Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: EAS on September 09, 2012, 12:42:32 PM

Title: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: EAS on September 09, 2012, 12:42:32 PM: Ok… my buddy’s backwood-neighborhood is all 5+ acre lots and they have a cougar killin sheep and wondering around. They have invited me to bring my bow and set up anyplace on their land to hunt this cat.
1st, anyone see any reason why I can’t bow hunt on land parcels that size?
2nd, how can I get this cat to come into range? Call, or pattern him? Or?
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 09, 2012, 12:47:06 PM: Rainshadow on here sells cougar calls if you wanna try that. 5 acres in the middle of Seattle most likely won't go over to good with the greenies. Where is it you're hunting first off ?
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: Elkslayer on September 09, 2012, 12:55:37 PM: If the cat is actively killing sheep your best bet would be to find a fresh kill and set up on it.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: Knocker of rocks on September 09, 2012, 12:59:44 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on September 09, 2012, 12:47:06 PM
5 acres in the middle of Seattle most likely won't go over to good with the greenies

:yeah: Seattle is just one 5 acre lot after another. All with sheep bleating away :tup:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 09, 2012, 01:16:01 PM: Quote from: Knocker of rocks on September 09, 2012, 12:59:44 PM
Quote from: CAMPMEAT on September 09, 2012, 12:47:06 PM
5 acres in the middle of Seattle most likely won't go over to good with the greenies

:yeah: Seattle is just one 5 acre lot after another. All with sheep bleating away :tup:

...................I forgot it's full of sheeple, what was I thinking !!!
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: Instinct on September 09, 2012, 03:13:33 PM: Fawn in distress maybe
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: Huntbear on September 09, 2012, 03:41:55 PM: Use a Fawn Distress....

Just do not be surprised if you turn and the cat is like 15 ft. away watching you and his tail is twitching...

Aint that right Seth? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: DoubleJ on September 09, 2012, 03:47:45 PM: Quote from: EAS on September 09, 2012, 12:45:17 PM
anyone ever call-in a cat and take'em with a bow?
i know that cat is in the area, just not sure of the best way to get him with-in bow range...
thoughts?

Oddly enough, this is not on my list of things to do
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: runamuk on September 09, 2012, 03:49:51 PM: There is a member on here named Rainshadow and he is known for calling in cats he has some info on his website and he sells caller sounds I believe, anyway you might check that out he should be in the sponsors area he also makes lovely calls and knives.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 09, 2012, 04:01:35 PM: Quote from: EAS on September 09, 2012, 12:45:17 PM
anyone ever call-in a cat and take'em with a bow?
i know that cat is in the area, just not sure of the best way to get him with-in bow range...
thoughts?

Just letting you know this isn't as fun as you'd think... I've had more then my fair share of close encounters with these devils while calling deer, elk, yotes, and bear.... Most have turned out bad for them but others have left me with wet underwear.... Litterally.... Bring a sidearm or have a buddy with a shotty or something....
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: JODakota on September 09, 2012, 04:29:35 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on September 09, 2012, 03:41:55 PM
Use a Fawn Distress....

Just do not be surprised if you turn and the cat is like 15 ft. away watching you and his tail is twitching...

Aint that right Seth? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

That is exactly right!
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 09, 2012, 04:34:11 PM: I thought with 5 acres and a safe back drop you could use a gun...
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: boneaddict on September 09, 2012, 04:34:41 PM: I blew on my elk distress and had one within feet. :chuckle: Sometimes works wonders
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: JODakota on September 09, 2012, 04:36:31 PM: Quote from: boneaddict on September 09, 2012, 04:34:41 PM
I blew on my elk distress and had one within feet. :chuckle: Sometimes works wonders

I was yelping on a turkey call, looked back literally 10 feet behind me. Im surprised I did not sh*t my pants
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: turkeyfeather on September 09, 2012, 04:41:04 PM: You either have a big pair or your crazy!!!
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: KFhunter on September 09, 2012, 04:58:59 PM: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,44020.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,44020.0.html)
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: Mudman on September 09, 2012, 05:09:39 PM: Bring fishing line and wrap your perimeter with it. Ty off on a warning twig or something. They are so so sneaky!
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: mfswallace on September 09, 2012, 05:30:25 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on September 09, 2012, 03:41:55 PM
Use a Fawn Distress....

Just do not be surprised if you turn and the cat is like 15 ft. away watching you and his tail is twitching...

Aint that right Seth? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

:yeah:

You'll look like this :yike:

then pull your pistol and hope the scary bad cat goes away.... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: sixty4nhalf on September 09, 2012, 07:54:21 PM: I heard somewhere that if you tie off some whole chicken(s) around your waist and then try a distress call that can work wonders..... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: Elk whack master on September 09, 2012, 08:05:13 PM: :yeah: That was me and I got nothing but samonilla! :puke:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: coyotecrazy on September 09, 2012, 09:23:24 PM: Oddly enough, this is not on my list of things to do

:yeah: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: KFhunter on September 09, 2012, 09:25:28 PM: This is why I got a remote Ecaller and decoy

and a tree stand
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: PolarBear on September 09, 2012, 09:40:42 PM: I arrowed one from my treestand while hunting whitetails in NE Wa. She came strolling through the saddle where I was set up smelling the does that had passed 1/2 hr before. I waited until her head was past me and behind some brush and let her have it. She started that whole tornado death spin and then stopped and looked up the tree straight at me. I just about crapped myself. Good thing she piled up a few seconds later. Fawn distress calls work well.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: KFhunter on September 09, 2012, 09:53:08 PM: dang I could imagine that lol

some images I jacked off the net for inspiration

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2751%2F4332398813_fbaf31e57e.jpg&hash=cf71f1d22e7337e8c463dcb4d255ded401381ebe)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4062%2F4333139050_838d4d9b8b.jpg&hash=7b8aabcb3fbd528e2828f61e5d1afc446d387fd1)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4041%2F4332399597_c94f9b0dc7.jpg&hash=c6b92f7818af143e02de8835e17e9028db46b901)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4018%2F4333139956_cda511b15c.jpg&hash=d955464669766f2a63664dc1839d88197af160e8)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.ih8mud.com%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D393522%26amp%3Bstc%3D1%26amp%3Bd%3D1265396370&hash=de72a872baa377e4a34235fba7dd59047e23fb0d)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.ih8mud.com%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D393792%26amp%3Bstc%3D1%26amp%3Bd%3D1265562422&hash=24b3260a662ea4c260b01d448636fbc9c115f55b)
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: GoPlayOutside on September 09, 2012, 10:01:15 PM: Great Pics. but you did what to this on the internet? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: KFhunter on September 09, 2012, 10:06:59 PM: Quote from: GoPlayOutside on September 09, 2012, 10:01:15 PM
Great Pics. but you did what to this on the internet? :chuckle:

And you haven't?
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 10, 2012, 11:04:08 AM: Quote from: KFhunter on September 09, 2012, 10:06:59 PM
Quote from: GoPlayOutside on September 09, 2012, 10:01:15 PM
Great Pics. but you did what to this on the internet? :chuckle:

And you haven't?

LOL!!
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 10, 2012, 11:05:00 AM: Quote from: Elkslayer on September 09, 2012, 12:55:37 PM
If the cat is actively killing sheep your best bet would be to find a fresh kill and set up on it.

:yeah:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: shedkid on September 11, 2012, 10:36:59 AM: Good luck!stupid cats kill everyone of em
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: Woodchuck on September 11, 2012, 10:42:02 AM: I am not a fan of big cats. What I learned last night is that the best way to get one into bow range is to shoot it with a rifle first. :tup: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: JODakota on September 11, 2012, 03:09:16 PM: Quote from: Woodchuck on September 11, 2012, 10:42:02 AM
I am not a fan of big cats. What I learned last night is that the best way to get one into bow range is to shoot it with a rifle first. :tup: :chuckle:

Oh man Woodchuck, that comment had me rolling!!!! Even approaching that thing after it had expired still was a little freaky.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: Woodchuck on September 11, 2012, 03:12:51 PM: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: KenPCPilot on September 11, 2012, 03:48:53 PM: If you have an electric caller that is your ticket. You hide, hide the call and get it away from you to draw it in but not have attention on you. Also elk calf distress calling with hand callers can work. Called one into 17 yards friday and did not get a fatal shot. They are unbelievably quiet on a stalk. If you imitate what ever local prey it likes you are going to have a better chance.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: rainshadow1 on September 11, 2012, 03:59:56 PM: Only thing that comes to mind is, what is the neighborhood like? Not a real good chance that if you arrow a Lion on 5 acres it's going to die on that same 5 acres! What ever will the neighbors think?!?!?

I'm a huge fan of vocals, especially in tight quarters. Remote e-call ideally, but hand called whistling is also as effective, just keep still! It takes their sneak away. Calling distress is when they're going to "appear" sitting behind you watching the back of your head! Vocals often take off the sneak, and also can induce vocal response. BIG advantage!

Bow is very possible, I'd sure prefer shotgun with 00 Buck. But bow is ok if that's your only option. Sidearm recommended, but keep it as an afterthought, focus on what you're doing.

If sheep are consistently being killed, it's a super good opportunity.

If sheep are occasionally being killed, it's still an opportunity, but best to absolutely POUNCE on a kill report. Like minutes or hours, not days. Otherwise it's more like cold calling.

Not likely it's living there, unless it's killing every 4 or 5 days. If it's every 4 or 5 days, it's there, don't blow it while checking it out!

One other thing to consider, if it's there, it's very possibly a denning female. Most often a cat that won't leave is a denning female. If it's got cubs and it's taking sheep, call the Gamies.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: EAS on September 11, 2012, 05:21:13 PM: Definitely not in a city area... and I talked with all the folks in the area and they are glad to have me out. I have found his kills are all sheep, and they are on 5 acre yards surrounding a larger 10 acre wooded spot. I'm gona put a trail cam up (again, but thats a whole diferent story) and then do some calling in the mornings this weekend. I'll post some photos of the sheep killed if anyone wants... one sheep was killed but not eaten... he got dragged 15 yards and left at a fence. the other sheep are clean cut open and eaten from the inside only. I have a good photo of a neck bite I'll post also.
more to come...!
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: turkeyfeather on September 11, 2012, 05:25:03 PM: If you want a cat in bow range all you have to do is come to Spokane. I am sure WDFW would welcome it beings there was just a story on the news that a cat was spotted running across a road right by Deaconness hospital which is right next to the high school. :yike:
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: KenPCPilot on September 29, 2012, 09:27:02 PM: during elk season this year unintentionally called one to 17 yards and took a shot with the bow and non-lethal hit. at least from my enperience it seems a call sound from what ever they are primarily preying on works. i was calling with elk calf distress hoping to draw a cow in for a shot. i was scent covered and 3D camo suit head to toe. It seemed to me that the cougar could not quite figure out what i was and was attracted by the calling. if it is eating sheep try a Fox Pro sound like Kid goat distress. Rainshadow put on a great calling and cougar hunting seminar. he also suggested doing regular change ups on the calling sound as cougars do better when distracted with new sounds. good luck a DIY archery hunt for a cat is probably the ultimate for me.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: sakoshooter on September 30, 2012, 08:18:40 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on September 09, 2012, 12:47:06 PM
Rainshadow on here sells cougar calls if you wanna try that. 5 acres in the middle of Seattle most likely won't go over to good with the greenies. Where is it you're hunting first off ?

Not aware of too many sheep ranches in the middle of Seattle, LOL.
Title: Re: Getting a mountain lion into bow range…
Post by: Mudman on September 30, 2012, 08:26:53 PM: Cow calls. :tup: