Hunter Education: How a Quick Reaction Saves Bowhunter From Cougar

Ed Beall has been a Montana bowhunter education instructor for 5 years, and owns Capital Sports, an outdoor sporting goods store. Though he is a life-long hunter, there was one hunt he'll never forget: when he was nearly a mountain lion's prey!

I have enjoyed instructing bowhunter education for the last 5 years. Actually, I am surprised that it has been that long...it feels like I just started! The great thing about teaching is being around folks, young and old, who have an interest in hunting with archery equipment and the challenges and opportunities that come with the experience.

Ed Beall has been a Montana bowhunter education instructor for five years and owns Capital Sports, an outdoor sporting goods store. Though he is a lifelong hunter, there was one hunt he'll never forget: when he was nearly a mountain lion's prey!

Read his story and learn how valuable hunter safety education can be when in the field!

Being Aware

Ed shares his story:

I have enjoyed instructing bowhunter education for the last five years. Actually, I am surprised that it has been that long – it feels like I just started! 

The great thing about teaching is being around folks, young and old, who have an interest in hunting with archery equipment and the challenges and opportunities that come with the experience. One of the experiences that I share in the class is about dealing with the top-tier predators that we have here in western Montana. 

We teach about "being bear aware."

We do this because grizzly bears have expanded back into more of our state – the whole western half and most of the southern area are known grizzly habitats. So, we teach students to recognize bear signs, defensive bears compared to predatory bears, and their characteristics. We also teach them to carry and use bear spray.

Top-Tier Predators in the Wild

When we bowhunt in Montana, we may forget that there are top-tier predators in this wonderful wild place we hunt. When we are crawling and calling, we expect to hear and see our prey. 

One fresh September day, I was alone, honing in on a herd of elk that had answered my calls in the dim pre-dawn light. I felt the hair on the back of my neck creepily standing up! 

I was on one knee, looking at elk moving through the timber about 60 yards out. I craned my neck somewhat to the right and backward and was shocked to see a mountain lion staring at me – a mere 30 feet away!

Thirty feet, you say? Yes, 30 feet. I know this because that is about as far as bear spray goes!

Bear Spray Works on Mountain Lions, Too

With the spray and the sound of the can going off, the cat ran back to what I think was more than 30 yards . . . but it did not leave. There was a crosswind when I sprayed, and the spray appeared to reach the lion barely.

My next thought was that we teach hunters to look big to frighten a mountain lion off, so I tried that. I opened the zipper on my coat, stood up, and while trying to make myself look "big" by holding out both sides of my coat, I yelled, "Get out of here!" at the mountain lion. 

I hoped I would shoo him away, but no. Instead, it got in that slinking low cat crouch and "grwoowohled" at me!

I pulled out my Glock .40 and fired two rounds toward the cat. That did it! 

Off it went, never to be seen by this weak-kneed bowhunter again.

Always Be Prepared

While bowhunting in Montana, the point is: Always be aware of what's around you. 

• Look for signs 
• Carry bear spray
• Maybe even carry a sidearm

Make sure you remember the possibility that something other than an elk may come into your cow call. Think and practice how you should react if you are cornered by a predator. 

And maybe, just maybe – hunt with a partner! Your family will be happier when you return home safely.

Hunter Education Helps You Prepare for a Safe Hunt

Ed Beall's background in hunter education prepared him for this situation. He knew to stay calm, was prepared with bear spray and a sidearm, and recognized the lion's move into an aggressive position. 

Have you taken a hunter safety course? Even if you're a seasoned hunter, a state-approved course through Hunter-Ed can help prepare you for the right response in dangerous situations while on a hunt. If you're new to hunting, our online courses are an excellent way to learn firearm safety essentials, basic hunting skills, and insights into what to do when things go wrong. 

Before you plan your next hunt, make sure you're safety certified! Find the course for your state and start learning with our free online study guides.

Originally published September 15, 2016. Content updated June 5, 2023.