[Flycatcher]

That study also concludes that backing off hunting — not increasing it — is the best remedy for curbing cougar-human conflicts.

I believe the word for that is "counterintuitive."

[jazusamo]

Exactly...While the Wielgus study did conclude the best way to manage cougars is with the use of hounds, he at the same time tries to say that boot hunting by trophy hunters are killing adult male cougars thereby causing younger ones to have more conflict with humans. That sounds flawed to me but I’m no expert.

I don’t believe it’s possible for trophy hunters to kill many adult cougars without the use of hounds and their use is outlawed in OR and WA.

Also, if more adult male cougars are killed it leaves open territory for the younger males to take over instead of being forced into areas that are more populated by humans.