Cougar hunting question

[wislnwings]

I'm kicking around the idea of a cougar hunt in 2008 or 2009.  Thinking about the trip and looking at outfitter web sites got me thinking.  How do you practice for shooting a cat up in a tree?  Living in the flatlands of South Louisiana, there aren't any hills that I could shoot uphill.  The only other thing I could think is to find somewhere safe to put a target up in a tree and shoot.  Also, for those that have been, what is the average shot distance?

[Roughcountry]

Your shot distance will depend on the country you decide to hunt (how big the timber is) If your in the juniper country, the cat will be low.

Ever once in awhile a cat will tree in a slick tree with high limbs but not often. I'd say the average shot will be under 20 yds, at least for our timber. In the steep country you can get almost even with the cat by being on the uphill side. You may bay one on a rock.
Good luck, waitin for pics.

[Charlie Lamb]

And you can take that to the bank.
   

[Walt Francis]

What Robin said, he has more experience dealing with kitties then anybody I know of.

Robin, have you ran out of tracking snow yet?

[Roughcountry]

Hey Charlie        

Walt, we're getting some spring snows but they don't last long enough to do much good in the belt where the cats are. We had solid ice for a long time, no tracks and dang trecherous to be on the steep stuff.
I got the bruises ta prove it  :D  
Pretty much done for the year, got the word to slow down  :(

[Killdeer]

Aw, don't be sad, Robin. You'll just do different stuff and plot your strategies for next season!
Thought you were smarter about ice.     Come to think about it, I fell on the ice last year. The Post Office wrote me up for disciplinary action for it, but I beat the rap.  :rolleyes:  
Killdeer

[wislnwings]

Do you guys have any recommendations for an outfitter for cats that is "traditional friendly"?

[dnovo]

I would recommend Fred Eichler of Fulldraw Outfitters in southern Colorado. I took a cat with him back in 2005. Very much enjoyed him and the hunt.