A combo hunt in conjunction with mule deer is not very common. Reason being, no one wants to run dogs during deer season. And the majority of hounds hunt best on snow. And most mule deer seasons don't have much snow. That is why winter is best success for cats. We won't run a cat during any other hunting season for fear of our "fellow hunters" shooting the dogs.

I can assure you and your buddies, that 90% of lion hunts are more physical than elk hunting. Turn 5 dogs loose and try to keep up with them some time. Granted the cat is smaller to pack out but you don't hunt elk on a dead run or marathon walk very often.

I can go on and on, but I am sure I will be attacked for hound hunting, so I will stop
here, it is the way hunters are. And as for eating, ask some one who has eaten cougar. I have, and it is excellent chow. Not pleasant to think of eating a cat but it is good. I don't make a habit of it but some houndsman do.