What begins as reluctance becomes revelation as Donnie recounts an epic mountain lion hunt in the snow-laden wilds of British Columbia. With vivid detail and powerful emotion, Donnie takes us step-by-step through the pursuit of a legendary cougar "Blood Paw Tom" a cat so notorious its removal was requested by local biologists to protect the fragile population of California bighorn sheep.

This isn't just a hunting story... it's a journey into the soul of the wilderness, featuring thigh-deep snow, ancient forests, dog-driven chases, and a deep reckoning with the ethics of the hunt. It’s about listening to the land, respecting its balance, and standing face-to-face with a predator that commands awe.

From ice-covered cliffs and breathtaking landscapes to the final moment when Donnie hoists the 185-lb cat over his shoulders in tribute to hunters past, this story is gritty, honest, and unexpectedly moving. And yes... they ate the lion. All of it.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Confront Your Assumptions: Donnie’s reluctance to hunt a lion was overcome by a willingness to understand, experience, and learn. A reminder to challenge the way we think.
• Conservation Is Complex: This hunt wasn’t about ego it was a targeted, informed act supported by wildlife biologists to protect endangered bighorn sheep from an apex predator.
• Hunting Is Physical and Mental Warfare: 20 kilometers of snow-covered tracking, sliding on cliffs, and high-altitude ascents made this not just a hunt, but a test of will and endurance.
• The Power of Reverence: Donnie describes the lion not with bravado, but with admiration and humility a powerful reminder that hunting and respect can coexist.
• Use the Whole Animal: From backstraps to hindquarters, nothing was wasted. The mountain lion was honored, shared, and celebrated as food... so good, it beat out bighorn sheep at dinner table.

Bonus Highlight:
That iconic image of Donnie with the lion draped over his shoulders? It wasn’t just for show—it was a nod to tradition, a spontaneous tribute to the old timers, and a symbol of the respect he developed for the animal and the experience.