TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted August 7, 2004 Yesterday I had what I consider the most traumatizing experience of my life. I was up in unit 24A checking some cameras I had on some water. One of the water holes was down a deep canyon and I decided to leave my 30-30 up by my quad because of how steep the canyon was. When I got down to the water, I changed the film and batteries on the camera and started up towards the bush that I had planned on setting my ground blind up in. It was about 25 yds away from the water. When I was about 10 ft away I saw an ear flicker in that same bush. The first thought that went through my head was that a deer was bedded there. A second later I realized that it was actually a mountain lion in a crouched position 10 ft away from me and I had no gun!!! A feeling of panic shot through me as I came to the realization that there was a good chance he would pounce. The water was 15 yds behind and down hill so I decided I would slowly back towards the water and if he pounced I would jump in. I have pictures of deer up to there chests so I knew it was fairly deep. Luckily the lion decided against making me his next meal so I was able to back away from him and get the water between me and the lion. I then threw some rocks at him and he slowly walked into a bush about 3 yds from his original spot and I did not see him leave the bush. I then climbed back up the canyon in a round about way that took me twice as long. When I got back to the quad I was out of water and breath and decided it would not be wise to go back after him w/ no water. I am very thankful to be alive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamondbackaz Report post Posted August 7, 2004 Great Story, time to start packing a compact auto on your hip// Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COUESAZ Report post Posted August 7, 2004 Are you ready to make a deal on a hand gun yet. Just think you could of had your lion right there. That is why I pack a hand gun all the time. Some times it is even just my bereta 25 auto in my back pocket. It makes enough pop to scare something off . I bet you were thinking even a 22 would be good right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted August 7, 2004 Yes, if I would have had a hand gun or any gun for that matter, I would have tagged my first lion yesterday. I had a tag w/ me in my wallet. I will be getting that .357 very soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted August 7, 2004 I also think it was kind of funny that I started the "Lion experiences" topic a few months ago and was able to have this experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25-06 Report post Posted August 7, 2004 You are so lucky to have seen a lion. Too bad you didnt have your 30-30. I also think its cool to share your favorite hunting spot with a lion, must be a heck of a good spot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted August 7, 2004 It did feel good to know that he chose the same spot I had for the ground blind. My buddy went out this morning to try to call one in at that same spot. Should know w/in a few hours if he got him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25-06 Report post Posted August 7, 2004 Be sure to let us know if he had any luck on finding him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COUESAZ Report post Posted August 8, 2004 If you could have killed him it would have made that spot better. Just think he may take the one you want. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
111 Report post Posted August 8, 2004 Had the same kind of experience in unit 7 West while hunting elk in November. Didn't have a gun on me at the time but got some real good looks at the eyes and black around the mouth with my binos at about 10 yards also. I looked at that lion for about two minuites before I decided to run right at him. It didn't take long for the lion to disappear. The only good lion is a dead lion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25-06 Report post Posted August 8, 2004 Arizona Guide is right ,one deer every 7 to 10 days on average and mostly bucks.I would hunt him down if I were you.....dang the luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azcouesandelk Report post Posted August 8, 2004 Treestandman great story. Make sure you post if he got one or not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COUESAZ Report post Posted August 8, 2004 Your best bet to get him. will be to find his tracks. so you know where he is coming from. Then clean them away. and check everyday tell you see his tracks back in that spot. It will help you learn how many days he is away from that spot. It does not always work this way, But it is one way to hunt them with out dogs. Another thing you may try doing is set your trail cam at that spot and see if you can figure it out by the pictures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted August 9, 2004 My buddy called for an hour and nothing came in. I plan on sitting that during archery season so hopefully I will get lucky and have him come in to drink during shooting hours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues addict Report post Posted August 9, 2004 Treestandman Great story! I once had one come in right behind me in Utah while bowhunting for deer. It scared the holy crap out of me, but when I stood up he hauled butt. It really is a super adrenaline rush!!!!!!! I`m glad he didn`t pounce on you, maybe you will get another crack at him, Good Luck Coues Addict P.S. man you guys were right about that sportsman warehoues. I went there this weekend and I dropped about $500.00. It is really a cool store. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
