Cougar ammo

[7MAGinPA]

I opted against a rifle as the shots are pretty close - you shoot 'em once the dogs get 'em treed - and I don't want to hump a rifle while trying to keep up with the dogs. I told the outfitter I was going to bring a .44. He kinda chuckled and replied, "You don't need that, I shoot them with a .22 magnum." Needless to say, I'm not going to use a .22 mag. Since you can use semi-auto's in ID I decided to take one along which leaves me to decide between .40, .45ACP, and 9mm. I'm opting for the Colt Commander. I know the 230 grain Hydra Shok is a fantastic (the best probably) round on humans, so I'm guessing at this point that that's what I'll use on the pussy cat.

I actually considering bringing my Hawken but I really don't want to lug that along while trying to chase the dogs over the mountains!