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

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.