CWU: Obviously you've never tried to track a cougar. It is all but impossible to spot and stalk one of these animals. Hounds are the ONLY effective method of tracking cougars.

EXACTLY!
You want a trophy? WORK FOR IT!
How does a 25yd shot at a treed animal with no escape inflate your self-esteem?

CWU:
Why is the use of dogs unsporting?? My lab sure thinks its sporting to track and point birds for me... not much more difficult of a shot than shooting a cat from a tree.

If you're a 100% wing-shooter, why waste time and $ on an education. You should be on TNN schooling the 'billies at their own game.
Benelli demo team.
If I'm hunting behind your lab, that bird has a much better chance than a treed cat.
Do you tie the birds to a stake with a 25 yrd string and then shoot them?
And there are preserves with stocked pheasants that are a long way from earning their existence.
Not EVEN the same thing.
'My lab thinks....'
....I hope you think at a higher level than your lab....although they are pretty smart.

I'm getting tired of this post.
I didn't come here to make enemies.
We agree to disagree.
I wish you all the best of luck in your sporting endeavors.
GFC