muggs Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 I'd light it up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Illegal to shoot them in Oklahoma land. But if I saw one on my property where I take my kids you can bet I would do G.W.'s three S's. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 2500HD Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois I suppose the question is for people who hunt in Il because they are not supposed to be in our state according the the IDNR. This has been talked about on many sites and most would wax it but some belive it is killing just to kill. I would most likely shoot it not only for the "trophy" aspect but if it is in my woods today and just doesn't happen to attack me doesn't mean he won't still be in my woods the next time I head to the stand and catch me off gaurd or my 6 yr old as we go to the stand. IMO its getting waxed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billygoat Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Dead Cat... you can bet on it... Chances are it was a young male that was pushed east by other dominant males... also there seems to be a growing number of cats in the Midwest (despite what the DNR's think). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois They are legal to take in Illinois even though they suposedly don't exist... one of the places I hunted this last year reportedly had one on it... I would definitely shoot one here if I had the chance... it would be an awesome trophy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbonhunter Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Dead kitty, we are supposed to have one running around our town lately, there have been about 15 sitings starting last fall to the west of us, sited here starting in novmeber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois I HAVE TALKED TO PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY SEEN ONE ON ONE OF MY HUNTING SPOTS,BUT I SPEND A LOT OF TIME OUT THERE AND HAVE YET TO SEE ANYTHING.I DID NOT KNOW THEY WERE FAIR GAME IN ILLINOIS SO IF WOULD HAVE SEEN ONE BEFORE THIS POST I WOULD NOT HAVE SHOT.BUT NOW THAT I KNOW THE LAWS THERE IS KNOW WAY I WOULD PASS UP A SHOT ON A CAT!THAT WOULD LOOK AWESOME IN THE LIVING ROOM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 2500HD Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Plenty of sightings each year up here in SW IL along with black panthers too. Last year I heard a sound in the woods i have never heard when I was heading to my stand early one morning. The animal was 30-40 yards into the woods when it started "belching" at me over and over. VERY deep drawn out belch sound. It bolted through the woods and ran on very heavy feet so i knew it was not a deer and I could hear it crashing through the woods for several hundred yards. Had a buddy who was bowhunting back in my home town of Murphysboro IL who heard the same thing and the only thing he saw was two deer running for their lives through the tall grass. They were all heading towards his partner a couple ridges over. after the hunt he asked him what he saw and he told him he would not believe him. He finally said there were two black bears chasing the deer. They also found tracks in the neighbors garden. Also in the same area a colt was missing and hunters found half of the carcus 20' up in a tree. Go figure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Heres the story of the latest mountain lion in Illinois in case any of you missed it. Cougars creeping into Illinois Tuesday, December 7, 2004 Kenny Tharp routinely treks all the way out West to hunt mountain lions. He didn't have to go that far. He found one Saturday just a half-mile from his west-central Illinois home. "I never even dreamed they'd be here," says Tharp, who lives near New Boston, a Mississippi River burg 75 miles northwest of Peoria. While deer hunting in thick woods, Tharp and several friends came across the lifeless mountain lion, which apparently had been killed a day or two earlier by an arrow or slug. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is examining the cougar to determine if it had escaped from a private preserve or if it was a wild animal. Some biologists say big cats could be migrating to the Midwest in search of game. Recently, deer and other prey have become plentiful in central Illinois. For years, central Illinois residents have reported sightings of big cats, especially mountain lions, otherwise known as cougars, pumas or panthers. Three years ago, witnesses purported to have spotted a cougar in Springdale Cemetery, a claim that was never proved - or disproved. Further, southeastern Iowa has had several such unsubstantiated reports in recent years. Earlier this year, following big-cat sightings in northern Illinois, the DNR stood by its long-held assertion: mountain lions, which dwelt in the state before the Civil War, were officially considered extinct. However, after Saturday's discovery, DNR spokesman Joe Bauer said with a chuckle, "Never say never with nature." He'll get no argument from Tharp, 39, who works for the family business, Tharp Bros. excavation company in Oquawka. An avid hunter, Tharp has bagged mountain lions in Utah. He also enjoys hunting in the area around New Boston, home to 650 residents and a smattering of shops. Nearby sits the Port Louis National Wildlife Refuge. Saturday, Tharp and six others went deer hunting just a half-mile behind Tharp's home, on property owned by his father-in-law. One of Tharp's friends spotted the cougar slumped under a pine tree. At first, the friend thought the beast might be alive. He stepped back, pulled up his rifle and took aim. But the animal didn't stir. Tharp went to investigate and realized the cougar was dead. A through-and-through wound - either from an arrow or slug - punctured the animal's lower abdomen. The friend, apparently fearing repercussions from the DNR, blurted, "I don't want nothing to do with it." However, as Tharp knows, state law does not prohibit the bagging of big cats. "I'll take it home with me," Tharp declared. "I'll mount it as a trophy." So, he and the others dragged it to his truck. At home, he reported his find to the Mercer County's Sheriff's Department, which in turn contacted the DNR. Tharp took measurements of the male cat: 84 inches long and 98 pounds. He called over a friend, Aledo veterinarian Jeremy Joy. Aside from the wound, the cat looked in good health, Joy says. But the cat's sunken eyes and abdomen indicated extreme dehydration. The lack of water could have reduced the beast's weight by 20 pounds or more, Joy says. Joy says the cougar likely had been shot a day or two earlier. It probably had sought refuge in or under the pine tree. "It probably found a place ... to lay down and die," Joy says. Joy has heard of no reports of a cougar missing from a zoo or private preserve. On the cat, he found no markings, such as ear tattoos, to indicate the animal had been in captivity. Also, Joy noticed the cat had not been neutered. Zoos, public and private, usually neuter male cats to keep them calm. The DNR will further examine the cat. First, it will look for an implanted microchip. Absent that, the agency will examine the paws, which could indicate wear in the wild or in captivity. Also, its teeth could show whether the animal ate wild pet food or wild game. Within the past year, veterinarian Joy had heard scuttlebutt of a Mercer County farmer missing a calf. Coyotes are known to attack small cattle but usually devour their prey on the site. However, the calf had been dragged off, as common with a big cat, Joy says. "It's possible there's a small cougar population moving in," Joy says. "It does give you pause about letting the kids play in the woods, especially at nighttime." Tharp - who is married with daughters ages 14 and 19 - also admits uneasiness about his find. "It's kind of weird thinking that thing would be a half-mile from my house," he says. Elsewhere in New Boston, Tharp's discovery has not exactly caused panic in the streets. Homemaker Ann Comer says friends in Iowa have heard cougars howling at night for years, without incident. "I don't think there's going to be a lot" of cougars in New Boston, Comer says. "I think they're going to be more afraid of people than we'd be afraid of them." Agreeing is Barbara O'Hearn, but only because she lives in town. "If I lived in the country, I'd be scared," she says. Despite the mortal injury, Tharp's cougar will get around. He has given the carcass to the DNR, but he sent the hide to a taxidermist for mounting. Later, when the state finishes its tests, Tharp plans to bleach the bones and restructure the skeleton. He would like to display the skeleton, perhaps at the county courthouse or as a traveling state exhibit. "I don't want to horde the thing," Tharp says. "I don't want it in the basement where I'm the only one to get enjoyment out of it." PHIL LUCIANO is a columnist with the Journal Star. He can be reached at [email protected], 686-3155 or (800) 225-5757, Ext. 3155. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washi Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois They won't let us shoot them over here. They say "It has to be trying to eat you." I don't really know if I'd shoot one if I could but I don't like being told that I can't. Oh and I have seen one here and heard of lots of other sightings so it doesn't surprise me at all they are in Illinois too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dartonman Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois It would be so drilled.....................Im with you guys, I would tag it...........al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam16 Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Jeez i am very surprised, i wouda though every1 here would said they woulda passed, but jeez if you guys are shooting then i guess i'm shooting too. I really wasnt sure if it was legal or not... and to be honest the chances of me getting a shot is slim to none, but hey, i guess ill be shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodge4x4 Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois on our farm we have a black mountain lion and a regular mountain lion. i wuld shoot em no matter what b/c i have been attavked by one before and it wuld be self defense. and im pretty sure but not positive that you can kill black ones no matter what later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois [ QUOTE ] Some biologists say big cats could be migrating to the Midwest in search of game. Recently, deer and other prey have become plentiful [/ QUOTE ] This my problem! What are they going to eat once the deer population is way down!?!?!?!?!? Thats when they can lose their fear of man. According to PA we dont have them either! But we have had siting too! I dont care if PA says you CANT shoot them I will if seen! We dont need that type of animal here on the east coast anymore! [ QUOTE ] on our farm we have a black mountain lion and a regular mountain lion. i wuld shoot em no matter what b/c i have been attavked by one before and it wuld be self defense. and im pretty sure but not positive that you can kill black ones no matter what [/ QUOTE ] You have a Black Panther running around??? This is a new one to me! I heard of mountain lions running around but not Black Panthers! You were attacked before? So, how did it end? If you killed it I would have taken pictures! You have any pics??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois [ QUOTE ] You guys would rather shoot up what few we have instead of letting them populate,and have a season on them? I don't think i would shoot a cat if it crossed my path just because it's there. [/ QUOTE ] Like I said in my previous post what happens when their food supply is low? Is your kids fair game for that cat??? Is anybody fair game to be eaten by that cat!?!?!?!?! BOOM!!! THERE DEAD!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slaw Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Personally, I would shoot the thing and have hiim mounted, i wouldn't want to start running into these things on a regular basis. Don't want a populatiion of huge cats where I hunt. Slaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Illegal to shoot them in Oklahoma land. But if I saw one on my property where I take my kids you can bet I would do G.W.'s three S's. todd [/ QUOTE ] Me too. I read that they are reall good eatin. Dave [/ QUOTE ] What are his three S's??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KTMMIKE Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois I think the 3 S's Todd is referring to is: shoot, shovel, & shut up. A lot of people have problems with dogs running through thier property. I think this is where the term 3 S's originated from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois Would have to take it out. Really not too sure if it would be legal or not here, but we have cows and horses and I cannot afford to lose livestock to a cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illinoisbowhunter Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois He would be a dead kitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodge4x4 Posted December 19, 2004 Report Share Posted December 19, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois i never got a hot off at him, and here i got a website bout black ones and such ( i think it talks bout black ones) , if i killed it i would deffinately have pics..................www.prairieghosts.com/ilpanthers.html and i shuldnt of said "attacked" if you wanna hear the story lemme know and i will write back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washi Posted December 19, 2004 Report Share Posted December 19, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois That looks like a pretty good sized cat. Then again I wouldn't really know how big they get. There may be a black one around here too. Me and others have seen a normal colored one and my dad may have seen a black one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 2500HD Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois [ QUOTE ] You guys would rather shoot up what few we have instead of letting them populate,and have a season on them? I don't think i would shoot a cat if it crossed my path just because it's there. [/ QUOTE ] This is not directed at anyone directly just a general responce to a statement like this. OK it is a cat that is very capable of taking you out for good and it crosses your path THIS TIME as you walk through the woods. You let it go because you see it as useless killing. Now the next time you enter the woods headed to your stand and THIS TIME the cat hasn't eaten for a couple days and lies crouched behind a log waiting for the perfect time to make a snack out of your arse. Still think it is a good idea to let them multiply? As I stated before it is not the thrill of the kill for me but the safety for myself and my kids i am worried about. Just not a chance I care to take! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooBear Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois I think I would leave it alone. Its just another hunter that kills for food. Where do you draw the line? Should every animal that is higher on the food chain than us be wiped out? Should we allow all bears to be shot on sight because some people are afraid of them? I think if a single animal becomes a problem it should be killed. I have no problem killing anything in defense of my family or home, but I dont kill something that might be a problem someday, or because it scares me. JMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck2 Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 Re: mountain lions in Illinois In my opinion, be it ever so humble, it seems that the fear factor of cougars is greatly overblown here. I think this is a common response to situations in which people haven't had a lot of experience. Actually the odds of getting killed in an automobile accident while on the way to a hunting spot is immensely greater than being attacked by a cat. There is a good population of cougars throughout much of British Columbia. Yes, they get deer, mountain sheep, and whatever else they can, since they are pretty good predators. Nonetheless, we have very good hunting for many species of big game, cougars included. I have shot just one and, as was mentioned above, they are good eating. For many years, I did mining exploration work in very wild places and have seen many cougars. I'm sure many more than that saw me. But, as with bears or any other predator, there is seldom a problem. Indeed, every year there are cougar, bear, and even coyote attacks. But as ZooBear pointed out, this is not a good reason to shoot everything on sight. Under threatening circumstances - which includes everything from a direct attack to arbitrarily intruding into a residential neighborhood - certainly. But I think we need to avoid unreasonable fear of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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