|
|
Post by greenchile on Dec 23, 2022 21:53:07 GMT -5
Another recommendation if you're doing a lot of hiking, climbing, etc on a handgun hunt is to look at the shoulder holster design by Doc Barranti. I could put it on over my pack straps and it worked like a dream. It's a really different design and if you know Doc, you know it's superior quality.
|
|
|
|
Post by junebug on Dec 23, 2022 22:32:33 GMT -5
Nice cat and story. Those kind of hunts really test gear and conditioning and show what works and what doesn't . Well done!
|
|
|
|
Post by contender on Dec 23, 2022 22:50:06 GMT -5
Kudos on a fine hunt. It's truly one you'll remember & cherish all your life. Several small points make it stand out. Glad it all came together.
How big was the cat, weight?
And I fully agree on your choice of leather. Many years back, I tried on sixshot's NW Hunter by Doc. I now own (2) of them, along with several other shucks of his. Top quality and built RIGHT!
|
|
|
|
Post by greenchile on Dec 23, 2022 23:22:04 GMT -5
Weight is estimated as we took the cat apart in the bottom of the canyon. I don't think it was over 140 and there are certainly bigger cats around. Cats are kind of odd...the more you hold them up, the more they stretch!
|
|
|
|
Post by greenchile on Dec 23, 2022 23:29:40 GMT -5
The hunt was certainly a test of gear and conditioning. Admittedly, I could have been in better shape and I live at 300 ft elevation, whereas we were hunting at 7500-10k. Big difference and believe me, I could feel it!
Interesting thing that I'm sometimes reminded of on these hunts...the mind will take you farther than your body thinks it can. I basically ran out of gas before I got back out of the canyon but kept putting one foot in front of the other...go to that tree and then take a breather...it really helped. The guides told me of young (and old) guys that would just give up partway through a hunt and go home. It's a mental game for sure. Some of you have done big pack outs, etc and know exactly what I'm talking about.
Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these hunts, make plans and go! Don't wait for years. Go while you can. Maybe someone reading this will be inspired to get a dream hunt booked. I hope so!
|
|
|
|
Post by flyingzebra on Dec 24, 2022 1:04:56 GMT -5
Congratulations
Great looking cat
Do you know the speed of that XTP load?
|
|
Fowler
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,671
|
Post by Fowler on Dec 24, 2022 1:09:13 GMT -5
Chasing cats has always been a dream of mine. I want for hear the baying dogs, the chase through the hills, the false runs, the cold tracks, the early mornings the whole gig.
I am not sure I want to shoot the cat out of the tree, don’t get me wrong they need to be harvested, I’m just not sure I would be the one to pull the trigger. I would pack a big bore wheelgun, probably a carbine length levergun as well for all the reasons you ran into.
One of my hunting buddies next door neighbors is training two dogs now for cats and they live in remote western Colorado, it might just happen.
|
|
|
|
Post by sixshot on Dec 24, 2022 3:30:27 GMT -5
Super, Duper Lion hunt for sure & a great write up! I took my Lion back in the late 70's with a 8 3/8's S&W 357 after 11 hours on snowshoes. I was too tired to throw up but I remember it like it was yesterday. Your nice Lion is bigger than mine was but any of them are magnificent trophies for sure. Congratulations on taking an amazing animal that very few ever get to see. That chase with the hounds is as good as it gets! I was quite a bit closer when I shot mine.
Dick
|
|
|
|
Post by Ken O'Neill on Dec 24, 2022 7:25:22 GMT -5
Congratulations! That's a big lion!
|
|
|
|
Post by 45MAN on Dec 24, 2022 7:49:56 GMT -5
The hunt was certainly a test of gear and conditioning. Admittedly, I could have been in better shape and I live at 300 ft elevation, whereas we were hunting at 7500-10k. Big difference and believe me, I could feel it! Interesting thing that I'm sometimes reminded of on these hunts...the mind will take you farther than your body thinks it can. I basically ran out of gas before I got back out of the canyon but kept putting one foot in front of the other...go to that tree and then take a breather...it really helped. The guides told me of young (and old) guys that would just give up partway through a hunt and go home. It's a mental game for sure. Some of you have done big pack outs, etc and know exactly what I'm talking about. Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these hunts, make plans and go! Don't wait for years. Go while you can. Maybe someone reading this will be inspired to get a dream hunt booked. I hope so! I COULD HAVE AND SHOULD HAVE DONE A MOUNTAIN LION HUNT 25 YEARS AGO BUT I WAS TOO FOCUSED ON AFRICAN HUNTIN., AT 78 I COULD STILL DO SOME AFRICAN HUNTING BUT IT IS TOO LATE FOR ME TO GO CHASING MOUNTAIN LIONS. I STILL THE REMEMBER THE WORDS OF AN ALASKAN OUTFITTER AT A SCI CONVENTION BACK IN THE 1990's, HE TOLD ME SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT OF: DO ALASKA WHEN YOU ARE YOUNGER (HEALTHIER/BETTER SHAPE) THEN YOU CAN DO AFRICA. OH WELL, I SURE AS HELL ENJOYED AFRICA AND BACK THEN I WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO DO IT ALL. |
|
|
|
Post by 45MAN on Dec 24, 2022 7:54:36 GMT -5
WHAT A HUNT, AND THAT CAT LOOKS BIG TO ME, HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS ONLY 140lbs. MANY THANKS FOR LETTING US IN ON THE HUNT.
|
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Dec 24, 2022 7:59:59 GMT -5
When Bryan shared this story and pics with me by texts, I knew it had to be shared here.
Not only a great hunt and trophy, but accomplished with minimal artillery.
Bryan demonstrated what can be done with skill instead of brute firepower.
Kudos!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by bula on Dec 24, 2022 8:27:55 GMT -5
Cmnash used the E word, EPIC. I agree completely. Nephews like to throw that word around with no experiences close to your hunt. Congrats. Good shooting, good bullet performance.
|
|
|
|
Post by harold89 on Dec 24, 2022 9:15:14 GMT -5
Congratulations on your cat!
|
|
|
|
Post by greenchile on Dec 24, 2022 9:58:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind comments. I feel the real stars of the story are the dogs. I will share more about them later today. A lion hunt is really all about the dogs. I put a lot of pressure on myself to NOT disappoint the huge efforts of the dogs.
|
|
