Idaho Cougar Hunting
Idaho is a top cougar hunting destination. Bearpaw Outfitters
offer guaranteed cougar hunts in their southern and northern
Idaho mt lion hunting areas. Bearpaw Outfitters have been outfitting and
guiding mountain lion hunts for more than 40 years, they've caught
hundreds of cougar including the former P&Y World Record Cougar.
Cougar hunting is a passion at Bearpaw Outfitters.
Guaranteed Cougar Hunts
6-Day Cougar Hunt $5950
6-Day Non-hunter .... $900
(The Guarantee:
If you don't get a shot opportunity or pass any cats you can return for half price.)
License and Tag is purchased
Over-The-Counter
Northern Idaho costs $236.75 or Southern Idaho costs $399.50.
Cougar Hunting Policy
When tracks are found Bearpaw
Outfitters will estimate the sex and weight and it's your decision if you want
the dogs to chase the cat or look for a different cat to chase. When a cat is
treed Bearpaw Outfitters will estimate the size and it's your choice to shoot
the cat or leave it and look for a different cat.

Hunt Areas & Terrain
The Northern Idaho cougar hunting area
runs about 3000' to 6000' elevation with more than 350 square miles of cougar
hunting territory. The southern Idaho cougar hunting area runs about 5500' to
8500' elevation with more than 700 square miles of cougar hunting territory.
Idaho is very mountanous but the guides will hike at a pace each hunter can
handle, even hunters with limited physical abilities have been successful.
Seasons, Licenses, & Hunter Ed
Cougar hunting seasons run November 1 to
March 31. Hunting is best when there is fresh snow, usually late November
through February is good. The License and Cougar Tag are available online in
advance
"HERE", or over the counter when you arrive. Hunter
Education is required if born after Jan 1, 1975.
Trophy Quality
Cougar are also called Mountain Lions,
the toms usually weigh from 100 to 160 pounds and females usually
weigh 75 to 100 pounds. Hides usually measure from 7 to 9 feet in length.
Bearpaw Outfitters have taken dozens of record book sized cougar. The
largest cougar taken by Bearpaw Outfitters scaled 205 pounds, measured over
9 1/2 feet long and was the P&Y world record for several years.
Hunting Methods
The most successful cougar hunting method
is to travel mountain roads with a 4x4 truck, ATV, or snowmobile watching
for fresh cougar tracks. Guides may also hike into remote areas looking for
cougar tracks if needed. Once a good set of fresh tracks is located the dogs
are released and the chase is on. Because the hounds can cover so much country,
you will wait until the cat is bayed or treed, then Bearpaw Outfitters will
try to get you as close as possible before hiking in.
Shot Opportunity & Additional Game
Shot opportunity varies but usually runs
70% to 90% most years, there have been years with 100% success too. Most
shots range from 10 to 50 yards. Ask about adding coyote, wolf, and bobcat
to your hunt. Local waters also offer excellent trout fishing and your hunting
license includes 3 days of fishing.
Guiding, Lodging, Meals
The Cougar hunts are guided 1x1. Lodging and
meals are included at our remodeled farm house in southern Idaho or the cabins
in northern Idaho, or you can also choose to stay at a motel if preferred, but
any motels and restaurants will be your expense.
Travel & Itinerary
Drive to the hunting location or fly into Salt
Lake City for southern Idaho or fly into Spokane, WA for northern Idaho, then get
a rental car or ride an Uber or airport shuttle, it's only a 2 or 3 hour drive to
meet Bearpaw Outfitters at either of our locations. Arrive about 4pm the evening
before your hunt begins. Plan to hunt the duration of the hunt if needed and depart
the day after after your hunt ends.
Trophy Care
After you harvest your Mt Lion, your guide will
skin the cat and remove any meat you might want which is actually very good eating
or we'll donate the meat if you don't want any. Bearpaw Outfitters can deliver your
trophy to a skilled taxidermist or you can take it home to your preferred taxidermist.
To take your hide/meat home on a plane, go to the local Wal-Mart or grocery store
and buy a 24 to 48 quart cooler, a roll of wide shipping tape, and a black marker.
After Fish & Game seals your hide it can be frozen overnight, then tape the cooler
closed and write your address and phone number on it with the marker.
What's Not Included
Your personal gear, sleeping bag, meat processing
and/or shipping, taxidermy, licenses, 6% state sales tax, motel, restaurants,
gratuities to guides, and any other items not listed as being included.
Contact Us Today
Call or
Email with any questions or to book a hunt.
If sending a deposit by postal mail, use the
Hunt Application
to verify your details. "We look forward to meeting you
and hunting with you soon."
Best Regards,
Dale, Tara, and The Staff
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