Last year, during late MF deer season, and where I MF hunt dear in 516, I ran across cougar tracks which had trailed some deer tracks. The area is pretty well-traveled by deer, as evidenced by tracks seen in general and late MF deer seasons for several consecutive years. While I plan to return to this spot in an attempt to continue patterning these deer, and in the hopes of ultimately tagging one, I have little interest in this point at hunting cougar.
So here's what I am offering in the hopes that I can help someone hook up on a cougar, which, in turn, would help out the deer numbers in the area. I will give you all the information you need (gps coordinates, google earth placemark, directions, etc.) to start your patterning and your calling, stalk, etc.
However, the information is not going to be broadcast to everyone, because I really want to be able to return to this spot without having to compete with a bunch of other hunters. It is a nice scenic spot on public land, and one on which I rarely encounter other hunters. I will require demonstration of interest and/or capability to hunt cougar generally, and to hunt this spot, in particular.
That said, these are some important particulars that would determine if you are up to the challenge.
The sign that I have observed was fresh at the time, but it is over a year old. I have no reason to believe that this cougar would not still be there, as this area is rarely hunted. But there is that risk.
The hike from the trailhead to this frequented game trail is about 1.2 miles and about 1,300 feet net elevation gain (there is some give back). The cougar tracks were in this same locale on the trail, which also followed the game trail that cuts the hiking trail.
I won't lie to you; this hike is somewhat advanced regarding terrain steepness in some areas, so you should be in good shape. That said, some limited ATV access into the general area might be possible, but you would have to bust some considerable brush to get into the area of the game trail and sign to which I am referring. Expect to pack any quarry out for considerable distance. A hunting partner might be useful, and I'd consider inviting a MF hunting partner who was interested in cougar.
You would set up somewhere in the neighborhood of about 3,700 feet, which typically sees considerable snow during or before late MF season. Snow shoes are recommended in the late MF season.
There are some older clear cut areas that are probably 8-10 years old, but in all likelihood, this hunting would involve fairly wooded areas, with some areas of heavy underbrush, and other areas that are very dark but open.
As I said, there are deer, cougar, and we have also seen coyote tracks following these deer. You would be welcome to whatever was legal - I have no say. But I would ask, in the spirit of good will and sportsmanship, that you not take advantage of this information if you are not seriously interested in pursuing cougar. In the same vein, I would like to be able to continue hunting game in this area without having to compete with a bunch of new hunters.
All that understood, PM me and make your case, I will choose one person or none to receive the information, depending on the interested people, and then the offer will be closed.
It would be a fun hunt, and although I have yet to tag anything there, I am gaining advantage on these deer with each passing season. I will be returning. And no, I won't steal your game camera.
