Mountain Lion Hunting Guide: Tactics, Gear, and Safety for an Ethical Pursuit

Wiki Article

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.