Large Cats

[AmirSalaam]

Hello,

I am new to doomsday prepper, and do not know if this post belongs here.

I recently moved from New Jersey to a mountainous and remote area of Colorado. We occasionally see large cats here that scare both me and my family.

I researched about them and the standard way to kill them is with a gun, but is illegal without proper education and license.

I do not have a gun, a license or required education.

Does anyone here have experience with trapping large cats or other large wild animals? I would like to protect my family at all costs, but lack the knowledge and ability. This looks like a place that could hold the answers.

Thank you for allowing me into your forum.

Amir

 

[Thumper]

First off. Read the following link. You seem to misunderstand the laws there. They are very different from Jersy.

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/csp/colorado-gun-laws

Go to your local range and ask them about some safety classes. You will find that it is infinetly easier to learn to use a firearm safely than it is to safely trap animals.

 

[AmirSalaam]

I am hesitant to go anywhere near guns.

I have wanted one desperately since our first child was born, but I am of middle eastern descent. And although I am not religious, it would be easy to mistake me and my family as Muslim. In New Jersey we were surrounded by unprovoked trouble and suspicion, because of how we look. I can only imagine the reaction to my purchase of a gun to be negative.

I removed us from society for the main purpose of getting out of everybodys way. But now I am in the way of large cats. It is a "Catch 22" if you know what I mean.

 

[Thumper]

And why do you give a **** what other folks think?

 

[Skeeter]

Welcome to the forums, Amir.

I'm a bit of an old fashioned guy, but if a wildcat came anywhere near me or my family and presented a threat, I'd blow its head off regardless of the law.

I was raised to believe that guns are our friends, and my time in the military strengthened this belief for me.

 

[AmirSalaam]

I respect your attitude, Thumper. But it matters because I have been attacked both verbally and physically because of my appearance on numerous occasions. And if an altercation arises, no matter who is at fault, nobody sides with Amir. If I have a gun, I feel even more like a target. Imagine if a white man tries to beat Amir (which has happened) and Amir kills this man in self defense. Do you think anyone would believe me? The benefit of the doubt has never applied to me and never will.

I have accepted this, and would still prefer America to any other nation. I just need to find a different way to protect myself.

 

[AmirSalaam]

Thank you skeeter you are a very kind man.

 

[Tom Brands]

Amir - I actually recommend watching some nature shows. I saw one about hikers being attacked by a mountain lion. Apparently they like to attack when you're not looking. You could potentially look into some sort of mirror type of system so that they will be easier to spot from behind.

 

[Thumper]

Ive experienced discrimination as well. I get it. But I dont let it dictate how I live my life.

 

[Skeeter]

Amir - I actually recommend watching some nature shows. I saw one about hikers being attacked by a mountain lion. Apparently they like to attack when you're not looking. You could potentially look into some sort of mirror type of system so that they will be easier to spot from behind.

This is very sound advice, Tom. It sounds like you have some wilderness survival training.

Amir, I would also suggest not letting your children hike alone at night. Wildcats are animals who will stalk their prey. Sort of like housecats, but much larger and more dangerous.

 

[AmirSalaam]

I will watch the shows Tom. The cats appear cowardly for being so enormous. They slink around quietly in the dark, looking for any sneaky opportunity they can get rather than making their prescence known. They are a spooky creature.

My daughter is too young to understand and wants to trap one and keep one as a pet. I've warned her several times about the seriousness of these large cats, but girls will be girls.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Get a gun. If the cat shows any aggression shoot the damn thing. Protecting your family is your number one concern. You don't need a license unless your going to hunt for the cat. Then you need a hunting license and in most states a lion tag. Colorado is an anti trapping state. The fools only allow cage traps to be set, unless your on private land.
You may be forced to use the 3 S's, Shoot, Shovel, Shut up.

 

[AmirSalaam]

That is the most reassuring post I could have hoped for. Thank you, Arctic. I'm worried about killing the cats illegally. But there are times where you have to go above the law for the common good. I will look into getting a rifle.

 

[Gazrok]

There you go...was going to say rifle is your best bet.
For the kid, look into getting a safety trigger. Many cops use this. It will prevent your kid from being able to fire the weapon (or an intruder), but allow only YOU to do so. (works via a magnetic ring you wear, that enables the gun to then function while you have it).

 

[Mountain trapper]

That is the most reassuring post I could have hoped for. Thank you, Arctic. I'm worried about killing the cats illegally. But there are times where you have to go above the law for the common good. I will look into getting a rifle.

A rifle is a good choice, but be aware that if you're walking around the woods carrying a rifle, especially if it's a high powered rifle and it's during hunting season, make sure you have a hunting license and proper tags. Otherwise you could get harassed by some fish and game wanna be storm trooper. My suggestion would be to carry a handgun in .357 magnum caliber if you're in mountain lion country. Go out and practice with it until your proficient and can reliably hit a beer can sized target at different distances. Cats like to stock their prey and attack from high areas; trees and rock outcropings. A handgun would be easier to use in a tight area. I've been trapping for 50+ years, mostly predators, cats included. Don't ever turn your back on them.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Double dam posts.

 

[Mountain trapper]

.

 

[user 6493]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm,,,,,,,,,,,,,smells a little fishy here

 

[AmirSalaam]

What do you mean grayghost?

 

[user 6493]

I guess I am not the trusting type ,,,,,and you sir are claiming to look Muslim,,,,,you say you are living in Colorado yet your location is Middle East,,,,,,,,which is it,,,you can not be in both places

 

[AmirSalaam]

I am in northern Colorado currently. When I joined the forum I was unsure if I wanted to reveal my location, as I thought that was very personal, so I vaguely alluded to where I am from.

It is the middle of the night where I grew up. It is 5:36 pm here.

 

[Maverick]

I deal with cats here all the time, if you have small kids or pets watch them like a hawk and keep them close by if you live in rural areas or in an area known for the cats, they are extremely fast and silent. As was alluded to, get a firearm and a big dog.

 

[AmirSalaam]

But I understand your reaction better now. You are very observant.

 

[user 6493]

But I understand your reaction better now. You are very observant.

do you now,,,,,,,,you joined today and talk about Colorado and big cats right off the bat,,,,,,I have reservations about you ,your nationality your true location and motives for being here,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,just to many red flags for me,,,enjoy the forum,,,

 

[AmirSalaam]

I will soon figure out how to use the quotes and you will learn to love me.

Either way, thank you for welcoming me even with your reservations.

 

[Skeeter]

Amir, it is mostly good people here. I wouldn't go posting your address or anything, but it is definitely safe to talk about the state you live in and stuff like that.

If you ever do get any threatening messages just report it to a moderator and they will take care of it.

 

[AmirSalaam]

I have browsed many threads today and nobody seems threatening. There are some racially-charged comments sometimes but they are not hateful or directed to anyone. I think I'll fit in well enough in time!

 

[Skeeter]

Amir do you own any pets?

 

[AmirSalaam]

We dont have any pets, and won't have any until we are more comfortable in our home. There are plenty of deer and some sheep around our place though, and they visit often enough to feel like pets!

Do you have pets, Skeeter?

 

[Skeeter]

I have two kittens. I also have two dogs for home defense. They are trained using many of the methods used for police canines. They will viciously attack any unwelcome intruder.

I have already decided that in a survival situation, if it comes down to it, I would set my dogs free and keep my kittens.