to shoot at something on your back. now that i think of it, a stuffed animal, and a squirt gun would work fine for that purpose. i seriously wish you a safe season !
 
I really doubt the cougar is stalking you. Cats are very curious and you are in its territory so he is going to check you out. When solo hiking, I have had one sit just outside the light my fire and watch me several times. Kinda enjoyed watching them, they are beautiful animals. Also cougars get used to people camping. Campers have food and are prettly lazy about letting it lie around. If he can sneak in for a quick bite, he will. My advice ... pretend like you are in bear country and bag all you food, clean your pots and pans, and generally eliminate food smells around your camp. They may check you out, but they will get bored and move on.
 
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