There is nothing wrong with shooting a creature, how else are you going to get it to twitch and flop around? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I do hunt where a mountain lion has been seen and heard. We hunt coyotes and feral dogs there, so we are out at night. We do watch our backs, carry handguns as well as rifles, and stop and listen often.

Frank, I also have a dislike for snakes, can't stand them. .22 Shot shells can be safely fired into the bottoms of aluminum canoes and jonboats to render snakes lifeless. I have seen it done; though a companion in the boat might not think it is a safe practice, if the shot is fired towards him.

Eddy, there was a Christmas tree farm near Alto Prison; it closed a few years ago. Many people saw a mountain lion in that area, but DNR claimed it did not exist. That isn't too far from where you live.

Everyone should own a handgun. The little brushed nickel S&W #2213 semi auto .22 in the center of the first tray is my son Chris's first handgun; bought for him fourteen years ago when he was five years old. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> His mom was less than thrilled, but she got over it.