Bear or cougar attacks in McCall area

[lilshootergirl]

How worried should I be about being attacked by bear or cougar? Yes I hunt alone' do carry a side arm?

[wawhitey]

Dont worry about it, but be prepared. I always carry.

[Indian Summer]

How worried? About as worried as you would be about getting hit by lightning. Not enough of a realistic threat to stay inside. But you can't prepare for lightning so even less.

[ElkNut1]

No issue at all. Neither Bears, Wolves or Lions are a real threat to be concerned about here in this area. Sure they're around but you'll be lucky if you even see one hunting everyday for a month! (grin) Have fun & enjoy the hunt!

ElkNut1

[Tigger]

When I hunted Idaho a few years ago, you could shoot one of them with your elk tag (your tag would then be used so your hunt is over). It gives you a nice option. I almost got a chance at a wolf.

[Swede]

I don't know the McCall area, but would completely trust what Elknut and others are saying. Don't let fear slow you down. People have a multitude of Phobias. Things can happen, but it is not rationale to stop living because something bad could happen. Enjoy your hunt. I would feel comfortable sleeping alone out in the forest at night. Likely you will hear a bull bugle or a coyote howl. Maybe a wolf will howl. The woods are alive with critters, but you are safe.
As a lone female hunter, I would advise a little extra caution for two legged predators, especially along open roads and in base camp. Just don't let worry consume you. Remember there are more of those near home than out in the forest.

[Indian Summer]

Mmm Hmm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4To_A1FyO8

[WapitiTalk1]

Don't worry about it lilshootergirl, just keep your wits about you in the Idaho elk woods and you'll be fine. Now, if you do come across or surprise a wolf, big cat, or bear just do the following:

Wolf - Grab a stick, throw it and whistle to call him back "here boy, here boy". When he returns with the stick, bonk him on the head.

Cougar - Lay down by a large blow down pine and scratch your finger on the log calling "kitty, kitty, kitty". When he gets close enough, bonk him on the head.

Bear - Just carry a picnic basket (you know the kind with the white/red checked cloth on top of it) and place said picnic basket on the ground. When the bear gets close enough to try and steal the picnic basket, bonk him on the head.

[lilshootergirl]

I'm beyond excited about this hunt, noticed I can buy a second elk tag for elk for $299. Can you use your second elk tag on bear, cougar or deer? Now I know how to handle the approach of conivors

[TurkeyBowMaster]

What made you choose the McCall area. There are many roads in the area. I am debating on hunting that area but I expect lots of hunters. It is open area too so long range spotting might be a tactic.

[Indian Summer]

What made you choose the McCall area. There are many roads in the area. I am debating on hunting that area but I expect lots of hunters. It is open area too so long range spotting might be a tactic.

No. Mainly timbered with burns. Not spotting scope country.

[lilshootergirl]

Well, turkey bow master, I
I hunt alone and it was recommended to me from someone who knows the area. I just want to hunt something other than spikes. I looked at the elk numbers and this area holds pretty good numbers. Talked to the elk biologists, locals and its so beautiful! Yes other hunters could be in the area, good or bad? You just have to have it work in Your favor. I called a few people to pay them to take me hunting, due to the fact I don't have a partner is hard to throw a women in a tent with other men. The plus side I'm retired and I can hunt as long as the season will let me. So with all the scouting and research I've done I think I will have a chance at a nice bull. Do you have somewhere else I should be hunting? Are you willing to show me the ropes, area? Cause I'm certinly open to any suggestions. I've hunted every corner (just about) of Washington with not much luck except 8x8, 6x6 in 13 years. I did get drawn for a cow, which I did fill!! Yeah! Thank god I can call them in but by law can't shoot them. So I'm looking in Idaho this year.maybe I'll see you?

[TurkeyBowMaster]

LSG...sounds like you have done your research. I know leas than you about that area but I will be archery hunting and might get there before you and learn a bit about it. My plan is to hunt Montana first so I am not sure how the logistics of hunting two states might work. I have a single season of experience there and came in contact with bulls on 9 occasions and got two shots, so I do feel I at is a decent area.

We should exchange contact info where we can share info and possible give one another a better chance. Should I still be there when you arrive I would love to meet you...not many solo diy female hunters willing to go it alone in those conditions. Lots of respect here from me, but at this point there are a lot more here that can help more than I.