About 15 years ago, an Oregon archer and bow hunting consultant, Neil Summers, told me about this mountain lion encounter.
While hunting for elk in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area of Oregon, Summers heard the loud growl of a lion. Standing in the depression of a rotted log, Summers looked up into the face of a crouched lion that stood facing him at approximately 12 feet.
Summers was in full camo and had been frequently bugling like a bull elk. Apparently his bugles were convincing. He had elk scent on his clothing and elk droppings in a sock attached to his belt.
To the lion, he smelled like an elk and sounded like an elk.
He attempted to scare the lion away by squealing with his mouth diaphragm – now he was even acting like an elk. The lion had responded by growling and quivering with excitement (and anticipation of elk chops).
Nocking an arrow, Summers took a threatening step forward, while once again squealing with his diaphragm (once again erroneously thinking he might chase the lion away).
Probably convinced that this was about to be the best elk dinner he’d ever enjoyed, the lion sprung forward as Summers, in self defense, drew and released an arrow at point blank range.
As the arrow pierced the lion’s vitals, the cat screamed and reversed course. A few seconds later, while still within a few yards of where Summers stood, the arrowed cat went berserk and died. Summer slumped to the ground – relieved, but still shaking with fear.
This same technique might work for grizzlies. Anybody interested?
Holy Maceral! I think a guy would have to consider taking up painting…
Jim Gaskins