Countering dangerous game while hunting

[shredder4286]

My friend and I found a spot that has a lot of big game, but also has cougar and a few large black bears there. Obviously, we are going to carry sidearms to defend ourselves if we need to.

To the experienced hunters who have hunted the same type of areas, did you set up with solid cover behind you? Did you make it a point to only hunt from elevated positions?

Thanks

[shredder4286]

blackie

[Gringo31]

Lots of game attracts predators too. I wouldn't give them much thought unless I was calling them

[bobcat]

Just about anywhere you find deer, there will be bears and cougar in the area. I never even gave it a second thought. Bears and cougars in the area aren't going to influence the way I hunt. And I almost never carry a handgun either.

[DoubleJ]

You should set up with a bear and cougar tag

[billythekidrock]

I would be more afraid of two legged predators.
No side arm needed and I would hunt from the ground or tree stand based on the best way to be successful, not based on cats or bears.

[KFhunter]

that cat looks like it took a pretty serious bite to the rear leg

[shredder4286]

You should set up with a bear and cougar tag

yep, that's what I was thinkin. That way with the deer, elk, bear & coug license, I'll be able to take any of the 4 that I see (in the right season, of course).

Anyone else have some constructive input that relates to my OP?

[snowpack]

You can get tree seats that strap on to the tree (like half a tree stand).  Then you have your back to a solid tree. 

[shredder4286]

You can get tree seats that strap on to the tree (like half a tree stand).  Then you have your back to a solid tree.

Ok cool, thanks. I'll definitely check into that.

[dreamunelk]

I really fail to see the point of carrying a side are in Washington to protect  yourself from predators while hunting.  You are already carrying two weapons.  Firearm or bow and a knife?   Honestly you don't need to be afraid of them or worry that much.  Just be aware of your surroundings.  Remember when hunting you are moving like game.

As for the two legged, yeah I can see the point.  However, I do know of a guy the whacked a couple of tweakers with an arrow when he caught them braking into his truck.  Broads head do serious damage.  They tried to take him on when he confronted them.  They ended up going to hospital and getting some stitched and reported to the sheriff.  They claimed he attacked the two of them.  They had a history with law enforcement.  My friend had also reported because they did get away with some of his stuff.  The deputies seen the missing items in the cab of the tweakers truck.  The tweakers go a free ride to jail after the stitched.  So if you are an archer you have a very good self defense weapon in close reach for close quarters!

[Turner89]

As others have already mentioned above........You don't really have tworry about cougs, or bears. I have been running around in woods for 25+ years, and have only had one close encounter. That was only because I startled a bear that had a fawn down. I dont carry a sidearm even if I'm not hunting.  I can't stand any extra weight. If I were to carry anything I would carry a can of bear spray.

[pianoman9701]

I still hunt exclusively. I've come within 5 yards of a black bear and they run.Only seen one cougar, although I know they're there. I tend to think a big fat man in the woods is pretty safe from any predator, except maybe a tweeker. I have a tag!

[Bullkllr]

The cougar and bear have a lot more to worry about you hanging a tag on them than you ever do about them.

Only time it's ever even crossed my mind is boning elk out, in the dark, by myself...

[washelkhunter]

I still hunt exclusively. I've come within 5 yards of a black bear and they run.Only seen one cougar, although I know they're there. I tend to think a big fat man in the woods is pretty safe from any predator, except maybe a tweeker. I have a tag!

When a predator comes across the p-man in the woods they must think they just walked into costco on saturday afternoon and all the free samples are out! They would have made lunch out of him long ago; if they could get past the smell.