So elk hunting tonight we got into the bulls bugling like crazy. Toward the end of light they are close but never saw anything. As I am looking up the Mountain I have a large tree right in front of me I was going to use to draw my bow without being seen. I have an arrow knocked and my release clipped on the string. As I look around the tree holy fucking shitballs there is a mountain lion 20 feet from me. she is in full pounce mode stalking me. I draw my bow as it was my first instinct and call for my hunting my partner. I moved out slowly from behind the tree to make my size known and let the lion know I was not a elk. Still no movement. If she would move just an inch at me it would be her last. My buddy was coming up from behind and to my right and never saw her but when he was walking he broke a stick and she bolted up the mountain.
Also I was carrying a handgun but I was so fast to draw my bow I wasn't giving up that option. After she bolted I swapped out to handgun and flashlight. It was a long walk out!