Mountain Lion with Warner Glenn | Bear Grease Roadshow

Summary

The video follows Warner Glenn, a legendary cowboy and dry ground lion hunter, as he continues his 87-year journey in Southern Arizona’s rugged wilderness. Alongside his family, he manages a cattle ranch, hunts mountain lions, and even documents the rare presence of jaguars in the U.S. Through challenging terrain and harsh conditions, Warner and his daughter Kelly embody resilience, respect for wildlife, and a dedication to preserving the traditional ranching lifestyle. Their work highlights the balance between conservation, livelihood, and family legacy, illustrating a life dedicated to both hard work and love for the land.

Takeaways

• 😀 Warner Glenn is one of the oldest working cowboys in America, having lived his entire life on a ranch and continuing to work even at 87 years old.
• 😀 Warner's ranch, the Malpa Ranch, is located in a rugged and dangerous part of Southern Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border, where he raises cattle and hunts mountain lions.
• 😀 Warner is renowned for his dry ground lion hunting skills, a challenging and elite form of hunting in the desert without snow to track lions.
• 😀 In 1996, Warner made headlines as the first person to photograph a live jaguar in the U.S., a rare and significant conservation moment.
• 😀 Kelly and Mackenzie, Warner's daughter and granddaughter, continue to work on the Malpa Ranch, maintaining the family’s legacy of ranching and hunting.
• 😀 Dry ground lion hunting requires exceptional skill, and Warner Glenn is considered one of the best in the field, known for his expertise with hounds and mules.
• 😀 The family’s commitment to conservation includes protecting wildlife corridors and managing predators like mountain lions that threaten livestock.
• 😀 Despite the rugged conditions, Warner's family embraces the challenges of ranching, which involves hard work, persistence, and a deep connection to the land.
• 😀 Warner’s philosophy on life includes a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and the importance of being humble and generous, inspiring others around him.
• 😀 The Glen family reflects traditional cowboy values, including a love for the land, wildlife, and maintaining a balance between ranching and conservation efforts.

Q & A

Who is Warner Glenn and what makes him unique in the context of American cowboy culture?

Warner Glenn is a cowboy born and raised in the American West, having spent his 87 years working as a rancher and lion hunter. He is one of the oldest working cowboys in America, dedicated to ranching, horseback riding, and hunting. What makes him unique is his deep connection to the land and his lifestyle, which includes riding 2,500 miles per year and hunting mountain lions with hounds on mules.

What is the significance of the Malpa Ranch that Warner Glenn owns?

The Malpa Ranch, located in Southern Arizona, is known for its rugged and dangerous terrain. The ranch spans across cattle country and is positioned along the Mexican border. Its name, 'Malpa,' translates to 'Rough Country,' and it is home to Warner's family and their traditional way of life as ranchers.

Why is Warner Glenn's encounter with a jaguar significant?

Warner Glenn's photograph of a live jaguar in the U.S. was significant because jaguars are rare in the region. Warner was the first person to document a jaguar in Arizona in 1996, which made national headlines. His encounter was an important moment for wildlife conservation, as the jaguar is a protected species.

How does the Glenn family approach lion hunting, and what challenges do they face?

The Glenn family practices dry-ground lion hunting, which involves tracking mountain lions across difficult desert terrain without the aid of snow. This type of hunting requires elite hounds and expert skill. They do it as a means of managing predators that threaten their cattle, but it also requires a lot of patience, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the land.

What role does the Glenn family play in conservation efforts, especially concerning wildlife corridors?

The Glenn family has become vocal advocates for the preservation of wildlife corridors, especially along the U.S.-Mexico border. They aim to balance border security with the protection of critical habitats for wildlife. Despite living in a politically charged area, they work to ensure that the land remains accessible for wildlife and ranching.

How do Warner and Kelly balance their work as ranchers and lion hunters?

Warner and Kelly balance their responsibilities by working both as ranchers and as lion hunters. As ranchers, they care for cattle and protect their livelihood from predators like mountain lions. At the same time, they manage lion populations by hunting with hounds, maintaining a delicate balance between their ranching duties and wildlife management.

What challenges do Warner and his family face when managing their cattle operation in such a rugged and remote environment?

Managing a cattle operation in such a harsh environment is physically demanding. The Glenns contend with extreme weather, difficult terrain, and the threat of predators. Their ranch is located in a region with minimal infrastructure, requiring them to rely on old-fashioned methods of ranching, such as horseback riding, as well as modern tools like tracking collars and trailers.

What is dry ground lion hunting, and why is it so challenging?

Dry ground lion hunting refers to tracking mountain lions in desert terrain without snow to reveal tracks. This type of hunting is particularly challenging due to the dry, dusty conditions that make it difficult for hounds to pick up a scent trail. It requires highly skilled hounds and a deep knowledge of the land, making it an elite and physically demanding practice.

What insights does Warner share about his long-lasting work ethic?

Warner attributes his strong work ethic to a lifelong dedication to ranching and hunting. Despite being 86 years old, he continues to work from dawn to dusk. He credits his longevity to his ability to keep working hard, but he also advises younger generations to take care of themselves, suggesting to 'drive slow and drink lots of water' for a long, healthy life.

How does Warner Glenn's approach to life reflect the spirit of the American cowboy?

Warner Glenn embodies the spirit of the American cowboy through his hard work, humility, and deep respect for the land. His daily routine involves rugged physical labor, and he remains deeply connected to both his family and his environment. His life represents traditional cowboy values of perseverance, responsibility, and a love for the land.