Mountain Lion Shot In Arkansas

[Quillback]

148 lb. male mountain lion was shot dead last Saturday outside of Hermitage which is in south-central Arkansas, reported in today's Arkansas Democrat Gazette (sports section). Hunter in a stand saw cougar moving towards him, felt threatened, so he shot it. No other details about the shooting were reported. AGFC is investigating, but no charges so far.

Cougar's DNA was collected for analysis. First reported cougar shooting in Arkansas since 1975.

[fishinwrench]

Pretty sure I would have made the same choice. Surely there will be no charges filed.

[Flysmallie]

Pretty sure I would have made the same choice. Surely there will be no charges filed.

I doubt I would have. But I don't think that changes the deal on charges. All you have to say is that I was threatened.

[Ham]

I don't understand why he couldn't just let it walk on by and be thrilled he saw it. I really doubt he was in danger at all, but people kill every snake they see beacuse it was a "threat" to them or the grandkids or their dog or...or...

[HeWhoFishesSolo]

Thats a shame, "of it moves, shoot it! Pass the moonshine Jeb!"

[5bites]

I would have shot it. No shame involved. I like to survive and his best option is to shoot it before he gets out of the tree stand.

If you don't think a 150lb cat would be a threat walking out of the woods in the dark then I guess people must think they're vegetarians.

[stlfisher]

I would have shot it. No shame involved. I like to survive and his best option is to shoot it before he gets out of the tree stand.

If you don't think a 150lb cat would be a threat walking out of the woods in the dark then I guess people must think they're vegetarians.

Mountain Lions are all over the western states and people hunt with very little if any contact or issues. They are a shy animal by nature. A warning shot, tried first, would have likely scared him off. Threatened in a tree stand? That is a stretch IMO...

[Flysmallie]

A warning shot, tried first, would have likely scared him off.

I agree. Shoot something close and it would run off like a whooped pup. I'm not saying there would ever be no reason to shoot one but I think the ones that are being shot are just for bragging rights and that's stupid. Besides, you don't have to worry about the ones that you can plainly see out in the open. If you see one stalking you then you aren't being stalked.

[stlfisher]

I agree. Shoot something close and it would run off like a whooped pup. I'm not saying there would ever be no reason to shoot one but I think the ones that are being shot are just for bragging rights and that's stupid. Besides, you don't have to worry about the ones that you can plainly see out in the open. If you see one stalking you then you aren't being stalked.

Your exactly right. Agree 100%.

[Quillback]

I wish the story had more details on whether the guy tried to scare it off and why he felt threatened. They called him, but the call was unanswered.