Hunting West of Claresholm.

[plinker]

Well today was the final day and we drove the quads through all of the valleys and coulees looking for wildlife. I noticed something very interesting. In over 50% of the deer tracks we came across in the snow in each different area, there were cougar tracks stalking them. The tracks would follow the deer while on the quad trail but when the animals went off the trail the cougar followed them. Don't know about any one else but we really haven't seen many deer at all in the foothills. Got a funny feeling the cougar population has rebounded quite well in this area.

[calgarychef]

You might see more deer if you ditch the quads and try the feets. Feets always lead you to more animals than wheels do. Not that I wouldn't mind shooting a cougar!!

the chef

[elnino54]

Lots of Cougars down there. In early Nov. we ran into 3 in 3 three days. My one buddy walked up on one's deer kill and and ended up have to give it a warning shot before it would leave (approx. 30yards). The next day we walked up on one's Elk kill, it buggered off quickly........In Sept. I had another buddy run into a large female with (3) 60# kittens in tow. I'm sure they're keeping some animal numbers in check.

[ksteed17]

ya ive been in the forestry there the last 2 weekends and have seen a ton of mulies and moose, but weve also seen alot of wolf tracks too. talked to one of the land owners there and he said hes seen more cougars and wolves this year than he has in the 20 years hes been there.

[choclab]

Did you take any pics of the tracks?
Not implying anything just like seeing cat tracks!
T

[plinker]

And the best part is I had my camera. I am one of those doofusses that always thinks of what a great shot that would have been after I have left. Funny cause during the off season I take a ton of pics of lots of stuff, but I have a brain stroke when hunting season comes and never remember to take pics.