Mountain Lion hunting

AmmoHouse

AmmoHouse

New member
Ok, I'm going to give it a try this year.
SD is where I'm hunting.
I know my chances are SLIM at best for calling in a Lion, but who cares...at least I'm in the woods.
For all you big cat hunters...what caliber guns do you carry? Are cats hard to kill? Can I just use my regular coyote gun or should I use my deer rifle? I'm sure there will be alot of different views on this, I'm just trying to get an idea. Thanks
 
I would say that anything over 223 would work with correct shot placement. However, I'll be taking my 7 mag just to be on the safe side. A good friend of mine took the big male shot down by Custer last year. 145 pounds as I recall. I'm assuming you're in Rapid too? Dale
 
Finding them is harder than putting a hole in them, as I've discovered and researched. I've found 'em but I haven't shot one yet. I've come daggone close. (Like 35 yards close!) I'm in Western Washington where visibility is a rare comodity. Hound hunters regularly use very small calibers, 222 all the way down to 22Mag. I'd agree with above, 223 or better. 7 mag isn't necessary, unless that's the gun you're most used to. Being able to put the period on the sentence is priority #1. That's a bigger factor than foot pounds.

Keep us posted!
 
You would be surprised at how easy a lion is to kill. For an animal its size they die rather easy. Shot placement is obviously very important as was already mentioned, but they have a very large vital area to shoot at.
When hunting over dogs we use pistols because the shots are VERY close range and its no fun chasing hounds lugging a rifle around.
For calling I use an AR15 in 223 with 55gr Vmax. It does the job just fine.
The biggest thing about calling in a lion is being in the same place the lion is. Spend some time trying to find sign...fresh sign. These things cover a lot of country every day. Drive the roads and see if you can cut a track and determine how fresh it is then you can see what direction he's headed and possible determine where he is holed up by looking at the surronding cover/high bluffs.
The other thing is time spent on stands. Make sure you hang out a while. They really take their time coming in most of the time. lions usually aren't in big hurry to do anything.
The other thing to keep in mind is movement. Dont move a muscle on stand. They see everything. if you have one coming in and have to reposition do it VERY SLOWLY and in fluid motion. Normally they will stop and turn their head like a house cat trying to figure out what it is right before you shoot him.
Scent doesn't seem to hang them up like with a coyote, they are very curious and will come in to investigate even after winding you. Remember that he is the top of his food chain and will still come in to funny smelling rabbit.
Good Luck!
 
CL: Yes I'm in Rapid (currently in the desert, but I'll be back soon!) I heard about the monster killed down in Custer, I heard 155 pounds. I bet its pretty!

I was thinking about just carrying my 7x57 because its what I hunt with the most, the 6mm is too heavy. I thought about using my 7x30 Waters Contender but I'm pretty sure I couldn't keep it steady if a cat showed up. I'm going to do ALOT of scouting when I get back. I just wanted to make sure they're not bullet proof.
I know my chances are slim but thats why they call it hunting!
Thanks!
 
Quote:
I know my chances are slim but thats why they call it hunting!
Thanks!



I admire your determination. Some may think you are foolish, but personally I wish that I were in your area so I could go with you! If I had the areas nearby that afforded a cougar population, I'd be out there as much as possible. And...it's DEFINITELY not a waste of time...you're having a blast and enjoying yourself. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
The 7x57 sounds perfect because it sounds like you shoot it alot. That's the key. That'll do!

+1 Hidalgo, get out there and do it! Well worth the effort.
 
Yep,
Me and my son will be roaming through the Black Hills looking for cat sign and maybe a new fishing spot or two!
....its better than staying at home and washing dishes!
Don't worry, if I get lucky I'll be posting pics!
 
Your chances may be better than you think. I've seen lion twice while hunting turkey near Hill City. Wailed on my tally-ho on one occasion but only got her to pause and glare at 40yds, might need to sound like something bigger to get their attention (fawn bleat?). Good luck Airforce! (7+ years USAF service myself)
 
Sounds like something that would be sweet to do, I'd like to call one to the gun.. how effective is calling to those of you who have actually tried it..what kinds of sounds do you use..what's the success ratio, 100-1 called in or more..WHAT states sell tags across the counter, I know Washington does and when does the seasons begin, Washington starts Aug. 1st...I have the entire month off and am thinking about giving it a try DYI style....
 
Frank,Arizona got plenty of mountain lions and i believe you can buy your license over the counter.Even if you don't see a mountain lion,you should see plenty of coyotes.Fawn and deer bawls would probably be your best bet to use.
 
The three secrets to good cat hunting is scouting, scouting and MORE SCOUTING!

You make your luck and anything from .222 on up will suffice.

But whatever gun you shoot the best and with absolute familiarity is the best choice.

Cat fever trumps buck fever by a mile!

Three 44s
 


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