We had our 6 year old grandson for a few hours on a Saturday and, in the interest of keeping the boy on the right track, took him to the International Sportsmen's Show in Denver. As you can imagine, it was all about keeping him entertained with no time to talk to all of those interesting exhibitors, except for one. I spent 1 maybe 2 minutes talking with him about mountain lion hunting.
I was sufficiently intrigued that I went back on Sunday afternoon and had a serious conversation. On Wednesday evening, I talked with him about a hunt for mountain lion hunting (thinking next fall). He proposed going now, but I explained that I had too much going on at work.
Friday morning, he called my cell to tell me that he was going to ruin my day. That morning they had found where a big tom had crossed a road (actually a trail). He suggested that I get there right away. I tried to turn him down, but he wouldn't take no for an answer (I so glad he didn't - he really knew what he was doing.)
So, after debating for an hour or so, I called him back and said that I'd be there as soon as I could. By then it was too late to be able to go after the cat on the same day. On Saturday, he had 2 of his guides start checking for the cat - looking for any fresh tracks (signs that it had left the area). Finally, they turned the dogs loose. It took the dogs a couple of hours to tree the cat. From the GPS, it appeared that they had it treed once and that it had jumped.
Once they were sure it had been treed (about 1:30 PM) he sent one of the guides who had been out since 1:00 in the morning to go back and see if it was a tom. To give context, the area was very steep with knee-deep snow. After quite awhile, the guide radio that he could see the cat. He was asked if it was a male. He responded by saying, "Let me get around where I can see better." The next message over the radio was "Holy shit! He's a toad!!!" Again, he was asked if it was a male. He said that he couldn't see but by the size of it, it had to be a male.
We began the hike in. It took 2 hours to get to the cat. It was an easy shot. It fell from the tree; made 3 bounds; flipped in the air and died. It was a huge tom. I finally had the mountain lion that I had wanted for so long.
The guides and outfitter were all excited (a good sign). There was debate about the weight. Later the outfitter told me privately that the cat weighed 200 - 210 lbs.
Several years ago, I was given some mountain lion meat. My wife, who is usually open minded about such things, really didn't like it. Before I left on this hunt she told me that she didn't want any lion meat and she wouldn't have any part in preparing it. So... I only brought 1 backstrap home. One of my sons is willing to partake with me. However, I normally rely on my wife for all things in the kitchen (except for smoking meat). Now, I'm on my own and out of my element.
Can any of you provide any advice about what to do with this single backstrap? Thanks.
1 Grill Mates packet from the grocery store (I liked the zesty herb or tomatoe, garlic, basil)
Some oil, water and vinegar in with tenderloin and seasoning. Let marinate for 2 hours.
Grill slow to an internal temp of 135 degrees. I will bet that she will try it again as it tastes like the best pork you ever ate.
Don't be surprised if you regret not bringing more of the meat home.....
3-6 pound lion roast (shoulder cut, bone-in)
Coat roast with a good pork style dry rub. I prefer one that contains some brown sugar.
In a cast iron dutch oven, heat 1/8 cup olive oil to "sizzle" temp, reduce heat, sear roast on as many surfaces as possible.
Add two, peeled, quartered large sweet onions
Add 1 can (12 ounces) light lager beer (Budweiser is great for this as it's not fit for drinking)
place dutch oven, covered, in pre-heated 300 degree oven.
cook 4-6 hours, the meat will be "pull" tender, remove and debone, add a dash of worchestershire sauce to the dutch oven drippings and reduce on high for 5 minutes serve with "pot drippings" sauce and cooked onions on the side
Best wild game meat ever ate in my life was cougar meat Montana outfitter Del Cameron's wife's made back in 1978, but haven't a clue her recipe or how it was cooked...
Here in NM hunter must be present entire time hounds are turned loose.
These are the 2015-2016 regs:
"5. NEW! Hunters must be present when dogs are released and must be an active participant until the hunt ends. 6. After a lion is pursued, treed, cornered or held at bay, you must kill or release the lion. It is illegal to prevent a lion from escaping so that someone not in your hunting party can kill it."
Rule 8. All edible parts of lions must be properly prepared for human consumption, excluding internal organs.
Yes, I was there when the dogs were released. It was all done by the book.
I might brine it, but not sure about that. Then I'll put on a rub (maybe with the Worchester sause recommended by Treeline) and let it sit overnight. The following day, I'll wrap it in bacon and smoke it.
I'm really looking forward to it.
