Here is a feature I wrote for the Nov/Dec 2018 Sports Afield. They are one of my favorites and I love when they publish my writing (last was a Cape buff hunt). I get a little emotional when I see my name next to Boddington's, a hero of mine. The article is on a hunt that took place a few miles from my home in Idaho last winter. I moved here from the midwest, USA, a decade ago. I have been a houndsman for eight years. It is a lot of work and time, but it is an awesome way to hunt. For those who have heard hounds light up and take a track, and felt your heart rate rise and that chill down your spine as you listen to their song grow faint in the distance, you know what I mean. The story is about a big tom mountain lion a single hound of mine treed for a hunting buddy who goes on most of my hound hunts with me. We hunt on foot and find about 90% of our tracks hiking into backcountry areas, away from roads, then we turn loose. It makes for some long but fulfilling days. This was one of those where we were miles in when we cut the track and the cat went right where we didn't want him too...then a few more miles. If you happen to get the mag, or see it on a newsstand, I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks, Nick
npm352, I have been on 3 unsuccessful cougar hunts, but each time we had at least 1 chase. Most were lost in steep rocks the dogs just couldn’t get through. You are definitely right that it is a rush. It is also extremely hard work! I apparently missed this issue, so I’ll have to find one. Thanks for sharing!
It is a rush for sure to get a lion track going...eventually you'll end with one in a tree! Our opener was yesterday....despite 18 miles on foot and preceded predawn cutting from truck...no tracks.
