What is the best caliber for mountain lion hunting? What optics is everyone using? And do any of you carry a side arm with you? New to lion hunting, so trying to get as much information as possible!! Any advice and information is welcome !!
Hunting & Fishing Caliber for Mountain Lion
- Thread starter Sinocopa
- Start date
I used a Glock 20 10mm for a side arm. Best caliber, depends on how you're hunting them. Treed? Anything really that you can ensure a good shot placement . I used a rifle after 11 mile hike ! I was going to use a handgun, but after being so tired I just used a rifle I had on hand and ended my chase. It was 30 cal rifle and way overboard.
I'm in mountain lion/cougar territory almost daily here in NW Montana. Never hunted them myself, but know many who do. They are not particularly tough animals to dispatch from what I understand. Many have been put down with a 9mm. I carry either a 9mm, .45acp or 10mm every time I'm out in the woods.
My brother-in-law in Idaho guided cat hunts with dogs for years, he mostly used a 22mag pistol or bow and arrow. If you're going to spot and stalk you'll probably kill the same amount with a rock as you will with a rifle.
Not to be discouraging but it is a tall order to spot and stalk a cat. Good luck.
Not to be discouraging but it is a tall order to spot and stalk a cat. Good luck.
Well I saw about 5 last year with hiking and diving in certain areas, so I thought I would try and actually go hunt this year!My brother-in-law in Idaho guided cat hunts with dogs for years, he mostly used a 22mag pistol or bow and arrow. If you're going to spot and stalk you'll probably kill the same amount with a rock as you will with a rifle.
No I'm from SD. I have probably seen 10 over the beat 5 years. And 5 of them last year. The population in the last few years has increased quite a bit.
I actually was on a home by myself at night and watched two run right out in front of me, and that was the day I decide not to carry a gun...
A lot of calibers will work fine, I know a couple guys in the hills who use a 22-250 and have excellent success. This one was killed with a 300 RUM and he still ran after the kill shot. We're more spot and stalk hunters which can make it tougher for caliber selection, sometimes it's a longer shot than others. If your using dogs, it opens your options up quite a bit.
Thanks! That's really helpful, I have an AR (223REM) which I'm guessing would be sufficient enough!
My woods gun is a RUGER GP100 S/S - 6" BBL- Loaded with Hornady 158 Grain FP-XTP to MAX Hornady Specs. I'm more likely to encounter a Wild Feral Pig than a mountain lion although there mountain lion spottings in this part of the Country.
More than caliber is that you have confidence in whatever rifle/pistol you choose and to use good quality ammo whether hand loaded or store bought. Personally, I would not be afraid to use my 22-250 on a mountain lion up to about 200 yards. Most shots are likely to be much closer.
More than caliber is that you have confidence in whatever rifle/pistol you choose and to use good quality ammo whether hand loaded or store bought. Personally, I would not be afraid to use my 22-250 on a mountain lion up to about 200 yards. Most shots are likely to be much closer.
6-7 years ago when my Dad was serious about going after cats he shot a couple tree'd with his 223 AR.
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