What are the odds of this?

[Bridgerland]

Had a unique experience this morning glassing for deer. Got to watch a cougar sneaking behind a group of deer in an open basin at 10,000 feet. I probably watched him out in the open for 15 minutes total. My guess is he blew an ambush, but still couldn’t give up the pursuit.

The good news is the deer kicked his butt. It’s amazing to see how effective a mule deer can move through rough country with the way they bound. He couldn’t even keep up with the fawns. The bad news is he gave me a perfect broadside shot at 200 yards and I didn’t have my trusty varmint rifle

Anybody else seen something like this while glassing? I’d love to start packing the 243 in case this happens again, since Utah has an open season on them. Unfortunately, I think my odds of glassing another one at 200 yards are next to nil.

 

[Bridgerland]

If you dont bring a rifle with you next time. 100% chance of spotting that SOB again

Neat pic

I figure it’s the same rule with spotting coyotes from the truck. You only see them when you forget to bring a gun predators seem to know when we’re prepared

 

[TaperPin]

That’s really cool! At least some of them stay in a relatively small area as long as there are deer to feed on.

 

[mtnrunner260]

Nice pic. I've seen a few but never when prepared.

 

[Bcoonce117]

I’ve seen a few out here in california. Of course we have the opposite of open season on them. Never have gotten a picture of one. That’s pretty cool

 

[BugleMeTimber]

Great Picture! Bet you wont forget the rifle next time. Never seen them while glassing but bumped a few hiking over the years.

 

[Blacknblue]

Leaving for Utah in a week for archery hunt. So what I'm hearing is packing a rifle is sure way to avoid cat issues. What do I carry to bypass snakes?

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I always carry a gun. You never know when you're going to come across something that is better off dead.