[The events, names, and dates have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.]
The call came in late on a Tuesday eve; by Wednesday morning my girlfriend Annie and I had our plane tickets booked. We were asked to tag along on a Cougar hunt in Las Vegas. Having been on a few hunts in the past, I knew what we were in for. This was going to be a nocturnal hunt, and was going to require vast resources and judgment skills. Given the urban makeup of our chase, the efficiency of concealment methods to employ would prove pivotal in our success.
Having virtually unlimited access to the Sitka inventory, I forwent the opportunity of secret prototype gear and chose a black 90% Jacket, khaki Ascent Pants, and Core Top. This wasn’t my hunt; Annie and I were invited because of our extensive experience, and calm in the company of cougars. We couldn’t risk getting busted; we needed to literally reek of class and be wearing the best performance clothing in the world. –Sitka Gear was a no brainer.
Dick seen glassing at The Palms
My friend Ricky (Richard/Dick), met us in the airport after our inbound flight landed around 9PM on Friday eve. Over the past several years, Dick has been decorated in numerous circles for his success with cougars all across the world (not to mention the occasional Bearcat). Dick was practically foaming at the mouth.
Our hunt started at Caesar’s Palace, but quickly led to The Palm’s where the bulk of Dick’s reconnaissance had taken place. We had unlimited access, and the full cooperation of the building’s manager. On a hunt like this, the absence of a beverage in hand is considered unethical. Knowing very well our best chances of bagging a cougar would fall between the hours of 3-4 (AM), we had mastered the bends of a long hunt. With a handful of positive sightings and near encounters, Dick passed up a few legitimate mounts. We needed some new terrain.
Inside the den; evidence of a mightier hunter before us.
Brazen with confidence, Dick proposed the idea that we stalk into the known den of a prized Cougar. Fearful of being detected by peripheral security measures, I tipped my Sitka Cap below my eyes. The den was massive, but we listened to Dick’s intuition and found a way in. This was a dominant cougar, the power she had was illustrated (allegorically) by the failures of those before us. The blatant littering of offerings from those ahead instilled a grave concern. Ours and Dick’s exposure wasn’t justified for the take in this lair. It was too dangerous. Time was starting to run thin, so we doubled back to the strip.
Feeling as though Dick had blown some great prospects, we aimed our sites again at The Palms. It was all or nothing. We tracked like coon hounds with our nose’s high, stealthily moving undetected by our prey. Dissecting the hotel from top to bottom, an opportunity presented itself on the main level amidst a maze of slots and green felt. There she was, literally taunting Dick with a tray of cocktails.
Cougar tracks
By B&C standards this trophy would be hard to measure, but the sheer size of her was truly impressive. I noticed Dick motion towards his wallet. He carefully removed a $50, and placed his hand near the side of his mouth. He whispered to Annie and I that we should fall back. I couldn’t believe my eyes; Dick was making an attempt to call in the massive beast!…
The events that followed are the kinds of things that hero’s are made of. It was an honor to be a part of such an amazing hunt. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to hunt alongside Dick, and also grateful to my Sitka Gear. Without it, we would have not been able to negotiate the terrain as aptly and effectively. Truly the best performance clothing I’ve ever hunted in!
Good "Spot & Stalk" country...