looking to bag my first cat

[jvpage]

I'm planning a cougar hunt or two before the season ends in 10 days.  I'm hoping for any insight on where in WA is a good place to start.  I have a 4WD and would drive anywhere in the state, although I like in Seattle.  Where to begin and any advice on calling and tracking techniques would be greatly appreciated. 

My grandfather was a Cougar bounty hunter for years in NV and CA.  He had hundreds of cats under his belt and its time I started making him proud.

Thanks for any help!

[bobcat]

Well since nobody else has replied, I'll tell what I would do. I don't even know if its still open so you'd want to check. But, I would go around Mt St Helen's, and up high enough so you're in the snow.

I'm not sure how high you'd have to go but I'd want to be in the snow where I could look for tracks. If you do find tracks you could either try tracking it down or setting up and trying to call it in.

I would think anywhere you find elk down there you should find cougars. There's lots of elk with hoof rot so I'd guess they are easy prey for cats. Try Toutle, Margaret, or Winston. Again, you need to check first and make sure those units are open.

Good luck. You'll need it!

[rainshadow1]

Locate a cat first, as close as you can, anyway. Tracks, sightings, kill, etc.  Burn the gas into the snow, call wardens, loggers, forest service, etc.

If you're athelete enough, you can hump on a track in the snow and jump it. In this country you have to be in good shape, but it can be done.

Calling is a lot more commonly used method. Ecalls make it safer, and much easier to stay hidden. Using vocals help keep them from going stealth on you. Makes a big difference.

Good luck!

Check my website for lots of calling stories.

[Rmacleery]

Up behind Sol Duc hot springs is showing lots of cat signs. Fresh tracks daily.

[rainshadow1]

Can you pm some details, Rmac? I don't have lots of time, I need a hot lead!