Walt Up Top

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I didn't see a post started already so I'll be the first to congratulate Walt.
Awesome job on that big cat Walt!!            

Now do we get a story to go along with the pics?

That's something I've included on my bucket list that ranks right up at the top along with Elk, Caribou, Mule Deer, and fishing in Alaska. I doubt however that I'll accomplish any of those, but it's nice to see the results of others living my dreams.

Thanks for sharing!

Walt are you gonna have a full body mount or a rug? Either way that's one cool trophy for sure!

[Shedrock]

That is a dandy lion! Congrats!

[owlbait]

Looks magnificent! I'll bet there's a great story Walt!             Congratulations! How did it eat?

[jamesh76]

I read the story a while back. Cant seem to find it now.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

If anybody can find it maybe bring it back up or merge this post with the one that has the story it it? I thought this was brand new cause that's the first time I remember seeing the pic.

[don s]

if i remember correctly, it was posted under "ere kitty kitty kitty" or something similar to that. do a search using that and you will find several pages. don

[cacciatore]

Once again congratulations,Walt;for sure you know your stuff.

[Greyfox54]

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy , congrats Walt

[IndianaBowman]

Walt, I love that picture! Phenomenal cat!  Look at the head and face on that beast. They just don't get much bigger than that!

[Charlie Lamb]

Pretty kitty!!!

[don s]

hows that song go? "warm kitty soft kitty little ball of fur,happy kitty sleepy kitty purr purr purr.    nice cat. don

[rastaman]

Walts\\' hunt  

Here is a link to Walts' hunt..

[Walt Francis]

Everybody THANKS!

Randy, thanks for the link; I had lost it, as well as my word version of the hunt, with the latest computer crash.  I still get numerous requests each year for it and with a little work it will save me from having to redo it (though a new version might be embellished even further).

I would like to expand/update on one point that influenced my decision to start hunting mountain lions, as stated in the thread:

"For those of you who haven't hunted mountain lions it's hard to describe the conflicting feelings that were rushing through my head. In the tree, I feel, was one of the most noble and beautiful animals there is, anywhere. However, there sat one of the most efficient killers of the critters I love to hunt, elk, deer, and big horn. This particular lion hunting unit was formed due to decreasing survival rates of the big horn sheep seven (?) years back, leading to the loss of our big horn season. The area biologist increased the lion quota resulting in an increased big horn survival rate. According to the biologist current numbers are almost back up to target levels, which should result in restoring the big horn season in two years."

Update:
Two years ago our Big Horn season was reinstated and one of my lion hunting buddies got a 180 5/8" ram, which we and the biologist believe is the first B&C ram ever taken in this unit.  He used a rifle so I will not post a picture.

[LONGSTYKES]

Walt, Very nice cat. He has a lot of character and is a big guy. Good Hunting

[Gatekeeper]

Walt is the lion hunter!     Enjoy your time at the top, Walt and congratulations.  

[snag]

You did good Walt! That is quite the cat. Also helped the survival of other species. It was all for the best all the way around. I watched a video of a cat taking down and killing a mature muley buck. They are strong efficient predators. By doing what you did you helped balance the field in my mind.

[Friend]

Breath taking experience and marvelous success.

Thanks again for sharing.

[Roughcountry]

Thats a great picture. As one who hunts the big cats a lot, I know what Walt acomplished in taking a mature tom of that size.
Those big boys travel a huge territory and seldome spend time in any one place for very long.
It took me two years to get one of those big toms I was after for the state.

Congrats again Walt, well done  

[K.S.TRAPPER]

One of my favorite hunts, picks, valleys and people. Congrats again Walt I'm sure glad the brought the thread back up for all to read.    

Tracy

[swp]

Love that lion and the story! One of my bucket list hunts for sure.