The Ultimate Guide to Hunting Mountain Lions

Why Hunt a Mountain Lion?

Hunting the Mountain Lion (also known as cougar or puma) ranks among the most demanding and rewarding big-game experiences in North America. These cats require deep country, sharp tactics and patient effort. Their pursuit tests your hunting skills, physical endurance and decision-making like few other species.

Hunting with the right preparation elevates your experience—and if you're comparing outfitters, tools like our marketplace help you find guided hunts with confidence. (See our platform, Find A Hunt.)

Understanding Mountain Lion Biology & Behavior

• Mountain lions roam vast territories; males often cover dozens of miles while searching for prey and territory. Western Hunter+1

• Their primary prey tends to be deer, though they’ll take elk calves, smaller game, or opportunistic kills when needed. Western Hunter

• They often travel along ridges, drainages or game trails—zones where prey moves and they can use terrain advantage. Colorado Outdoors Online+1

• Because of their elusive nature, success often depends on fresh snow/scent, terrain knowledge and/or the use of hounds. Book Your Hunt+1

Understanding these components sets you up for situational awareness, efficient tracking and ethical harvest decisions.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

• Before you book and head into the field, check state or provincial regulations for mountain lion hunting—season dates, quotas, tag or draw systems, and restrictions on methods. coloradobghunting.com+1

• Some jurisdictions allow hunts only with hounds; others permit spot-and-stalk. Know what methods are legal where you hunt. Book Your Hunt+1

• Ethical harvest means asking: Is it a mature male? Are dependent young around? Are you prepared for field care and processing of the animal? Ethical hunters aim to minimise suffering, respect the resource and support conservation. Colorado Outdoors Online

Choosing the Right Region & Outfitters

Region Matters

• Mountain lion terrain can range from dense forests to high ridges and deep snow. Choose a region where you’re comfortable with the logistics. For example, some outfitters in Colorado focus on winter hunts when snow makes tracking easier. coloradobghunting.com+1

• Guided hunts often command higher fees but bring tracking dogs, local terrain knowledge, lodging and logistics support. For novice lion hunters, the added support is critical. Swan Mountain Outfitters

Vet Your Outfitter

• Confirm their success rate (though no outfit can guarantee a cat).

• Ask about client-to-guide ratio, equipment provided, terrain and difficulty level.

• Clarify what happens if you don’t tag an animal—can the hunt be extended or rolled over?

• Inspect contract details: what’s included (meals, lodging, transport) vs. what isn’t.

Gear & Physical Preparation

Physical Fitness

These hunts demand stamina, agility and ability to move through rugged, often snow-covered terrain. Deep snow, steep slopes or long tracking sessions may be involved. Colorado Outdoors Online+1

Weapon & Ammo

• Many guides recommend a light, fast–expanding bullet that stops the cat cleanly—“aim small, miss small.” petersenshunting.com

• Because shots may be from trees, broken terrain or close quarters, practise with your firearm (or bow) for accuracy at uneven angles.

• For rifles: many use mid-calibre (e.g., .270, .30-06) with open sights or minimal scope weight to move more easily. coloradobghunting.com+1

• If archery or pistol are permitted and you’re proficient, those can add excitement—but be realistic about the shot challenge.

Field Gear Checklist

• Quality boots (winter rated if needed) with good ankle support.

• Binoculars/spotter to glass ridges, drainages and seasonal deer concentrations.

• GPS or map & compass; remote terrain requires navigation backup.

• Headlamp, warm layers, rain shell, gloves—weather can change quickly.

• Backpack with field dressing kit, game bags, meat cooler or means to transport the cat.

Tactics & Tracking Techniques

Fresh Tracks & Terrain

• Fresh snow or wet terrain improves tracking ability. In dry terrain, look for sign: paw prints, drag marks, scrapes. Colorado Outdoors Online+1

• Focus on ridgelines, deer-valley intersections or areas where lions are likely intercepting prey. Terrain gives hints.

• Time your hunt with deer or elk movement. If prey are concentrated (for example wintering herds), cats may frequent those zones. Western Hunter

Use of Hounds or Dogs

• Many top hunts employ hounds: once a track is found, dogs are released to tree the cat. This method increases ethical selection (ensuring it’s the right cat) and efficiency. Book Your Hunt+1

• If you’re hunting without dogs (spot-and-stalk), expect more glassing, more waiting, and fewer opportunities—so your terrain knowledge and patience must be high.

Stand, Stalk & Ambush

• Once a treed or located cat is found, approach quietly and position yourself for a clean shot.

• Many shots are in trees, under branches, or from uneven ground—practice isn’t optional.

• Consider wind, scent, and escape routes. These cats are wary.

After the Shot: Field Care & Meat Handling

• Immediately secure the animal and transport it for proper processing. Some states require reporting or salvage of certain parts—check your regulation.

• Dragging or packing out a heavy cat may be tough—plan logistics.

• The meat is edible (often undervalued) and many hunters process it. Fields ovens, steaks or stews are options. Some outfitters include meat processing. coloradobghunting.com

• If the cat is destined for taxidermy, preserve the cape and skull according to your taxidermist’s guidance.

Safety & Ethical Reminders

• Never underestimate these animals. While attacks are rare, these are apex predators and deserve respect.

• Comply with all local laws—tagging, reporting, method restrictions.

• Avoid taking a female with kittens unless the management plan allows it. Removing breeding females can impact the local population. Western Hunter

• Respect private land, follow guided-hunt rules and leave minimal footprint in wild terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best time of year to hunt mountain lions?
A: It varies by region, but many hunts target late fall through winter when snow helps tracking and prey are concentrated. Book Your Hunt+1

Q: Can you hunt mountain lions without dogs?
A: Yes, though many regions restrict methods or favour hound-use because it improves selectivity and ethics. Without dogs you’ll rely on spot-and-stalk or ambush tactics.

Q: What terrain works best for lion hunting?
A: Rugged, broken terrain with ridges, drainages, deer/elk traffic, and minimal human disturbance. Lions like vantage, cover and access to prey.

Q: How physically demanding is a lion hunt?
A: Very. Expect long hours, remote terrain, possible snow or deep brush. Fit preparation helps minimise risk and fatigue.

Q: How do I choose a reputable lion outfitter?
A: Look for: good references, transparent pricing and methods, clear success data, reasonable client-to-guide ratio, terrain descriptions, and what the package includes (gear support, lodging, meals, meat processing).

Hunting mountain lions is a serious commitment, unlike typical big game hunts. If you take your gear, terrain study and ethics seriously, you’ll have one of the most memorable hunts of your life. Whether you’re after that solitary tom treed on a snowy ridge or simply immersing yourself in predator tracking, proper preparation and outfitter selection are everything.

When you’re ready to explore guided lion hunts or compare packages, visit our platform at Find A Hunt to connect with vetted outfitters and plan your next adventure.