Author Topic: "Cougar Pete" Peterson (Read 28345 times)

pacyew · « **on:** June 30, 2007, 05:53:31 AM »

Cougar Pete was a Forest Ranger for Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie NF and an avid hunter and houndsman in the early 1900's.

I've only spoken with one person that knew him. Hazel was a little girl growing up in N. Bend back in the '20's. When I brought up his name, she exclaimed "Cougar Pete! Sure, I remember him well! Yes, whenever he came to visit us he always insisted in bringing his dogs in the house, and he always smelled like whiskey!"

boneaddict · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2007, 06:04:46 AM »

Awesome. Any idea if thats a Washington bear from back in the day?

pacyew · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2007, 06:17:39 AM »

I just don't know, but look forward to learning more about this early Snoqualmie outdoorsman.

boneaddict · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2007, 06:54:01 AM »

Here you go Jay

Methow Valley Journal

Vol. 12 No. 09 September 20, 1923 Thursday

Only Grizzly Bear Ever Killed in the State

It now develops that the big grizzly bear killed by Government Hunter Pete Peterson is the only true grizzly bear ever killed in Washington.

There have been many big bears killed that were supposed to be grizzly, but the true grizzly has a peculiar ridge of bone on the skull that distinctly marks him.

The following is an account of the bear’s depredations in the range above Winthrop.

Cattle have been killed in the Yellow Jacket and Goat Creek and Lost River Ranges which were attributed to cougars and common bears, until one night range boss W.R. Flourney heard a commotion and bellowing of a cow in distress. He got up to investigate, and in the moonlight saw an enormous bear hugging a full grown cow and eating her alive. Mr. Flourney was armed with only a revolver, but opened fire, driving the bear away. He then killed the cow which the bear had made a meal off of her shoulders and neck.

Mr. Flourney notified the cattlemen, and through Hon. E.F. Banker, the government hunter, Peterson, and three bear dogs were obtained to run down the killer.

In the meantime the sheep camps were raided and the sheep scattered over the mountains and the herders were in a state of panic.

Upon his arrival Mr. Peterson took up the trail with the dogs, tracking him for two weeks, finding dead cattle and sheep in his wake. At last the spoor crossed the divide at Holman pass into Watcom county. At the headwaters of Ruby Creek in an almost inaccessible place the dogs succeeded in surrounding the grizzly. Mr. Peterson cautiously advanced but could see nothing on account of the thick underbrush. All at once the bear broke through the brush about thirty feet in front of Mr. Peterson. It was in an ugly temper and immediately charged the hunter. Mr. Peterson is an expert shot and pumped three bullets into the grizzly before bringing him down almost at his feet.

Mr. Peterson was well aware of his danger when the dogs surrounded the bear, for the first thing he did was to take the bridle off his horse so if anything happened to him the horse would return and searchers would start out.

The bear stood four feet seven inches to the top of his shoulder when on all four feet and weighed 1,340 pounds. The hide was more than a strong man could lift. The bear in getting away from the dogs had snagged himself, as a big splinter had torn a four-inch hole in his hide with the wood still in the wound.

The hide and bones were packed out and will be mounted by the government.

Eleven cattle are known to have been slaughtered by the killer; but the number of sheep is not known.

Ray · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2007, 03:35:23 PM »

Quote

he always insisted in bringing his dogs in the house, and he always smelled like whiskey!"

Cool. I love reading about old timers like that.

sisu · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2007, 07:02:58 PM »

That is a great story.

bowhuntin · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2007, 09:37:28 PM »

I agree that is a great story, got any other stories or old pictures laying around?

goodfinn · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2012, 12:00:21 PM »

I remember when I was a kid..cougar came over in His old panel truck to pick my brother and I up to go to a field trial for coon hounds. Approx 2 miles away at horse shoe lake..back then 60 miles an hour was pretty fast when your young on a 35 mph road...lol . When we arrived he knew how to part also..backup tell he hit something with motor racing! Dad wasn't to happy about that one!

Special T · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2012, 12:05:30 PM »

cool story!

blindpig · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2012, 01:10:07 PM »

crazy big bear. Dang!

pianoman9701 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2012, 01:12:12 PM »

Quote from: boneaddict on June 30, 2007, 06:04:46 AM

Awesome. Any idea if thats a Washington bear from back in the day?

says grizzly on the pic.

heavy hauler · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2012, 05:07:47 PM »

ya it says grizz, not washington. i think thats what bone was asking. i love those old pics and the old time stories

smittyJ · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2012, 09:16:56 AM »

Check out Cougar Pete Peterson on Facebook, intersestng character!

Huntbear · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2012, 09:25:38 AM »

Very cool, love these old stories about outdoorsman and their adventures. That bear would make most men chit themselves, coming out of the brush..

goodfinn · « **Reply #14 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:07:14 PM »

Another story about cougar Pete. My Dad and brother and I were at my great uncle's place (cougar Martin) Pete stopped by to say hi and visit. We were all out in the pasture talking and cougar come's thought the gate and Martin say's to Pete!! Watch out for that bull cougar he horn yah!! Pete replayed..I'll take that old bull by the horns and throw him to the ground!! As cougar Pete comes to us to say hi with his shot gun he always carried over his shoulder. That was about 1968.
More stories to come!!

Wild Bill

sebek556 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:37:07 PM »

said it would be mounted by the government wonder if it on display some where?

Arteman · « **Reply #16 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:44:01 PM »

Yeah cool story, thanks guys for sharing never heard that before. That would be something to track a bear that far, especially back then without the tech collars now days for hounds. That would be a sight also to see dogs baying a grizzly. Wonder if any been killed since then in this state, never looked into it.

C-Money · « **Reply #17 on:** March 30, 2015, 08:38:00 AM »

That is a great story!! That guy has guts!!

McComak · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2018, 12:31:19 AM »

I am the Great Great Grandson of "Cougar" Pete Petersen. His daughter is still alive and she was upset because she says he never drank whisky. It is true he shot the largest Grizzly Bear in North America, and it's hide has been donated to the Smithsonian museum in Washington DC. He wrote the hunters pamphlet, "Taking an Outlaw Grizzly." He was an avid gun smith which was a skill he gained as a gunner in the Danish Navy where he served on the Royal Ship for the crowned prince of Denmark. There are claims he invented the peep sight for firearms, yet since he was such a sincere and friendly person and not intent on living in luxury he never brought about litigation to prove it was his invention. He had a workshop on his property where he would go to get away from time to time and the workshop had a sign on it that said "Keep Away TB Patient" because he didn't want to bothered. He lived in a cabin in the woods and ate bear grease with nearly every meal. He had children late in life and lived into his 90s. As a child I was told he took Theodore Roosevelt hunting for bears as a guide. He was even able to capture a live cougar that was given to the Seattle Zoo. I am glad to read this post, and joined this group just to talk about him. I have access to photos of him on his mount with his dogs ready to go on a hunt and other really neat photos that I can add.

Blacktail Sniper · « **Reply #19 on:** February 06, 2018, 01:21:44 AM »

Welcome McComak

I am sure that even though this is an old thread, there are a bunch still here that would enjoy reading stories and seeing any pictures you would be willing to share.

Timberstalker · « **Reply #20 on:** February 06, 2018, 05:24:55 AM »

Good stuff.

Rainier10 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 06, 2018, 07:35:33 AM »

Welcome to the site. Looking forward to seeing some old photos and hopefully a story or two.

Gringo31 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2018, 08:16:42 AM »

I love this site

Boss .300 winmag · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2018, 08:41:27 AM »

Cool story.

idaho guy · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2018, 09:26:32 AM »

Awesome story, hopefully you guys can post more. Cougar Pete sounds like a one of a kind gritty outdoorsman but I am most impressed with the dogs he had. To be able to bay up a huge grizzly bear with only 3 dogs is a feat and those must have been some gritty dogs! Its hard to do that with a tiny black bear in Idaho with only 3 dogs. Anyone have pictures of his hounds or know anything about the breed etc? Thanks for posting

Skyvalhunter · « **Reply #25 on:** February 06, 2018, 11:48:25 AM »

Welcome McComak looking forward to more stories and photos

Jpmiller · « **Reply #26 on:** February 06, 2018, 01:36:57 PM »

I would like more stories

DOUBLELUNG · « **Reply #27 on:** February 06, 2018, 04:43:38 PM »

Quote from: idaho guy on February 06, 2018, 09:26:32 AM

Awesome story, hopefully you guys can post more. Cougar Pete sounds like a one of a kind gritty outdoorsman but I am most impressed with the dogs he had. To be able to bay up a huge grizzly bear with only 3 dogs is a feat and those must have been some gritty dogs! Its hard to do that with a tiny black bear in Idaho with only 3 dogs. Anyone have pictures of his hounds or know anything about the breed etc? Thanks for posting

I got luckier with a keyword search than expected, and found a photo and some text from a 1913 book by Robert Manning Palmer, All About Airedales. I'm betting he used the Airedales to hunt the griz, there was another story in there about his three Airedales grabbing an unrestrained cougar in North Bend that he finished off with a Mauser pistol.

DOUBLELUNG · « **Reply #28 on:** February 06, 2018, 04:49:25 PM »

Text from the book

HUNTINCOUPLE · « **Reply #29 on:** February 06, 2018, 06:56:25 PM »

This is so cool! My Old Man and his Cousins hunted that Ruby Creek area. Mid to late 60's to early 70's. I never heard this name till now but sure they did.

idaho guy · « **Reply #30 on:** February 06, 2018, 08:29:28 PM »

Quote from: DOUBLELUNG on February 06, 2018, 04:49:25 PM

Text from the book

:tup:thanks for posting that! I hunted once or twice with a old timer in Montana that always had an Airedale in his pack. Good stuff

DOUBLELUNG · « **Reply #31 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:02:34 AM »

Quote from: idaho guy on February 06, 2018, 08:29:28 PM

Quote from: DOUBLELUNG on February 06, 2018, 04:49:25 PM
Text from the book

:tup:thanks for posting that! I hunted once or twice with a old timer in Montana that always had an Airedale in his pack. Good stuff

Shrimper · « **Reply #32 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:34:41 AM »

"Cougar Pete" has a Facebook page with several photos and a lot of information. Here are a few pictures from his page.

Shrimper · « **Reply #33 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:38:40 AM »

More...

Shrimper · « **Reply #34 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:42:16 AM »

More...

Shrimper · « **Reply #35 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:46:07 AM »

More...

jstone · « **Reply #36 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:55:59 AM »

Very Cool Stuff.. Thank You for sharing

DOUBLELUNG · « **Reply #37 on:** February 07, 2018, 12:19:54 PM »

Awesome!

JakeLand · « **Reply #38 on:** February 07, 2018, 03:37:08 PM »

That's good stuff right there !! Thanks

Skyvalhunter · « **Reply #39 on:** February 07, 2018, 05:12:39 PM »

I can only imagine the life he lived and places he has seen!!

Eric M · « **Reply #40 on:** February 07, 2018, 06:46:47 PM »

Great thread! Those Airedales can be really good.

ellensburgpo · « **Reply #41 on:** February 07, 2018, 07:26:57 PM »

Really cool. Thanks for posting this stuff

boneaddict · « **Reply #42 on:** February 20, 2018, 06:30:19 AM »

Quote from: Blacktail Sniper on February 06, 2018, 01:21:44 AM

Welcome McComak

I am sure that even though this is an old thread, there are a bunch still here that would enjoy reading stories and seeing any pictures you would be willing to share.

ABSOLUTELY!
I love hearing stories from this generation.

dc · « **Reply #43 on:** February 20, 2018, 07:40:55 AM »

Wow!!! Great stuff!

Ridge Roamer · « **Reply #44 on:** February 20, 2018, 08:36:24 AM »

Thanks for post - interesting to read up on,

bigmacc · « **Reply #45 on:** February 20, 2018, 12:38:39 PM »

Wow! What a small world and great history! I have some old pictures of my great grandparents with cougar Pete, my great grandparents hunted with a fella for 40 years, his name was Henry Luth and was part of the "little Bellingham" camp of my great grandparents in the Methow back in the day. Henry was a sniper in World War 2 and was great friends with my great grandparents before and after the war. My great grandparents were introduced to Pete through Henry, as a Kid I remember stories of him but never met him myself. I will dig through some of our old pictures to see if I can find any of him and my great grandparents, I know there is some, if my dad was still around I could dredge up some stories I,m sure but he passed about a year ago.

Kit Carson · « **Reply #46 on:** February 24, 2018, 08:17:42 PM »

This is cool!

Furee65 · « **Reply #47 on:** February 28, 2019, 11:46:48 AM »

Cool old info about Cougar Pete. My brother has a custom hatchet that Cougar Pete made for him in the 60's when he would to come visit their Renton Auto Wrecking business they owned. My mom said he would come and cook his can of beans on a little fire pit at their little junkyard and just hang out. I also went to a garage sale a few years ago and found an old outdoor life magazine from 1912 and as I was flipping through it there was an article from Cougar Pete talking about hunting cougar up near North Bend after a good snow.

rainshadow1 · « **Reply #48 on:** February 28, 2019, 12:46:12 PM »

Very cool... Washington's Ben Lilly. Would love to know if there's any books written about or by him? I'd buy 'em.

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Author Topic: "Cougar Pete" Peterson (Read 28345 times)

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