Mountain Lion Hunting Guide: Tactics, Gear, and Safety for an Ethical Pursuit
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Mountain lion hunting, also known as cougar or puma hunting, is one of the most challenging and exhilarating big game pursuits in North America. These elusive predators are stealthy, solitary, and incredibly athletic, making them a true test of a hunter’s patience, skill, and determination.
This mountain lion hunting guide covers everything you need to know — from legal considerations and gear to tracking tactics and ethical practices.
Understanding the Mountain Lion
Before heading into the backcountry, it's vital to understand your quarry.
Mountain lions (Puma concolor):
Are solitary, territorial carnivores
Can weigh 80–160 lbs, with males being significantly larger
Roam vast territories (up to 100+ square miles)
Are most active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular)
Their elusive nature and sharp senses make them hard to spot, which is why many hunters rely on tracking dogs or snow-covered terrain to locate fresh sign.
Legal Considerations & Regulations
Mountain lion hunting is highly regulated to ensure population control and sustainability. Before you begin:
Obtain all necessary licenses and tags from your state wildlife agency
Check the season dates, as they vary by state (e.g., Colorado, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Idaho)
Be aware of quota limits — many states close zones when harvest limits are reached
Understand local laws about the use of dogs, calls, and weapon types
Always check with your local fish and game office before your hunt.
Essential Mountain Lion Hunting Gear
Hunting Essentials:
Rifle or bow (most hunters use .243 to .30-06 caliber rifles or compound bows)
Optics (binoculars and spotting scopes for glassing)
GPS device or app with offline maps
Snowshoes or gaiters if hunting in deep snow
Backpack with survival gear (food, water, first aid, fire starter)
If Using Dogs:
Trained hound dogs (often Plott hounds, Blueticks, or Walkers)
GPS tracking collars
Leashes and protective dog gear
Mountain Lion Tracking and Hunting Methods
1. Hunting with Hounds (Most Common)
Legal in many western states
Hounds are released on fresh tracks (often after a snowfall)
Dogs pursue the cat until it trees or bays up
The hunter then follows the GPS collars and approaches the treeed lion for a shot
Pros: Highly effective, ethical (good shot placement), thrilling
Cons: Requires trained dogs, physically demanding, sometimes controversial
2. Spot and Stalk
Requires spotting from a distance (ridges, canyon rims)
Fresh snow helps identify tracks and trail direction
Long and difficult stalks may follow steep terrain
Pros: Traditional, more challenging, no dogs required
Cons: Very low success rate without snow or expert tracking skills
3. Calling
Use distress calls (like fawn bleats or rabbit squeals)
Can sometimes lure curious mountain lions
Works best in remote, undisturbed areas
Pros: Minimal gear required
Cons: Rarely successful, may attract bears or other predators
Shot Placement & Ethics
Mountain lions are thin-skinned but fast-moving. The ideal shot placement is:
Broadside or quartering-away, just behind the front shoulder for a double lung shot
Avoid headshots or risky angles that can wound the animal
Important: If the lion is treeed, ensure a steady rest and calm breathing to make an ethical, quick kill.
Safety Considerations
While mountain lions are rarely aggressive toward humans, the terrain and elements can be dangerous.
Always hunt with a partner or communicate your location
Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator
Watch for altitude sickness, frostbite, or hypothermia
Keep your distance when approaching a treed lion — they may jump or flee if spooked
Be mindful of your dogs' safety, especially in rough or snowy terrain
Field Care and Pack Out
After a successful hunt, field dress the mountain lion carefully
Skinning for a full-body mount should be done with precision — many hunters hire a professional for taxidermy
The meat is edible (lean, similar to pork) but not widely eaten; check local regulations regarding meat salvage requirements
Where to Hunt Mountain Lions in the U.S.
Top states for mountain lion hunting include:
Colorado – large population, dog hunting legal
Utah – healthy cougar populations, good public land access
Arizona – year-round seasons in some units
Montana & Idaho – remote and wild terrain, solid cougar numbers
New Mexico – liberal quotas, variety of terrain
Final Thoughts
Mountain lion hunting is a test of endurance, ethics, and backcountry skill. It’s not a hunt for everyone — but for those who commit to it, the reward isn’t just in the harvest, but in the adventure, the respect for the animal, and the story you’ll carry for a lifetime.
Whether you're hunting solo, with dogs, or with a guide, be prepared physically and mentally. Mountain lion hunting is more than a sport — it’s a deeply personal pursuit that demands the very best of a hunter.
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