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I have a group of cougars, the cat kind not older women, that I have been following. I have my tag so I will take one soon and figured I would use my .280 or possibly 3030, maybe a .222 or AR. Not sure. My friend at work has killed about a dozen in his 20 years hunting and said just take your favorite accurate 22 and lung shoot them. Now I know I could but it just seems risky. I don't want to ruin meat with a big bore, yes I want to eat a cougar, but I also don't think 22 has the umph to get it done. Shot coyotes dead chest with a 22 and they run off. Maybe my .17? Or 22 mag? Trapping isn't out of the question and not looking to ruin the hide or meat if possible. What advice could anyone give me? Thanks for taking time to read this. EDIT- shooting within about 30yrds no further, I can get close!

2022.jpg
 
Last Edited:
Many cougars have been taken with a .22 ....
Usually when treed or trapped.

With that said...
As much as I love shooting with...and shoot well with my Savage 19-33 NRA .22 rifle....It would not be my first choice for this chore.
And...it would also be wise to see if you are legal to do so in the first place.
Andy
 
Dang your quick, I did mention the centerfire regulation and .222 cal and up to my buddy and he agreed but still insisted it was the best/easiest way to get one. I'm leaning into my sako L46 just for staying "legal"
 
I have a group of cougars, the cat kind not older women, that I have been following. I have my tag so I will take one soon and figured I would use my .280 or possibly 3030, maybe a .222 or AR. Not sure. My friend at work has killed about a dozen in his 20 years hunting and said just take your favorite accurate 22 and lung shoot them. Now I know I could but it just seems risky. I don't want to ruin meat with a big bore, yes I want to eat a cougar, but I also don't think 22 has the umph to get it done. Shot coyotes dead chest with a 22 and they run off. Maybe my .17? Or 22 mag? Trapping isn't out of the question and not looking to ruin the hide or meat if possible. What advice could anyone give me? Thanks for taking time to read this.

View attachment 2019159
Don't lung shoot a mountain lion with a .22lr unless you want to get mauled.
 
I have personally killed ALOT of cougers with a 22lr.....but @Andy54Hawken is correct. I would have no problem going after them with my 22-250 or 12ga with #4 buck. Your friend is also correct, they have a small lung capacity and can't cover long distances fast. They are sprinters and not long distance runners like a bear or bobcat.
 
One can not legally hunt a cougar with a 22 LR. It must be a centerfire round. That said, I'd have no hesitation using a 223.
 
.222 is actually a pretty solid choice and it wouldn't mess up the fur as much. Used to use a .222 to shoot a lot yotes and it was actually very effective and didn't affect the pelt nearly as much as even 223 did.
 
Not sure how a cougar got ahold of a .22 - but watch out. They're crack shots.

I've used lion meat in stir-fry and in stew, and it was delicious both ways. Smelled funny in the skillet while I was browning it, but tasted like high quality beef.

Absolutely no fat or gristle in the meat.
 

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