mountain lion
 

well I had a mountain lion creep up to 20 yds of me this morning while turkey huntin. so now im a little concerned. so my question is will a 12 gauge w/ 3" 4 shot kill a mountain lion.

thanks for your help

Bet it would, if not would make him think twice before creeping up again. But wait the MDC says we don't have very many in MO. Yea right. Kill em

that's the second one weve seen on this property. the first one was a couple hundred yards away. but 20 yards is way to close for comfort

We have them in SE Mo too. But trying to convince the MDC they're here is a different story. I would make sure I didn't have any more!!

I would not want one sneaking up on me either !! I am glad they tell us we do not have any here as well.. Even though now they have admitted to the fact there has been to many sightings to say there is none..

Ya supposedly we don't have any breeding pairs in Mo, but I got a buddy that has little lions on a trail cam. Same here too many people seeing them now to ignore.

That makes me think twice before walking around in the dark. I do t know what turkey load would do to a large cat

WOW that's disturbing news! :s10: Usually when a top predator like a fully grown Mtn. Lion stalks you, you don't know it until it's ON you like a fuzz covered buzz saw! :s14: Sure glad you saw it, I bet those memories will be around awhile!

From 1985-2006 I hunted around Mtn. View, MO but never saw any cats around there. (Other than THE largest tom bobcat I've EVER seen in my life!) But I understand now there are several confirmed pics and encounters with cougars in those counties now. I can see how sitting quietly under a tree, motionless in camo while mimicking a turkey would be like a baited hook for a big cat!

As for your question, I doubt a single 20yd shot would kill a big Tom but I bet it'd change his mind about continuing his attack. If he was facing you then likely he'd at the least be blinded. Inside of 10yds yeah I bet a head shot WOULD likely kill him, if not instantly then damage such as blindness and maybe a broken jaw would likely take that much out of his arsenal. Add in your 2 remaining shots and I seriously doubt that ol Tom would still be hellbent on rearranging your anatomy! If you EVER have another encounter and DO have to shoot then DON'T shoot for the body, make sure and go for the head. (Assuming he's stalking/stationary, if he's on a full run and about to take a hunk out of you then obviously you put the lead in him wherever it'll land!)

If the puma is close enough...how close is a good question --- #4 shot should do the trick --- since it's a good home defense load; but multiple shots might be required.

Your a lucky fellow !