Cougar Harvest question

[Special T]

Bearpaw, what would you say the weight of the meat from a cougar the way you recomend dressing it out is on average?

[cmiller85]

Since I know where he's hoping to harvest this mythical critter, then I feel compelled to provide my  .  I would shoot one there in a NY second.  I would not pack out the meat or hide.  You lose 2 days of hunting your targeted species which we spend all year thinking and dreaming about on here.  Our seasons are short; cougar is good; it's not good enough to lose 2 days. 

Don't forget about hide sealing requirements. 

[dongill]

I'm sure you mean well by your question. But I couldn't help but be irritated a little by your hypothetical question. I shot one a couple years ago, they are delicious. Better than venison in my opinion. On top of this, it does have a niche in the ecosystem. I just don't feel like any game animal should be harvested in vein. Don't pull the trigger if you can't pack it out. Just my opinion.

 

[threedwizard]

The last 2 cougars I shot were good cats and I took out around 60 lbs. of good meat without boning out the hinds

[bearpaw]

Actually in Colorado you have to take cougar meat , its the law. Here is a link , then go to page 6 and under "special regulations" go to #7 and it clearly states : All edible part of the cougar must be prepared for human consumption.

 http://www.flipseekpubs.com/publication/?i=84750

Glad you posted, I didn't know that, I stand corrected. Just goes to show that you can learn something new everyday. 

[snowshoes22]

I would end a deer hunt in a heartbeat to pack out a cat.  I love deer hunting but a cat is at the top of my list.  Besides its not like deer are hard to come by. 

[bucklucky]

Actually in Colorado you have to take cougar meat , its the law. Here is a link , then go to page 6 and under "special regulations" go to #7 and it clearly states : All edible part of the cougar must be prepared for human consumption.

 http://www.flipseekpubs.com/publication/?i=84750

Glad you posted, I didn't know that, I stand corrected. Just goes to show that you can learn something new everyday. 

    

[grundy53]

Cougars are considered big game therefore it is illegal to let them go to waste...

RCW = 77.15.170


77.15.170
Waste of fish and wildlife — Penalty.

     *** CHANGE IN 2012 *** (SEE 6135-S.SL) ***

(1) A person is guilty of waste of fish and wildlife in the second degree if:

     (a) The person kills, takes, or possesses fish, shellfish, or wildlife and the value of the fish, shellfish, or wildlife is greater than twenty dollars but less than two hundred fifty dollars; and

     (b) The person recklessly allows such fish, shellfish, or wildlife to be wasted.

     (2) A person is guilty of waste of fish and wildlife in the first degree if:

     (a) The person kills, takes, or possesses fish, shellfish, or wildlife having a value of two hundred fifty dollars or more or wildlife classified as big game; and

     (b) The person recklessly allows such fish, shellfish, or wildlife to be wasted.

     (3)(a) Waste of fish and wildlife in the second degree is a misdemeanor.

     (b) Waste of fish and wildlife in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke any license or tag used in the crime and shall order suspension of the person's privileges to engage in the activity in which the person committed waste of fish and wildlife in the first degree for a period of one year.

     (4) It is prima facie evidence of waste if a processor purchases or engages a quantity of food fish, shellfish, or game fish that cannot be processed within sixty hours after the food fish, game fish, or shellfish are taken from the water, unless the food fish, game fish, or shellfish are preserved in good marketable condition.


[1999 c 258 § 5; 1998 c 190 § 21.]




http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15&full=true#77.15.170

[bearpaw]

The meat requirement does not apply in Washington.

Bearpaw, what would you say the weight of the meat from a cougar the way you recomend dressing it out is on average?

I imagine you get about 30 to 35% of live weight.

[grundy53]

That IS the Washington state RCW...

[BULLBLASTER]

That IS the Washington state RCW...

I really should read better before relying...

[grundy53]

Read 2 (a) again. It says at the end " ... OR wildlife classified as big game" cougars are classified as big game.

[BULLBLASTER]

Read 2 (a) again. It says at the end " ... OR wildlife classified as big game" cougars are classified as big game.

good call. I missed that the first time through. Sounds pretty cut and dry now. Cougar must not be wallowed to waste.
Thanks Grundy!

[grundy53]

I just don't want to see anyone get into trouble.

[jackmaster]

yes cougars are big game but dont they fall under the predator scavenger type animal where the only thing required to come out is the hide and head for sealing a research requirements, i know back in the day when hound huntn was still a way to hunt, there were alot of old timers that just skinned the cat out and only brought that and the head out, i know alot of things have changed since then though, isnt there some kind of disease that can come along with carrion eaters i just dont know if i would eat cougar, now beaver meat on the other hand is damn fine eatn  and i aint B.S.N