It's Early October 2024. I am out on my first archery sit in my deer blind in a location just over an hour from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After setting up my blind, it isn't long before my Archery Hunt for Whitetail Deer has Gone Wrong and I have a Terrifying Close Cougar Encounter. ***** Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Great Grey Owls 2:04 Getting Set Up 6:30 Terrifying Cougar Encounter 7:48 Too Close for Comfort 10:20 Please Subscribe & Outro ******************************************************************** THANKS to @ProgRockDan1 for the DC OUTDOORS INTRO SONG ********************************************************************
Thanks Kevin! I'm going to head over to your channel and check you out. I love supporting those that support me. You have my sub! Didn't realize you had a second channel! I gotchya!
Hi Luke, I know the population is growing and growing. I used to never get them on camera. I had a couple photos of cougars on my trail cam on this place over the winter, didn't think too much of it because there was no pattern or regularity. Now, seeing this one , not even at dusk, has me super reluctant to go back during bow season and I may even avoid hunting it altogether with the kiddos. I think that the cougar population in the province is thriving, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Glad this one was at 60 yards. I wasn't about to take a chance of crossing it's path in the dark on the walk back to the truck. I got the hell out quick lol.
Hi Garry! Thanks for the support, my friend. It's nice to be out with the bow, but I sure wish I had something with me that packed more punch on this trip... 💩.
I don'y usually watch hunting vids, but your title got me interested. That would have been a bit scary, but the footage you got was cool. Better to be safe at all times. Stay safe and take care Dan!
Hey Larry, I appreciate you watching. It was a cool but scary experience. Glad it was 60 yards away and not closer. I don't think it would attack me, but better safe than sorry.
I'm still shook up about it. Statistically, it's not likely that I would be attacked by one, but I've avoided going back to this spot since seeing the cougar. It's a good hunting area too - so I'm wavering on what to do here.
Wow! You got some great footage of that cat. The owl footage was great, too. I don't blame you for not wanting to walk out by yourself once it got dark. I've had a situation where I had cat tracks on top of my tracks in the snow, but never saw it.
Yikes! This is my second visual sighting of a cougar. The first time was when I was maybe 10 or so, hunting with dad. I've gotten a few pictures too on camera. Wouldn't have expected to see this one roaming an hour and a bit before dark in a 100-yard x 100-yard field.
Thanks Ice Bear! The Owls were fun to see, and the cougar was definitely an experience. It was cool to see, but I wish it was on someone else's UA-cam channel. Brings a level of humility to me being out there. I'll have to keep my head on a swivel if I'm out there again.
Awesome footage of the owls!! Oooo the cougar was way too close!! Be careful and stay safe out there our friend!! Still an enjoyable video to watch!! Thanks for sharing!!
Those Great Gray owls are awesome. I just love them. They're huge and they have those haunting eyes! Man, the cat was something I Did not want to see. Clearly the population is thriving.. not sure what this means for my desire to want to hunt out here during bow season or with my kids.
@@DCOutdoors That’s so awesome! Would love to see the owls up close! Yeah definitely not, don’t blame you there on that. Shawn was going to go bow hunting with his compound bow but it completely exploded on him when he was practicing with it, nothing happened to him thankfully and I’m still not quite comfortable to hunt with my bow yet. So if we go “archery” hunting it will have to be with a crossbow. But don’t blame you about with the encounter with the cougar and not sure about bow hunting.
Thanks Nilla G! Those cats are growing in population. Seeing more and more sightings closer to the city. Was surprised to see this one well before dusk in the wide open field. This cat wasn't too timid... thanks for watching. I appreciate the support!
awesome capture with the owl Dan! Wow!!!! Cougar was really something. I don't blame you not being around him😮 Think you made the correct decision!!!! You are getting really close to that 2k brother!!! Looking forward to the ice fishing!
Hey Chris, I can't get over how big those cougars are. Its body is as large as a deer. I look forward to ice fishing, too. Time flies, I can't believe we are almost at Halloween already. Where did the year go? I randomly gave out a few channel memberships, and you won one. Channel members get early looks at the videos and a nifty badge! The badge looks good on ya! ✌️
What an experience... Cool footage for sure... Even though the hunt ended short... It'll be one that you'll remember forever... Man, it looked like such a beautiful evening... I ended a bow hunt because of a black bear years ago...(I've never forgotten it). I hope you have a super weekend buddy... ✌️
Predators are no joke! I really don't like coming across them with a bow. I feel a bit safer with a firearm. I got a photo of a big black bear travelling here too. I'll probably post it on Instagram in the coming days. This property is turning into a scene out of national geographic, lol. It has moose, deer, bears and now cougars. Even got a ruffed grouse on my last camera check, lol. Too bad the kid can't find a ruffy though to save his life...
Thanks James - those owls are my favorite. They're HUGE and their yellow eyes are so intense. Yeah, seeing that Cat was not what I wanted to see on this trip. No joke - I basically ran out of there. If it was prowling an hour before sun-down, I definitely didn't want to cross it's path in the dark on the way home. The grass out there is so high, you'd never see a cat walking down the trail heading back to the truck - let alone in day light, not to mention in the dark. Not sure what this means for this place for us bow hunting or for hunting out there with my boys. Might feel safer during the November firearms season but I may also go buy a winter cougar tag just to eliminate this issue...
Your pulse must have been racing. That is way too close for comfort. Good call on getting out if there. Really cool footage, though, of the owls as well👍 Even though we have not encountered a cougar, we know they could just be around the next tree or bush. Thank you for sharing. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Hi Michelle and Holger, I have had trail cameras on this place off and on for a couple of years. Since this past January, I have gotten a few pictures of cougars. Never before that, though. They're either moving into the area or the population has grown. I think it's the latter. They're quite protected from a hunting perspective, and I'd imagine with people taking over more and more space, the population is being mixed around. Crazy to think this was just over an hour outside of Edmonton.
Hey Jim - thanks for leaving a comment. Not sure if I've seen you comment before (or at least not that I can remember) - thanks firstly for watching and leaving a note. I think you're right about the population expanding. I saw one 20 years ago or so way up in Swan Hills. Maybe ten years ago I was getting footage of them on my cameras up by Athabasca, and now they've closed in to that hour radius of the city. I think that the population is flourishing. Made me nervous seeing this one well before dusk. Prowling during the fully bright hours to me is a concern. Anyways, thanks a bunch for watching - I appreciate it. Feel free to comment more often and if you haven't yet - it would mean a lot to me if you'd subscribe. Keep in touch!
Nice to get close to the 2 owls but ya that cougar was a little concerning. Ironic that there was a ‘cougar’ reference in the background of your video at the 0:47 mark lol. Glad you are safe !
Hi Christina, thanks as always for watching. Yup, that cougar was way too close for comfort. The future of me hunting this space is up in the air. I know there's game in the area, but the predator pressure makes me a bit weary. Happy Thanksgiving to you also! Enjoy these fall colors! Have a good long weekend.
Hello Dan. Incredible footage, the owls were beautiful and the cougar was crazy, we don’t have them here, but I think you made the right decision, all the more reason I believe we should be able to carry a side arm when hunting and fishing (out west at least) when dealing with cougars and grizzlies. Regards Mark
Mark, I absolutely agree. I'm not sure where this will lead me with regards to bow hunting here or even going out here during firearms season (with the kids). These cats tend not to attack people until they attack people. I don't wanna be a statistic, and especially dressing an animal or tracking one makes me really weary...
Yah! I moved like an Olympic sprinter to get the F Outta there. Sad, it's one of my favourite spots. My older son ,"Chicken King/ Walleye Whisperer " got his first deer on this property and his first grouse too. Now I have to rethink the safety of being out there and taking the kids here. Cougars are quite protected, so hunting them is barely an option.
Right? I usually would have hunted until half hour after sunset, and hiked back to the truck in t e dark. The grass is so long, with a bow and arrow I did not want to risk coming across it in close quarters on the way back out of the bush. It was time to turn and run. They're critters I don't want to mess around with... Thanks for watching ! Hope you have a good weekend.
You seen a cougar. That’s awesome and lucky. Believe me you’ve been out before when cougars have seen you and you never seen them. They walked on like that and we’re gone. They are extremely elusive and wary of humans. But better safe than sorry is always good advice to adhere to. Thanks for the excellent video.
Do you think I would have been better to yell at him to tell him to GTFO of here, or am I best just to sneak out like I did? What would you do if you saw him again? I appreciate your wisdom. lol.
I think as soon as I got to the truck, I freaked out lmao. I was cool as a cucumber out there while the encounter happened... needed fresh underwear after. 💩
Wow I don’t blame ya at all for packing up I probably would’ve done the same. We have very few up by where I hunt and I’m always looking out for them even with a gun in my hands. Nice video 👍
Hey Geo - hope all is well. I think the population is growing. I never would have thought I'd seen one within an hour and a bit of Edmonton. Makes me reconsider hunting out here during bow season. I'll feel a bit safer with a rifle but I worry about being there with archery and/or with the kids. Might have to buy a cougar tag...
Okay, I'm locking my door and staying inside!! lol Looks like you have yourself some competition for a deer. We've been told now that there has been sightings here in NS. Yikes! Indeed, I think I would have been tempted to just leave everything and get myself out of there!! Keep safe!
Hey Bruce, I was RUNNING to get out of there. Funny enough, I got halfway back to the truck and couldn't find my phone. I thought I dropped it on my way. Used the "find my phone" button on my smart watch, and it was in my hoodie pocket. I was in such a haste to go... crazy that there are sightings out your way. I think that cougars are well protected and so the population is growing and growing everywhere.
That was a very cool encounter! I felt much safer watching it here from home than I would have out in your blind. Probably a good call to leave - if not for your peace of mind - but for the fact the deer were probably long gone with that cat around. Very interesting video!
No joke! He was definitely on the hunt. Might have been hunting field mice, but could have been looking for something bigger. I agree fully though - a cool encounter, but I wish I was watching it on someone else's youtube channel too lol. I'll have my head on a swivel next time I'm out there...
Pretty cool footage. I’m not sure if you’d want to be out there with the boys unless it’s firearms season. Definitely don’t want to go toe to toe with a cat like that. Stay safe my friend and look forward to seeing more. 👍👍
Hey Den, I appreciate you saying that. Hopefully I wasn't too much of a wimp, lol. Cougar cruising around before dusk. I wouldn't have wanted to run into him in the dark heading back to the truck. Thanks for watching.
Hey Dan, it was cool to get the cat on film and yet it was oblivious to your presence. A small cat nonetheless, doesn’t hurt to give it some space. They’re more plentiful than most would imagine and cover quite an area so I wouldn’t give up on your spot if it’s continuing to show good sign of other species.
You know I thought the same - I had a couple of photos of the cat in January, in fact there were two on one picture, then things simmered down. I found it odd that my first sit out there this season in the blind - I see the cat. Makes me think that the odds of stumbling across it would have been low, if it wasn't in a core spot of it's range. I still have cameras out there, so I'll let you know if I get more photos on my next check. Good variety of game out here too, so clearly these cats are hunting what I am. I agree that he was oblivious to me being there. Not sure if he would have reacted differently if he knew I was there - I was on the fence about yelling at him or just slinking out of there - and I obviously chose to just sneak out - given that he was going the other direction anyway. Anyways - hope you had a good Thanksgiving. We got to hook up this winter for an ice fish! I appreciate your wisdom and advise and being an awesome friend.
I saw one when I was maybe like 10 or 12 years old with dad. It was way farther up north. I had a few on camera a couple hours north of Edmonton in the last ten years. I've seen cats here on this same property on my cameras through winter, but didn't think much of it since I only saw a photo or two. I just assumed they were passing through. I'm now thinking this might be core habitat for them - it's odd that my first hunt of the year here in the blind I see one travelling before dark.. Makes me think it's home range for sure.
Wow, I would be leaving early too! They don't currently live by us, and only heard of a roaming male juvenile passes through the state occassionally I think. We have bobcats here but they are only 30lbs or so and scared of us. They do damage to the turkey population though. Good video and that area looks really pretty!
HI Susan, yup, I definitely don't want to mess around with cougars. It was time to go when I saw that fella. Especially without a firearm. I think this guy would have been scared off if he'd seen me but I didn't want to take that chance. I think he's here hunting because of the game population. I've seen moose, deer and even black bear here recently. I'll likely share a few photos on Instagram or over on Twitter! Take it easy and thanks for watching.
@@DCOutdoors I bet! I had an encounter when I was younger working at a secluded lodge in Chilliwack. I was closing the gate and just about to hop back in the truck and the beast jumped on the hood. He was staring at me while I closed the door super slowly. I'm pretty sure I was pale. But here I am! Haha.
I appreciate you watching. Seems like the comments so far have been pretty unanimous. Everyone is saying they would have made the same decision as I did. I'm not sure about the future status of hunting this spot. Doubt, I'll be back without a firearm, and I'm also not sure I'd take the boys back out here.
It was a cool experience, however I wish I was watching it on someone else's UA-cam channel and not out of the window of my hunting blind.. it sure puts into perspective what lurks around the wildlands.
It's nuts dude. I saw one with dad when I was maybe ten years old. We were on the quad, parked it and got off, walking down a trail. I looked back and saw the cat cross the trail between us and the quad. This is the first time in my adult life that I've seen one. Really threw me off seeing it in daylight, well before dusk. Not something I wanted to come across in the dark on the way back to the truck so I wrapped things up early. Not sure the status of me hunting here with bow or even with the boys. I didn't see consistent photos of the cat on camera so I thought it was passing through. Obviously, I'm wrong... thanks for watching buddy!
For what it's worth, and not that it would stop it. I can confirm bear spray is absolutely horrible. My safety snagged in the car and sprayed onto the backpack it was attached to in a short burst. But in cleaning it up I got a tiny amount on my hand. That small amount spread to nearly everyhwere down to my wrist. It changed my opinion on how crazy it is in contact with a human and how horrible it would be to have to get off your skin if sprayed in your face. My work sells it and is now forced by city by law to record serial number and personal ID in case it's ever used on a person.
Hey Man - it's awesome to see you comment. I appreciate hearing from you on here man. Means a lot. I've bought several cans, and you're right - they all have to be tracked with the vendor. I've never had to use them so I have a bunch of expired ones that I now have to get rid of. Having to use it on an animal would be a last resort and something that I'd likely use only after firing a warning shot. However, with a bow, I don't really have that option so I'll always take a can with me - just in case. I had a relative where a can went off on him when he was in an enclosed spot, and you're right - it's awful. Anyways, thanks again for leaving a note . Comment more often - YT algorithm likes that stuff.
Thanks Sean. It was cool footage, but I'd rather have had someone else upload the footage than me lol. This really puts into question the risk I want to assume hunting out here. Not sure yet if this place is off-limits to me just during bow season or beyond. Also, puts into question if I want to take the kids back out here. This place holds an important place for us. It's where the Chicken King/Walleye Whisperer harvested his first Snowshoe Hare, His first grouse and his first deer...
@@DCOutdoors I had a cat come in close once calling elk during archery… gotta say the feeling of something watching me and hair on the back of the neck was overwhelming before actually seeing it. Glad it was done after a few seconds of being a loud n’ boisterous human!
Hey Ted, I saw one when I was maybe ten year's old with my dad. We had quaded down a trail, parked the quad and were walking. We looked back and I saw the cat cross between us and the quad. This is the first I've seen live with my own eyes. We had a few pictures of cougars through winter out here, but I didn't think much of it because it wasn't common. Seeing one on my first sit of the season and not even at dusk made me feel really nervous. Especially since the grass is still so tall. Didn't want to come across one in the tall grass heading back to the truck in the dark... especially with just a stick and string.
Nice to see you stop in and leave a note. I'm headed your way now and watching some of your recent trail camera videos. I subscribed to you! I love building community and networking with likeminded content creators. I try to support those that support me. Stay connected.
Hey Ryan, I can't carry a side arm here, unfortunately. I can pack a shotgun (for birds) so I may do that going forward. However, honestly, I may avoid this spot until the firearm deer season. Sadly, it was this spot that the "Chicken King /Walleye Whisperer " got his first deer last year and also where he shot his first grouse. I'm feeling wary about taking the boys back out here, firearm season, or not.
@tnwildcam the cameras are a good baseline. I never thought this place had big predators but I've seen cougar and black bear on camera for the first time ever within the last year. Been here off and on for 2-3 seasons before that and never saw either - while running two cams.
Hi Donald - thanks for dropping a note. This is a little further out than Eastpit, but definitely speaks to how close to the city they roam. Crazy you saw one out there. I think the population of them is definitely growing - either that, or humans have pushed them around. Either way - I don't like seeing them , lol. Once again, thanks for dropping a note. I think I've seen you here before, but either way - it's good to hear from you. Don't be a stranger. Look forward to hearing from you again and good luck hunting this fall.
Hey Jamie, it really got under my skin seeing him well before dusk. Very scary considering all I had was a bow and bear spray. The grass is so tall. The trail I walked in on, you'd never see a cougar walking in the grass. That made me scared about walking out of there in the dark if the cats are cruising. You might see me buy a cougar tag this fall....
@@DCOutdoors and they can sprint and run really quick so if they wanted to run out on you, it might be challenging with just a bow and some Bear spray if you had a gun on you and one ran up on you and you didn’t have a tag, but you felt at risk. What’s the law over there as far as that goes
@@lowermichiganadventures Hey Jimmy Boy - I agree 100%. This spot is probably not going to be one that I'll feel comfortable bow hunting and I don't even know about taking the boys back there during fire arm season (or at all). I think if you were attacked and shot it you could report it to the fish and wildlife as such and hopefully they don't take issue with it. There's no real guarantee though. In the area I was at, the season runs Dec 1 - March 31. If this was private land, a land owner can hunt them any time of the year without a license. The province allows a certain quota to be taken each day, you have to phone to see if the quota was met or not.
I'm glad the comments aren't all telling me I was a wimp for getting out of there, lol. It sure did get the heart pumping. I know they're out there (gotten a couple of photos of cougars on my trail camera), but I never would have expected to see one roaming around during daylight.
Absolutely! Would have felt safer with a firearm. The other consideration is the height of the grass. Walking back down the trail to the truck (where I saw the owls), the grass is at least waist / or up to chest high. You wouldn't be able to see a cougar in that depth of grass in the day, let alone , packing stuff back to the truck at night time. Didn't want to risk that encounter.
@@DCOutdoors Oh I hear you! What you did by giving it the waiting game before leaving, was a good tactic move. No one wants an encounter with large wild animals such as cats, moose and bears. Damn, I even got attacked by a Falcon while I was bear hunting a few years back. The attack almost lasted for 30 minutes before it gave up on me. It made contact with my head about 5 times with its talons. First attack was to my chest "which freaked me out and the next 1 was to my head than I placed my bow in front of me for protection till the attack ended, it was a crazy hunt that's for sure.
Hey Larry, it was out west of Edmonton. I've also seen them on camera by Athabasca. They're closer than you think, and I believe the population is growing. Thanks for the comment! I'm not sure I've seen you drop a note, so I appreciate the interaction. If you haven't, consider subscribing. It would help me out a lot. Cheers and see you around.
Cool seeing the cougar but I agree, could you image dropping a deer and having to fight that cougar for it after dark!? I think I would have left as well.
Yup - that's a large reason why I got out of there, haha. I've had cougars on camera once in December or January and again in August. Didn't think this was a home range, though, then to see one on my first sit there of the year really hit me in the gut. I think it's definitely home for this cat.
It's Early October 2024. I am out on my first archery sit in my deer blind in a location just over an hour from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After setting up my blind, it isn't long before my Archery Hunt for Whitetail Deer has Gone Wrong and I have a Terrifying Close Cougar Encounter.
*****
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:25 Great Grey Owls
2:04 Getting Set Up
6:30 Terrifying Cougar Encounter
7:48 Too Close for Comfort
10:20 Please Subscribe & Outro
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THANKS to @ProgRockDan1 for the DC OUTDOORS INTRO SONG
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Great footage here. Can't blame you for heading back. Wouldn't want that thing stalking me!
Thanks Kevin! I'm going to head over to your channel and check you out. I love supporting those that support me. You have my sub! Didn't realize you had a second channel! I gotchya!
Yes I would not want to run into a Cougar.
Yah! You'd never have expected to see me get packed up and back to the truck so fast. Lol.
im glad those things are super rare around here. Glad it didn't come closer. Good luck this season
Hi Luke, I know the population is growing and growing. I used to never get them on camera. I had a couple photos of cougars on my trail cam on this place over the winter, didn't think too much of it because there was no pattern or regularity. Now, seeing this one , not even at dusk, has me super reluctant to go back during bow season and I may even avoid hunting it altogether with the kiddos. I think that the cougar population in the province is thriving, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Glad this one was at 60 yards. I wasn't about to take a chance of crossing it's path in the dark on the walk back to the truck. I got the hell out quick lol.
Mr. Garry here with your 29th LIKE….happy come along with you Dan on your latest outdoor/hunting adventure with the BOW!
Hi Garry! Thanks for the support, my friend. It's nice to be out with the bow, but I sure wish I had something with me that packed more punch on this trip... 💩.
I don'y usually watch hunting vids, but your title got me interested. That would have been a bit scary, but the footage you got was cool. Better to be safe at all times. Stay safe and take care Dan!
Hey Larry, I appreciate you watching. It was a cool but scary experience. Glad it was 60 yards away and not closer. I don't think it would attack me, but better safe than sorry.
Oh man, a cougar. I think you did the right thing. Keep staying safe.
I'm still shook up about it. Statistically, it's not likely that I would be attacked by one, but I've avoided going back to this spot since seeing the cougar. It's a good hunting area too - so I'm wavering on what to do here.
Wow! You got some great footage of that cat. The owl footage was great, too. I don't blame you for not wanting to walk out by yourself once it got dark. I've had a situation where I had cat tracks on top of my tracks in the snow, but never saw it.
Yikes! This is my second visual sighting of a cougar. The first time was when I was maybe 10 or so, hunting with dad. I've gotten a few pictures too on camera. Wouldn't have expected to see this one roaming an hour and a bit before dark in a 100-yard x 100-yard field.
Awesome owl footage! Wow, that cougar was so close! 😱 Great video! 😃💚👊
Thanks Ice Bear! The Owls were fun to see, and the cougar was definitely an experience. It was cool to see, but I wish it was on someone else's UA-cam channel. Brings a level of humility to me being out there. I'll have to keep my head on a swivel if I'm out there again.
Awesome footage of the owls!! Oooo the cougar was way too close!! Be careful and stay safe out there our friend!! Still an enjoyable video to watch!! Thanks for sharing!!
Those Great Gray owls are awesome. I just love them. They're huge and they have those haunting eyes! Man, the cat was something I Did not want to see. Clearly the population is thriving.. not sure what this means for my desire to want to hunt out here during bow season or with my kids.
@@DCOutdoors That’s so awesome! Would love to see the owls up close! Yeah definitely not, don’t blame you there on that. Shawn was going to go bow hunting with his compound bow but it completely exploded on him when he was practicing with it, nothing happened to him thankfully and I’m still not quite comfortable to hunt with my bow yet. So if we go “archery” hunting it will have to be with a crossbow. But don’t blame you about with the encounter with the cougar and not sure about bow hunting.
Well Dan Glad you are safe! That cougar was so close. they are so stealthy too. fun watch beautiful area.
Thanks Nilla G! Those cats are growing in population. Seeing more and more sightings closer to the city. Was surprised to see this one well before dusk in the wide open field. This cat wasn't too timid... thanks for watching. I appreciate the support!
awesome capture with the owl Dan! Wow!!!! Cougar was really something. I don't blame you not being around him😮 Think you made the correct decision!!!! You are getting really close to that 2k brother!!! Looking forward to the ice fishing!
Hey Chris, I can't get over how big those cougars are. Its body is as large as a deer. I look forward to ice fishing, too. Time flies, I can't believe we are almost at Halloween already. Where did the year go? I randomly gave out a few channel memberships, and you won one. Channel members get early looks at the videos and a nifty badge! The badge looks good on ya! ✌️
@@DCOutdoors thanks so much Dan!!! Yes, this year is flying by quick!!
What an experience... Cool footage for sure... Even though the hunt ended short... It'll be one that you'll remember forever... Man, it looked like such a beautiful evening... I ended a bow hunt because of a black bear years ago...(I've never forgotten it). I hope you have a super weekend buddy... ✌️
Predators are no joke! I really don't like coming across them with a bow. I feel a bit safer with a firearm. I got a photo of a big black bear travelling here too. I'll probably post it on Instagram in the coming days. This property is turning into a scene out of national geographic, lol. It has moose, deer, bears and now cougars. Even got a ruffed grouse on my last camera check, lol. Too bad the kid can't find a ruffy though to save his life...
Those owls were cool! That cougar was a little unnerving but still cool to see, but that’s all the interaction you want. Glad your safe 🤙😎
Thanks James - those owls are my favorite. They're HUGE and their yellow eyes are so intense. Yeah, seeing that Cat was not what I wanted to see on this trip. No joke - I basically ran out of there. If it was prowling an hour before sun-down, I definitely didn't want to cross it's path in the dark on the way home. The grass out there is so high, you'd never see a cat walking down the trail heading back to the truck - let alone in day light, not to mention in the dark. Not sure what this means for this place for us bow hunting or for hunting out there with my boys. Might feel safer during the November firearms season but I may also go buy a winter cougar tag just to eliminate this issue...
Your pulse must have been racing. That is way too close for comfort.
Good call on getting out if there. Really cool footage, though, of the owls as well👍
Even though we have not encountered a cougar, we know they could just be around the next tree or bush.
Thank you for sharing.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Hi Michelle and Holger, I have had trail cameras on this place off and on for a couple of years. Since this past January, I have gotten a few pictures of cougars. Never before that, though.
They're either moving into the area or the population has grown. I think it's the latter.
They're quite protected from a hunting perspective, and I'd imagine with people taking over more and more space, the population is being mixed around.
Crazy to think this was just over an hour outside of Edmonton.
Hey Dan! They getting more and more. I live just west of Drayton Valley. We had one's in our yard last year. Too close with the kids outside.
Hey Jim - thanks for leaving a comment. Not sure if I've seen you comment before (or at least not that I can remember) - thanks firstly for watching and leaving a note.
I think you're right about the population expanding. I saw one 20 years ago or so way up in Swan Hills. Maybe ten years ago I was getting footage of them on my cameras up by Athabasca, and now they've closed in to that hour radius of the city. I think that the population is flourishing. Made me nervous seeing this one well before dusk. Prowling during the fully bright hours to me is a concern.
Anyways, thanks a bunch for watching - I appreciate it.
Feel free to comment more often and if you haven't yet - it would mean a lot to me if you'd subscribe. Keep in touch!
Nice to get close to the 2 owls but ya that cougar was a little concerning. Ironic that there was a ‘cougar’ reference in the background of your video at the 0:47 mark lol.
Glad you are safe !
@@dorwardoutdooradventures haha! Good eye! Not intentional.
Gorgeous evening, great owl footage. Cougar was super close, can never be too safe!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family, Dan!!!
Hi Christina, thanks as always for watching. Yup, that cougar was way too close for comfort. The future of me hunting this space is up in the air. I know there's game in the area, but the predator pressure makes me a bit weary. Happy Thanksgiving to you also! Enjoy these fall colors! Have a good long weekend.
Thanks for sharing
Jesus Dan! That’s quite the CAT! I would not want to come upon a courage like that…you made the right and SAFEST decision to get-out-of-there!
The owl, colors of the trees and the cougar. Great video!
Glad you liked it! That cougar was pretty spooky.
Nice hunting grounds, that cougar got close great footage Dan 👍
Thanks, KOS! Great footage, but it was certainly a scary moment.
Hello Dan. Incredible footage, the owls were beautiful and the cougar was crazy, we don’t have them here, but I think you made the right decision, all the more reason I believe we should be able to carry a side arm when hunting and fishing (out west at least) when dealing with cougars and grizzlies.
Regards
Mark
Mark, I absolutely agree. I'm not sure where this will lead me with regards to bow hunting here or even going out here during firearms season (with the kids). These cats tend not to attack people until they attack people. I don't wanna be a statistic, and especially dressing an animal or tracking one makes me really weary...
Quite the adventure!! Scary!! Even more scary when your alone. 🙂✌🏻🇨🇦
Yah! I moved like an Olympic sprinter to get the F Outta there.
Sad, it's one of my favourite spots. My older son ,"Chicken King/ Walleye Whisperer " got his first deer on this property and his first grouse too.
Now I have to rethink the safety of being out there and taking the kids here.
Cougars are quite protected, so hunting them is barely an option.
Hi Dan, yikes the cougar is proper terrifying, imagine bumping into her on a hike when she is hungry? Reminds me of an episode of 24 I saw!
Right? I usually would have hunted until half hour after sunset, and hiked back to the truck in t e dark. The grass is so long, with a bow and arrow I did not want to risk coming across it in close quarters on the way back out of the bush. It was time to turn and run. They're critters I don't want to mess around with... Thanks for watching ! Hope you have a good weekend.
Cool footage Dan, If you would have said hello to him he would have taken off so quick he would leave skid marks😂
You think? I didn't know if it would be better to yell at it to scram or wait until he left and just sneak the hell out of there.
@@DCOutdoors I wouldn't be worried dude :) have a good weekend :)
@@jsteelsadventureandvariety thanks man! You too. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🐔 🍗
You seen a cougar. That’s awesome and lucky. Believe me you’ve been out before when cougars have seen you and you never seen them. They walked on like that and we’re gone. They are extremely elusive and wary of humans. But better safe than sorry is always good advice to adhere to. Thanks for the excellent video.
Do you think I would have been better to yell at him to tell him to GTFO of here, or am I best just to sneak out like I did? What would you do if you saw him again? I appreciate your wisdom. lol.
Thanks for sharing brother
Thanks for leaving us a comment. Have a great day! 👋
Blimey 😮😮😮! But fair play to you mate for not freaking out 👍👍
I think as soon as I got to the truck, I freaked out lmao. I was cool as a cucumber out there while the encounter happened... needed fresh underwear after. 💩
Wow I don’t blame ya at all for packing up I probably would’ve done the same. We have very few up by where I hunt and I’m always looking out for them even with a gun in my hands. Nice video 👍
Hey Dan, that's a little concerning. I'm seeing more and more cougars on my trail cams. Stay safe, great video.
Hey Geo - hope all is well. I think the population is growing. I never would have thought I'd seen one within an hour and a bit of Edmonton. Makes me reconsider hunting out here during bow season. I'll feel a bit safer with a rifle but I worry about being there with archery and/or with the kids. Might have to buy a cougar tag...
Scary situation indeed. Be safe my friend!
Hey Ryan, so nice to see you back here. I appreciate the ongoing support!
Okay, I'm locking my door and staying inside!! lol Looks like you have yourself some competition for a deer. We've been told now that there has been sightings here in NS. Yikes! Indeed, I think I would have been tempted to just leave everything and get myself out of there!! Keep safe!
Hey Bruce, I was RUNNING to get out of there. Funny enough, I got halfway back to the truck and couldn't find my phone. I thought I dropped it on my way. Used the "find my phone" button on my smart watch, and it was in my hoodie pocket. I was in such a haste to go... crazy that there are sightings out your way. I think that cougars are well protected and so the population is growing and growing everywhere.
That was a very cool encounter! I felt much safer watching it here from home than I would have out in your blind. Probably a good call to leave - if not for your peace of mind - but for the fact the deer were probably long gone with that cat around. Very interesting video!
No joke! He was definitely on the hunt. Might have been hunting field mice, but could have been looking for something bigger. I agree fully though - a cool encounter, but I wish I was watching it on someone else's youtube channel too lol. I'll have my head on a swivel next time I'm out there...
Pretty cool footage. I’m not sure if you’d want to be out there with the boys unless it’s firearms season. Definitely don’t want to go toe to toe with a cat like that. Stay safe my friend and look forward to seeing more. 👍👍
Hey Dan, Great video, I would have left too after that cougar left.
Hey Den, I appreciate you saying that. Hopefully I wasn't too much of a wimp, lol. Cougar cruising around before dusk. I wouldn't have wanted to run into him in the dark heading back to the truck. Thanks for watching.
very cool footage owl 🦉 were very cool and the cat
Thanks John, I love those owls! They're beautiful and so huge! Thanks for checking out the video.
Hey Dan, it was cool to get the cat on film and yet it was oblivious to your presence. A small cat nonetheless, doesn’t hurt to give it some space.
They’re more plentiful than most would imagine and cover quite an area so I wouldn’t give up on your spot if it’s continuing to show good sign of other species.
You know I thought the same - I had a couple of photos of the cat in January, in fact there were two on one picture, then things simmered down. I found it odd that my first sit out there this season in the blind - I see the cat. Makes me think that the odds of stumbling across it would have been low, if it wasn't in a core spot of it's range. I still have cameras out there, so I'll let you know if I get more photos on my next check. Good variety of game out here too, so clearly these cats are hunting what I am. I agree that he was oblivious to me being there. Not sure if he would have reacted differently if he knew I was there - I was on the fence about yelling at him or just slinking out of there - and I obviously chose to just sneak out - given that he was going the other direction anyway. Anyways - hope you had a good Thanksgiving. We got to hook up this winter for an ice fish! I appreciate your wisdom and advise and being an awesome friend.
I have never seen a wild cougar. Or any type of wild cat. Thats pretty awesome.
I saw one when I was maybe like 10 or 12 years old with dad. It was way farther up north. I had a few on camera a couple hours north of Edmonton in the last ten years. I've seen cats here on this same property on my cameras through winter, but didn't think much of it since I only saw a photo or two. I just assumed they were passing through. I'm now thinking this might be core habitat for them - it's odd that my first hunt of the year here in the blind I see one travelling before dark.. Makes me think it's home range for sure.
Wow, I would be leaving early too! They don't currently live by us, and only heard of a roaming male juvenile passes through the state occassionally I think. We have bobcats here but they are only 30lbs or so and scared of us. They do damage to the turkey population though. Good video and that area looks really pretty!
HI Susan, yup, I definitely don't want to mess around with cougars. It was time to go when I saw that fella. Especially without a firearm. I think this guy would have been scared off if he'd seen me but I didn't want to take that chance. I think he's here hunting because of the game population. I've seen moose, deer and even black bear here recently. I'll likely share a few photos on Instagram or over on Twitter! Take it easy and thanks for watching.
I would have stained my drawers. Great video man. Glad you're getting out hunting.
Haha! It was pretty freaky. I got out of there so fast, lol. Not what I wanted to see....
@@DCOutdoors I bet! I had an encounter when I was younger working at a secluded lodge in Chilliwack. I was closing the gate and just about to hop back in the truck and the beast jumped on the hood. He was staring at me while I closed the door super slowly. I'm pretty sure I was pale. But here I am! Haha.
Wow amazing 😮😮😮
Thanks Soren for checking out the video! Have a good weekend!
Scary encounter with that cougar, I would went straight back home if it was me.
I appreciate you watching. Seems like the comments so far have been pretty unanimous. Everyone is saying they would have made the same decision as I did.
I'm not sure about the future status of hunting this spot. Doubt, I'll be back without a firearm, and I'm also not sure I'd take the boys back out here.
cool footage
nice video Dan, too close for me
It was a cool experience, however I wish I was watching it on someone else's UA-cam channel and not out of the window of my hunting blind.. it sure puts into perspective what lurks around the wildlands.
Wow a cougar I remember seeing that on your trail cam pretty scary lol
It's nuts dude. I saw one with dad when I was maybe ten years old. We were on the quad, parked it and got off, walking down a trail. I looked back and saw the cat cross the trail between us and the quad.
This is the first time in my adult life that I've seen one. Really threw me off seeing it in daylight, well before dusk. Not something I wanted to come across in the dark on the way back to the truck so I wrapped things up early. Not sure the status of me hunting here with bow or even with the boys.
I didn't see consistent photos of the cat on camera so I thought it was passing through. Obviously, I'm wrong... thanks for watching buddy!
For what it's worth, and not that it would stop it. I can confirm bear spray is absolutely horrible. My safety snagged in the car and sprayed onto the backpack it was attached to in a short burst. But in cleaning it up I got a tiny amount on my hand. That small amount spread to nearly everyhwere down to my wrist. It changed my opinion on how crazy it is in contact with a human and how horrible it would be to have to get off your skin if sprayed in your face. My work sells it and is now forced by city by law to record serial number and personal ID in case it's ever used on a person.
Hey Man - it's awesome to see you comment. I appreciate hearing from you on here man. Means a lot.
I've bought several cans, and you're right - they all have to be tracked with the vendor. I've never had to use them so I have a bunch of expired ones that I now have to get rid of. Having to use it on an animal would be a last resort and something that I'd likely use only after firing a warning shot. However, with a bow, I don't really have that option so I'll always take a can with me - just in case. I had a relative where a can went off on him when he was in an enclosed spot, and you're right - it's awful.
Anyways, thanks again for leaving a note . Comment more often - YT algorithm likes that stuff.
I would have done the same, scary for sure. Great video
Thanks Sean. It was cool footage, but I'd rather have had someone else upload the footage than me lol. This really puts into question the risk I want to assume hunting out here. Not sure yet if this place is off-limits to me just during bow season or beyond. Also, puts into question if I want to take the kids back out here. This place holds an important place for us. It's where the Chicken King/Walleye Whisperer harvested his first Snowshoe Hare, His first grouse and his first deer...
Gonna have to watch this one just on the title… you left us in a cliffhanger on recent social posts!
I'm trying to use social media to create some excitement for the next video. Gotta admit, never thought this was how the trip would go....
@@DCOutdoors I had a cat come in close once calling elk during archery… gotta say the feeling of something watching me and hair on the back of the neck was overwhelming before actually seeing it. Glad it was done after a few seconds of being a loud n’ boisterous human!
I had one walk up to me in my treestand in Ohio. He looked at me and walked away. Crazy feeling for sure
Hey Ted, I saw one when I was maybe ten year's old with my dad. We had quaded down a trail, parked the quad and were walking. We looked back and I saw the cat cross between us and the quad. This is the first I've seen live with my own eyes. We had a few pictures of cougars through winter out here, but I didn't think much of it because it wasn't common. Seeing one on my first sit of the season and not even at dusk made me feel really nervous. Especially since the grass is still so tall. Didn't want to come across one in the tall grass heading back to the truck in the dark... especially with just a stick and string.
great hunting experience, I would have gotten out of there too
Nice to see you stop in and leave a note. I'm headed your way now and watching some of your recent trail camera videos.
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A bit unnerving! I've had bobcats and coyotes come up on me turkey hunting, but thankfully we don't have those big cats down here. Not usually anyway.
Yeah, that was a bit of a heart-stopper, not a great feeling! Fun to see on a trail camera but not while out with the bow...
Stay safe brother
Thank you! It was an experience that raised the hairs on my neck...
Be safe
Thanks Dave - it is definitely causing me to be more careful about this place.
Stay safe Dan! Cougars are no joke. It's not so scary with a buddy and a glock at your side, but yeah... I'd be jetting in your shoes too!
Hey Ryan, I can't carry a side arm here, unfortunately. I can pack a shotgun (for birds) so I may do that going forward. However, honestly, I may avoid this spot until the firearm deer season.
Sadly, it was this spot that the "Chicken King /Walleye Whisperer " got his first deer last year and also where he shot his first grouse.
I'm feeling wary about taking the boys back out here, firearm season, or not.
@@DCOutdoors I know this about the sidearm. Stinks! I think safety is always priority number 1 and that's just smart avoiding the area.
Very scary and yes, getting out of there was the best decision to make.
Thanks Sue - it was a really cool experience, but something that I don't want to come across again.
wow we can find rabbits here to hunt
I have harvested a snow shoe hare on this property. Possibly this cougar is hunting the same animals that I try to hunt.
Cool encounter and I don't blame you for leaving early, I'd done the same thing😁
Sketchy! Haven't been back since. However, it's one of my favourite and most successful spots. May head back there next week during forearms season.
@DCOutdoors I'm just kinda glad the area in Tn I'm in doesn't have things in the woods that can eat you lol(at least I don't think there is 😁)
@tnwildcam the cameras are a good baseline. I never thought this place had big predators but I've seen cougar and black bear on camera for the first time ever within the last year. Been here off and on for 2-3 seasons before that and never saw either - while running two cams.
Oh my God!
Lol! My thoughts exactly.
I got pushed out by a cougar 2 years ago at Eastpit lake while Deer hunting with my crossbow.
Hi Donald - thanks for dropping a note. This is a little further out than Eastpit, but definitely speaks to how close to the city they roam. Crazy you saw one out there.
I think the population of them is definitely growing - either that, or humans have pushed them around. Either way - I don't like seeing them , lol.
Once again, thanks for dropping a note. I think I've seen you here before, but either way - it's good to hear from you. Don't be a stranger. Look forward to hearing from you again and good luck hunting this fall.
@@DCOutdoors thnk you sir
That cougar was just a little too close for comfort
Hey Jamie, it really got under my skin seeing him well before dusk. Very scary considering all I had was a bow and bear spray. The grass is so tall. The trail I walked in on, you'd never see a cougar walking in the grass. That made me scared about walking out of there in the dark if the cats are cruising. You might see me buy a cougar tag this fall....
@@DCOutdoors and they can sprint and run really quick so if they wanted to run out on you, it might be challenging with just a bow and some Bear spray if you had a gun on you and one ran up on you and you didn’t have a tag, but you felt at risk. What’s the law over there as far as that goes
@@lowermichiganadventures Hey Jimmy Boy - I agree 100%. This spot is probably not going to be one that I'll feel comfortable bow hunting and I don't even know about taking the boys back there during fire arm season (or at all). I think if you were attacked and shot it you could report it to the fish and wildlife as such and hopefully they don't take issue with it. There's no real guarantee though. In the area I was at, the season runs Dec 1 - March 31. If this was private land, a land owner can hunt them any time of the year without a license. The province allows a certain quota to be taken each day, you have to phone to see if the quota was met or not.
That would have gotten the adrenaline running. I would have made the same choice as you did.
I'm glad the comments aren't all telling me I was a wimp for getting out of there, lol. It sure did get the heart pumping. I know they're out there (gotten a couple of photos of cougars on my trail camera), but I never would have expected to see one roaming around during daylight.
Smart move Dan. It would of been a different story if you had a rifle in hand.
Absolutely! Would have felt safer with a firearm. The other consideration is the height of the grass. Walking back down the trail to the truck (where I saw the owls), the grass is at least waist / or up to chest high. You wouldn't be able to see a cougar in that depth of grass in the day, let alone , packing stuff back to the truck at night time. Didn't want to risk that encounter.
@@DCOutdoors Oh I hear you! What you did by giving it the waiting game before leaving, was a good tactic move. No one wants an encounter with large wild animals such as cats, moose and bears. Damn, I even got attacked by a Falcon while I was bear hunting a few years back. The attack almost lasted for 30 minutes before it gave up on me. It made contact with my head about 5 times with its talons. First attack was to my chest "which freaked me out and the next 1 was to my head than I placed my bow in front of me for protection till the attack ended, it was a crazy hunt that's for sure.
An hour out of Edmonton…. Which way?
Hey Larry, it was out west of Edmonton. I've also seen them on camera by Athabasca. They're closer than you think, and I believe the population is growing. Thanks for the comment! I'm not sure I've seen you drop a note, so I appreciate the interaction.
If you haven't, consider subscribing. It would help me out a lot.
Cheers and see you around.
Cool seeing the cougar but I agree, could you image dropping a deer and having to fight that cougar for it after dark!? I think I would have left as well.
Yup - that's a large reason why I got out of there, haha. I've had cougars on camera once in December or January and again in August. Didn't think this was a home range, though, then to see one on my first sit there of the year really hit me in the gut.
I think it's definitely home for this cat.
I would have been thrilled to see owls and a cougar as well. Can you not bring a firearm for self defense?
Thanks for the video brother
I agree! That cougar was way too close for comfortable. 🫣
Glad you got out of there safely.
Thanks so much! Heck of an experience.... thanks for checking out the video.