Post by: shredder4286 on May 25, 2013, 09:23:52 PM
To the experienced hunters who have hunted the same type of areas, did you set up with solid cover behind you? Did you make it a point to only hunt from elevated positions?
Thanks
Post by: shredder4286 on May 25, 2013, 09:24:43 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on May 25, 2013, 09:26:46 PM
Post by: bobcat on May 25, 2013, 09:27:11 PM
Post by: DoubleJ on May 25, 2013, 09:27:36 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on May 25, 2013, 09:29:00 PM
No side arm needed and I would hunt from the ground or tree stand based on the best way to be successful, not based on cats or bears.
Post by: KFhunter on May 25, 2013, 09:33:51 PM
Post by: shredder4286 on May 25, 2013, 09:38:37 PM
Quote
You should set up with a bear and cougar tag
yep, that's what I was thinkin. That way with the deer, elk, bear & coug license, I'll be able to take any of the 4 that I see (in the right season, of course).
Anyone else have some constructive input that relates to my OP?
Post by: snowpack on May 25, 2013, 09:45:58 PM
Post by: shredder4286 on May 25, 2013, 09:50:26 PM
Quote
You can get tree seats that strap on to the tree (like half a tree stand). Then you have your back to a solid tree.
Ok cool, thanks. I'll definitely check into that.
Post by: dreamunelk on May 25, 2013, 09:54:30 PM
As for the two legged, yeah I can see the point. However, I do know of a guy the whacked a couple of tweakers with an arrow when he caught them braking into his truck. Broads head do serious damage. They tried to take him on when he confronted them. They ended up going to hospital and getting some stitched and reported to the sheriff. They claimed he attacked the two of them. They had a history with law enforcement. My friend had also reported because they did get away with some of his stuff. The deputies seen the missing items in the cab of the tweakers truck. The tweakers go a free ride to jail after the stitched. So if you are an archer you have a very good self defense weapon in close reach for close quarters!
Post by: Turner89 on May 25, 2013, 10:42:53 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 26, 2013, 06:33:02 AM
Post by: Bullkllr on May 26, 2013, 06:57:27 AM
Only time it's ever even crossed my mind is boning elk out, in the dark, by myself...
Post by: washelkhunter on May 26, 2013, 07:28:04 AM
I still hunt exclusively. I've come within 5 yards of a black bear and they run.Only seen one cougar, although I know they're there. I tend to think a big fat man in the woods is pretty safe from any predator, except maybe a tweeker. I have a tag!
When a predator comes across the p-man in the woods they must think they just walked into costco on saturday afternoon and all the free samples are out! They would have made lunch out of him long ago; if they could get past the smell. :chuckle:
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 26, 2013, 08:21:38 AM
Post by: Broker on May 26, 2013, 08:57:39 AM
I really fail to see the point of carrying a side are in Washington to protect yourself from predators while hunting. You are already carrying two weapons. Firearm or bow and a knife? Honestly you don't need to be afraid of them or worry that much. Just be aware of your surroundings. Remember when hunting you are moving like game.
As for the two legged, yeah I can see the point. However, I do know of a guy the whacked a couple of tweakers with an arrow when he caught them braking into his truck. Broads head do serious damage. They tried to take him on when he confronted them. They ended up going to hospital and getting some stitched and reported to the sheriff. They claimed he attacked the two of them. They had a history with law enforcement. My friend had also reported because they did get away with some of his stuff. The deputies seen the missing items in the cab of the tweakers truck. The tweakers go a free ride to jail after the stitched. So if you are an archer you have a very good self defense weapon in close reach for close quarters!
I misunderstood your definition of whacked and was wondering how they lived. I take it he was actually holding the arrow in his hand and hitting them with it?
Post by: dreamunelk on May 26, 2013, 09:12:06 AM
To the op, I nearly always carry my 44 when hunting, mainly because I really want to take a bear with it. I'd have zero concerns about hunting that area due to predators. I've seen one guy lightly mauled by a wounded black bear in 28 years of hunting.I really fail to see the point of carrying a side are in Washington to protect yourself from predators while hunting. You are already carrying two weapons. Firearm or bow and a knife? Honestly you don't need to be afraid of them or worry that much. Just be aware of your surroundings. Remember when hunting you are moving like game.
As for the two legged, yeah I can see the point. However, I do know of a guy the whacked a couple of tweakers with an arrow when he caught them braking into his truck. Broads head do serious damage. They tried to take him on when he confronted them. They ended up going to hospital and getting some stitched and reported to the sheriff. They claimed he attacked the two of them. They had a history with law enforcement. My friend had also reported because they did get away with some of his stuff. The deputies seen the missing items in the cab of the tweakers truck. The tweakers go a free ride to jail after the stitched. So if you are an archer you have a very good self defense weapon in close reach for close quarters!
I misunderstood your definition of whacked and was wondering how they lives. I take it he was actually holding the arrow in his hand and hitting them with it?
When he confronted they came at him. He pulled an arrow from his quiver and started hitting them with it. So think whacking something with a stick.
As for packing your 44 that makes sense to me.
Post by: rtspring on May 26, 2013, 09:37:09 AM
Do I think about cougars and such? YEP but I will be ready should the need arise for combat!!
they have no effect on how or where I choose to hunt...
RTSPRING
Post by: mazama on May 26, 2013, 09:44:28 AM
Post by: Old Man Yager on May 27, 2013, 05:21:08 PM
Post by: KFhunter on May 27, 2013, 06:47:04 PM
I pack a sidearm when Im bow or muzzy hunting but if im carring a rifle or shotgun I dont. I figure if I got a rifle or shotgun it would be quicker than drawing a sidearm. Every bear or cougar I've run across has taken off in the other direction in a hurry.
I'm having to rethink that with the Eberlestock, the rifle is in the backpack and sidearm on my hip.
If I'm bird hunting or just holding a rifle (left the Eberlestock at home) then I won't bother either.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on May 27, 2013, 07:01:36 PM
I know I'm going to catch hell for the wolf reference, but some day some hunter is going to have a bad encounter with wolves in this state.
-Steve
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 27, 2013, 07:47:17 PM
Post by: shredder4286 on May 27, 2013, 08:23:39 PM
Quote
Bet there was lots of false triggers with those branches
I would've thought so, too. We had 37 pix from that spot in a month and every one of them was a clear pic of an animal. Everything from bunnies to moose.
As far as the original discussion: Thanks to all who contributed their input from their experience. I will still definitely carry a sidearm along with my main weapon for hunting, but carry on with my hunt un-altered by the known presence of bears and cats. It's good to know that many of you have been out hunting in those kinds of areas and not had any problems with those critters.
I've heard a lot of stories from folks out here saying they've been stalked by a cat, or had a bear get confrontational with them. I'd like to think I can trust most people, but then again, hunters do have a tendency to exaggerate from time to time. :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on May 27, 2013, 08:29:54 PM
Don't worry about bears or kitty cats... If you're hunting them, you'll be ready. If you're not hunting them, if you're practicing good hunting tactics for whatever game you're after, you'll be ready for one of those other critters should one happen along. Now... when you're cleaning an animal in the dark, You'll be watched. Mark my words. They know you've got dinner. But other than Wolves in a pack, or an inland Griz, even other predators here in Washington are more afraid of you than them. That said, I pack a handgun most every time I step in the woods, and most times I leave the house. I have my reasons.
I know I'm going to catch hell for the wolf reference, but some day some hunter is going to have a bad encounter with wolves in this state.
-Steve
You are correct....until the day you are not correct.
I, like you, never worried about cats, bears or animals of the such, until a cat stalked two adults and two kids and a dog out for half a mile when all I had was a big wooden club. We weren't even suppose to be walking as I intended to drive to our destination but windfalls were in the way so we decided to walk the mile in to the huckleberry patch...a big group of humans and a dog what did we have to fear? :chuckle:
Last time I went unarmed.
You might go your whole life and never need protection from any animals, until the day you do. Same as tweekers.
Post by: ICEMAN on May 27, 2013, 08:36:28 PM
How many cougar attacks or bear attacks do you remember reading about? Not many... I would not worry too much.
Post by: KFhunter on May 27, 2013, 08:37:15 PM
If you hunt in Washington state, you are near cougar and bear in most regions, you don't need a gamecam pic...
How many cougar attacks or bear attacks do you remember reading about? Not many... I would not worry too much.
I can name three off the top of my head
Post by: ICEMAN on May 27, 2013, 08:42:26 PM
Post by: Alchase on May 28, 2013, 07:45:58 AM
I always carry, whether 2 leg or four I try to be prepared. Obviously those that go on 2 legs are the more likely a threat. Though I have walked up on a couple bears within chomping distance, LOL.
That can be pretty sphincter tightening when you hear the bear chomping at you, but can't quite tell where they are yet. And twice have had cougars show interest enough to follow.
The way I look at it, if weight is not a concern,
Plan for the worst, prey for the best.
Post by: shredder4286 on May 28, 2013, 08:38:15 PM
Quote
Better to have a side arm and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
Well said there, brother.
I guess what it comes down to is doing what you feel is comfortable. Being that I have no experience hunting in areas with bears and cats, I'm gonna do what I feel necessary to give myself the advantage over any threats.
Post by: bobcat on May 28, 2013, 10:13:43 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on June 02, 2013, 11:34:22 AM
QuoteBetter to have a side arm and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
Well said there, brother.
I guess what it comes down to is doing what you feel is comfortable. Being that I have no experience hunting in areas with bears and cats, I'm gonna do what I feel necessary to give myself the advantage over any threats.
Curious about where is it that you are from that doesn't have a bear or cat population? As far as carrying something in addition to your main weapon, like a handgun or bear spray, go for it. If it makes you more comfortable while you are out there, then you can be more relaxed and better focused on what you are hunting for, one less thing weighing on your mind.
Post by: MLBowhunting on June 02, 2013, 12:01:56 PM
Post by: nocklehead on June 02, 2013, 12:37:21 PM
I would hang a tree stand right above where you have your game cam, and kill that Cougar and Bear!!!!
:yeah:
And dont worry, if a cougar really wants you, you prolly wont see it coming or have time to go for the sidearm! :chuckle:
Post by: Ranger91298 on June 02, 2013, 01:47:04 PM
I really fail to see the point of carrying a side are in Washington to protect yourself from predators while hunting. You are already carrying two weapons. Firearm or bow and a knife?I used to think the same thing about Idaho till I found myself surrounded by 8 wolves; all within 15 yards. My rifle only held 3 rounds. I now carry a firearm during any season. I also have a friend that was archery hunting a few years back who also found himself surrounded by wolves. He had to use a 9mm to keep them far enough away till he made it all the way back to the 4-wheeler but they weren't giving up on him. He immediately reported it to the Fish and Game.
Post by: shredder4286 on June 02, 2013, 02:50:53 PM
Quote
Curious about where is it that you are from that doesn't have a bear or cat population?
Northern Indiana
Post by: alecvg on June 02, 2013, 07:02:03 PM
Post by: curlewkiller on June 07, 2013, 09:09:14 AM
Post by: Guy on June 07, 2013, 03:37:04 PM
You should set up with a bear and cougar tag
YES! Looks like the camera is in a prime spot to get you a shot at a bear and/or cougar. Go for it!
Post by: Hangfire on June 09, 2013, 07:35:40 AM
Post by: MADMAX on June 09, 2013, 08:33:02 AM
cause I can
Its not really heavy, dont know i have it on usually.
It is legal for hunting.
Not worried about the critters
Just like having it with me
happiness is a warm gun
bang bang shoot shoot
Post by: Gunsmoke on June 09, 2013, 10:40:30 AM
Post by: nocklehead on June 09, 2013, 10:58:01 AM
Well, I rack the slide and chamber a round.....then....pole in one hand, gun in the other decide to quietly leave my fishin hole.
I creep back to my truck, start it up, and without warming the engine (which I hate to do) go bustin outta there.....the only way out is in the direction of the shots fired....steering wheel in one hand, gun in the other, I head that way 50mph or so in a 35....I dont know if someones in danger or what!
Sure enough, its a guy all by himself, who tries to "act natural" and just look at the ground and bushes as I drive by.....
THATS why I carry a sidearm in the woods!.....oh and for ANY canine that threatens me..... if I see a dog growling at me in the woods, its dead. SSS
Post by: janttihunter on June 09, 2013, 11:07:28 AM
Post by: Bearhunter on June 09, 2013, 11:13:35 AM
Post by: 6haase6 on June 09, 2013, 11:47:22 AM
Post by: Rooster1981 on June 09, 2013, 12:06:42 PM
I have never been worried about bear or cougar attacks while hunting, and I have had several encounters with bear at 5 yards of less. My first bear encounter was when I was 14 before the ban on hound hunting. Me and my buddy were grouse hunting behind my dads house. We saw a bird fly up in to a tree and were looking for it. I walked up to an old growth stump and on the other side was in my opinion a 250-300 lb boar eating huckleberries. I didn't know he was there until I walked around the stump and litterly walked face to face with the bear. We had a staring contest while my buddy was standing behind me with our shotgun. I yelled at the bear and got no response so my buddy decided to shoot the gun in the air. All I remember was running like hell in the other direction after I heard the shot. We walked back to my dads place and grabbed my hounds & my 30-06, went back to the bear siting and walked the track for a mile until it crossed the black top. Never saw that bear again. We were legal with tags and hound stamps.
Post by: dawei on June 09, 2013, 02:28:33 PM
Post by: brokehunter on June 12, 2013, 09:47:45 AM
The truth is one should always carry. Why? Because the fact is, you just don't know. You do not know what you are going to face out there. Period. What is the old scout motto? Be prepared? One should be while spending time in the woods. Whether it's bears, cougars, tweakers, or just idiots. You NEVER know what could happen. And what if you trip or accidentally drop your rifle or muzzle loader or shot gun, or stumble and fill the barrel with mud? Now all you have is a heavy stick. As mentioned earlier I would rather carry and not need it, then not carry and need it. I'll even carry my little snub .38 with me even for short trips. A person's life and well being are worth far more than negligence.
True, chances are you will never need a weapon, but what if you do? Think you can play forest ninja and "Jackie Chan" a cougar or strung out tweakers into a submission hold? Would make a great movie, but is very doubtful. Guess it depends on what your comfortable with. If your kungfu is strong, and you graduated top honors at the school of Rambo, then no worries I guess :chuckle: As for me I'll always carry a sidearm. Because really, ya never know! :tup: