Close call, I think I need a bigger gun!!!!!!

[IBspoiled]

Went cat hunting yesterday.  Found tons of tracks, like I was in kitty playland.  Some had blood in them, I assumed a fresh kill must be close by.  Spent some time looking for the kill, but wasn't able to locate it.  Did a couple of calling setups, but was only successful calling in timber tigers (squirrels)!  Working my way back to the truck, got busted leaving the call area.    About 40 yards off the road, he was waiting.  Saw him when he took off, he was big!  Went up to confirm it was a cat, and found his tracks, nice big track.  I need a bigger gun, my 223 isn't big enough!      I upgraded my ammo to 75 grain hollow points, but wondering after seeing how big this cat was if I need more.  Here are a few pictures of the tracks we were finding and my wife in her snowshoes.  Deep snow this year. 

[Jason]

Wow you were close!!..Good luck on getting him!!

[bobcat]

That's awesome that you at least called one in and saw it.

I think your 223 is fine for cats.

[Okanagan]

Great pics!

FWIW we have found blood in many lion tracks.  They fight each other a lot and leave terrific wounds.  Sustained blood in tracks is more likely from an injury to the cat than from left over blood from his kill.

[IBspoiled]

I was wondering if It could be an injury, but thought there might be a kill nearby.

[Jaques Bonet]

I have Killed two Lions an used a 243 with 100 grain Nosler partitions , think 243 or 30-30 win would be a little more insurance if you were to have an encounter with a big cat. Now go get him.

[IBspoiled]

My only other gun is my 300win mag and i dont really want big holes in the hide. I tend to be a little trigger happy and shoot untill its not moving anymore

[JLS]

Your .223 is fine.  Focus on shot placement.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Good findings! .338 might be your friend........

[deerslyr]

I've known a number of cats to fall to a 22 mag. I think your 223 will be just fine.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Pretty easy animal to kill for their size - thin skin and don't seem to shake off a wound like other big game species.  Usually a hit cougar doesn't go far, even with a sublethal wound.

[Duckslayer89]

That's a cool experience especially since you were out after them. What kind of call do you suggest?

[jasnt]

Congrats!   Get back up there and get him

[coachcw]

I'd be  pretty confident with a hornady 75 bthp... FMJ not so much.

[jasnt]

I'd be  pretty confident with a hornady 75 bthp... FMJ not so much.