Mountain Lion Killed with Bow in Self-Defense

by
posted on December 26, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
brownmountainlion_lead.jpg
Ryan Ellis

After purchasing an over-the-counter archery-elk tag for an area near Gunnison, Colo., Florida resident (and proud NRA member) Trevor Brown experienced quite the high-country initiation for a first-time bowhunter.

On Sept. 1, 2018, around 10 a.m., Brown was in a good spot and waiting for an elk. After sitting a while, he got up to stretch and heard a noise behind him. Turning around, Brown locked eyes with a 150-pound male cougar only 3 yards away and ready to pounce. Keeping a tree between himself and the cat, Brown drew his bow, leaned around the tree and released a 460-grain arrow into the cat’s chest, piercing the animal’s heart. The cougar took off but collapsed mere yards away.

“This thing wanted to eat me. When reality set in, I was pretty scared, and I don’t get scared easy,” Brown told American Hunter staff.

Upon close inspection of the kill site and the cougar’s chest wound by the on-scene game warden, Colorado authorities investigated to confirm the cat was shot in self-defense. Photo Credit: Ryan Ellis

Brown contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which sent a game warden out to investigate and eventually verified Brown’s claims of self-defense.

Not only did Brown survive his encounter, but he shot a great 6X6 bull four days later after his hunting partner Ryan Ellis called the elk into 55 yards. Ironically, Brown shot his elk no more than 100 yards from where he killed the cougar. CPW took custody of the lion and plans to use it for educational purposes.

Latest

Gear Lede Image
Gear Lede Image

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

#SundayGunday: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.

On this week's #SundayGunday, Digital Associate Editor David Herman talks with Benelli Vice President Tim Joseph about Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. barrel technology.

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Recipe: Bacon-Rolled Elk Burgers

Brad Fenson whips up his classic Bacon Rolled Elk Burgers in this week's recipe.

First Look: Chiappa Firearms Rhino Revolver

Chiappa Firearms is expanding its Rhino series by introducing two new revolvers chambered in the powerful, versatile 10mm Auto.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.