Calling in mountain lions?

rambopacker · 02-21-2004, 01:48 PM

Well, I couldn't stand it anymore. I wanted to go hunting and the only thing that sounded fun this time of year in my neck of the woods is lions. I don't have dogs so I was going to try my elk calf and predator calls. I've never heard of anyone calling in a lion for the kill but Ive heard of people calling them in by accident while elk hunting. I've called in bear and coyotes and heard of bobcats being called in too. So since the season is open year round here, I thought what the heck.

The question I have is, has anyone else heard of anyone calling in the big cats? I'd like to know how they did it, I'd like to try different things. I'll be going where I've recently seen tracks and elk and also where I know there are plenty of deer.

I better add that snow is limited down here and I might only have a couple of days worth of snow if I'm lucky. I've been out riding and hiking in short sleeves. It does get cool over night and on overcast days.

Dirt2 · 02-21-2004, 02:04 PM

I've always wanted to give it a try, too. My idea is to take along my elk calls, get on a cat's track. Then, curl off his backtrail and set up a cowcalling ambush. If nothing happens in half an hour, get back on the track and follow him further, then set up again. Push it until you crap out or see by its tracks that you've put it on the run. I need snowshoes first, then I need to remember to get the tag.

James B · 02-21-2004, 05:58 PM

They can be called in but be careful as they have a habit of comming in behind you. A guy I knew was calling coyotes when a loin came in behind him. The cat started to charge him but then must have realized that it was not what he thought it was. My buddy never went out calling again without someone to watch his back door. I was calling coyotes once when a bobcat came up behind me. My wife was setting off several 100 yards and saw it and beepep the horn to get my attention. At that time bobcats were protected so we could not take a shot at it. They are no longer protected. At least not all year. I have a favorite little cedar tree I like to set behind that gives me a very good view in all directios except behind me. There is a big flat behind it and seldom does anything come from that way. The fellow who farms my little place in SD has caught two bobcats there this winter so far. He is trapping this winter.

oldelkhunter · 02-23-2004, 07:09 AM

You know my outfitter friend has taken a lot of mountain lions some especially large ones and one day I asked him if we were stalked by a lion what would our chances of fending one off . His reply was that if it were a juvenile animal. A full grown cat we would never have known what hit us. If you do it take a friend along to watch your back .

JoeA · 02-23-2004, 10:08 AM

As I understand it, in recent years many turkey hunters have had lions come in on them after calling. Last spring season, the Oregon NWTF state president got attacked by one while he was turkey hunting. Maybe if you're expecting one, you could try a turkey call?
Personally I'd be very leary of the approach. Having a turkey come up behind you is one thing. Having a big cat do the same thing is an other story.

Good luck & be safe whatever you decide to do.

rambopacker · 02-26-2004, 06:19 PM

Thanks for the concern everyone, I guess I was going to test the Darwin theory. I went out the other night and sat up in a tree and called. I was on the edge of a drainage with a good view across if anything would creep up that way. I just hope to see them before they realize what I am. All of the hunters who go out calling for elk, turkey, coyotes, and bobcat have the same amount of chance of drawing in a lion. I figured since I was actually looking out for a cat I'd have less chance of having one sneak up on me. I do most of my hunting alone as I wouldn't be able to hunt as much if I didn't. I'm going out again soon and I'll watch my back, thanks again. B

P.S. I had a lion sneak up within eight yards behind me while working out in the forest a few years back. I chased it off with the bear spray I was carrying. You'd think I'd learn.

121553 · 02-26-2004, 09:24 PM

Rambo, never heard of anyone calling in cougars, maybe bobcats but never cougars but I don't know why it wouldn't work, their a predator, right? Let me know on your results in how you do. I see their signs around the kabin here depending on the time of year and only a few times have I witnessed an actual sighting in the bush, their here, but they are so reclusive and I just keep one eye looking up as I'm walking the property. Had a cougar steal some cow bones that I was going to cut up for the dogs as it made several trips to my kabin next door and take the bones. The cat was kinda ballsey making several trips right up to the kabin in the middle of the night. I kinda wonder how many a kat been eyein me from above, sometimes I just don't want to think about it,

Bobby