Shoot or No Shot - Episode 5

[WapitiTalk1]

Tale of the tape. It's the 7th day of your 10 day Idaho archery elk hunt. Today is 23 September 2014. You've had some very good bugling action during your hunt with several decent bulls but no shot opportunities yet (this is a bull only area). As an OOS hunter in Idaho, you can use your elk tag (if you wish) on either a bear or a cougar. Yah, I know.... pretty cool rule. You've taken a few elk with a bow over the course of your hunting career but never a big cat (with any weapon). If this guy walked by you while you were quiety having a mid day snack, would an arrow fly? Just curious. If you're shooting the kitty, please put a mark where your arrow is heading. Charlie Cougar is about 35 yards from where you sit. Remember if you decide to take the cat, your elk hunt is over.

Reminder that if you save the picture to your desktop and open in MS Paint, you'll be able to place a spot, X, or whatever on the critter before you save it back to a jpg and add the marked up pic with your post.

[BULLBLASTER]

That sucker is getting an arrow! If the elk are still bulging and call in like crazy I would just buy another tag! Another rule that makes idaho awesome! 

[jackmaster]

i would put a red x if i knew how, either way its a dead kitty cat, even if i had to use my elk tag, that would just mean a few elk would survive that cat , plus whackn a big cat with a bow would be pretty sweet, not as good as a spear but it would still be pretty cool

[fair-chase]

No question, taking the shot. I'm guessing it's a middle aged female by the looks of the head/face. Male/Female though makes no difference to me, a lion is much more of desirable than an elk in my opinion.

Best case scenario...arrow gets released before she takes another step. Vitals are perfectly exposed with the left leg forward as shown in picture.

[stromdiddily]

Dead cat for sure

[WAcoyotehunter]

nah- I wouldn't want to shoot a lion unless my dogs treed it.  Let him walk.

[xXLojackXx]

I'd plug it for sure. Not too worried about "exposed" vitals or not with my 522gr arrows at 290 fps. I'd have no concern plowing through it's shoulder.

[tonymiller7]

No question, taking the shot. I'm guessing it's a middle aged female by the looks of the head/face. Male/Female though makes no difference to me, a lion is much more of desirable than an elk in my opinion.

Best case scenario...arrow gets released before she takes another step. Vitals are perfectly exposed with the left leg forward as shown in picture.

 

[Rainier10]

I am shooting that lion on the first day and the last day, you can buy another elk tag if needed and a lion with a bow would be awesome, especially without the use of dogs.

The photo almost looks like I am uphill from the lion so I think I am aiming just a little higher than Fair Chase's mark but in that area.

[kentrek]

Id use my deer tag  they are cheaper than elk tags

[Tbob]

Yep. I'm shooting too.. Even if I couldn't get another elk tag.. I don't even know how they taste, but that's what I'd be eating for awhile..

[Shawn Ryan]

Shooting right where Fair Chase put his X.  I'd use my deer or elk tag.  An archery cougar is worth the price of another tag.

Phantom, thanks for posting; I'm enjoying playing.  I appreciate your comments as well as your original posts.

[D-Rock425]

Sounds like most people including myself are shooting that kitty.