Idaho Mt Lion (Cougar) Hunts

Idaho is a top state for Mt Lion hunting with 450 or more cats harvested each year. Bearpaw Outfitters hunt some of Idaho's most productive cougar hunting areas. The excitement of the chase, getting to where the hounds have caught and treed the cat, and then getting up close and personal to these elusive predators is a thrill that every hunter must experience. Hunting and trapping for Wolf/Lion/Bobcat is also offered in north Idaho.

Cougar Looking From Tree

Hunt Area

This is a beautiful scenic western mountain area with 700+ square miles of hunting territory near Pocatello Idaho, but it's only 2.5 hours drive from the Salt Lake Airport. Abundant mule deer and elk herds in this area support a robust mountain lion population.


Idaho Mt Lion (Cougar) Hunts

What To Expect

An aggressive hunt covering many miles of prime cougar territory with experienced guides, the best equipment, and top hunting hounds! We'll get up early in the morning and go searching for fresh lion tracks each day. This is our most successful lion hunt.


Kathy's Mt Lion Hunt

Methods

4x4 trucks, UTV's, or snowmobiles are used to search mountain roads for fresh tracks. When the right tracks are found the hounds are released and the chase begins. When the lion climbs a tree to escape the dogs the hunters hike in from the nearest road.

Idaho Mt Lion (Cougar) Hunts

Hunt Fee

4-Day Lion Hunt...$5950
6-Day Lion Hunt...$7950
Extra Hunt Days...$1000
Non-hunter per day $200

Idaho Mountain Lion In Tree

To Book A Trip

Check Available Dates and send a 50% Deposit with an Application or click the "Book A Hunt" button to fill out an application and make your deposit.

Book A Hunt

Matthew's Recordbook Mt Lion

Licensing

A hunting license and Mt Lion tag cost $399.50, wolf tags are $41.75, no additional tag is needed for bobcat or coyote. Licenses are available Online Here or over the counter at locations in nearly every Idaho town. Licenses are valid Jan 1 to Dec 31 each year.


Former P&Y World Record Cougar

Trophy Quality

Mature toms can weigh 140 pounds or more and measure 8' to 9' when skinned. Bearpaw Outfitters have taken many record size cougar, the largest scaled 205 pounds, measured 9 1/2', scored 15 11/16, and was the P&Y World Record (photo above).

Lion Caught On Dry Ground

Opportunity

Multiple tracks are found on nearly every hunt, we prefer passing small lions to find good toms. We can estimate the sex and size of lions found by the characteristics of the tracks. It's your choice which cats we chase and which cat you shoot.

Deer Killed By Mountain Lion

Guiding & Lodging

Hunts are guided 1x1. Two hunters wanting to hunt together can stay together with one guide and the other guide will stay in close contact regarding any cat tracks found. Comfortable indoor lodging and meals are included with your hunt.

Hunting Hounds

Airline Tickets

Buy changeable airline tickets to Salt Lake City, so if weather is looking bad we can change your hunt dates to a better time, or you may kill early and then you could leave early if desired.

Nice Tom Lion

Itinerary

Arrive about 4pm the day before your hunt. Plan to depart the late evening or the morning after your hunt ends. Call Dale a few days before leaving to confirm current weather conditions.

Bearhugging A Mountain Lion

Trophy Care

Guides skin the cat, IDFG will seal the hide, freeze the hide and desired meat in a cooler, tape the lid, mark with name, address, phone, and check in as extra baggage if flying.

Idaho Cougar Hunter

Weather

Weather can vary, be prepared for cold snowy weather and have rain gear in case there is rain. Remember to check the Weather Forecast before leaving for your hunt.

Cougar On Top Of Dog Box

What To Bring

Bring your Personal Gear with clothing suitable for cold snowy weather, .223 caliber or larger rifle sighted dead on at 50 yards, and any special snacks or drinks you prefer.

Hounds Barking At Hunter Holding Mt Lion

Exclusions

Not Included: Personal gear, license fees, sales tax, travel costs, taxidermy, meat processing & shipping, gratuities, and items not listed as being included. Orange is not required.

Idaho Mountain Lion Hunting FAQ

Common questions about guided hound hunts for Idaho mountain lion (cougar) with Bearpaw Outfitters.

Where are the cougar hunts and how do I get there?

This is a scenic western mountain area with 700+ square miles of hunting territory near Pocatello, Idaho, only 2.5 hours drive from the Salt Lake airport. Abundant mule deer and elk herds support a robust mountain lion population.

How do you hunt mountain lions?

We use 4x4 trucks, UTVs, or snowmobiles to search mountain roads for fresh tracks each morning. When the right tracks are found, the hounds are released and the chase begins. When the lion trees to escape the dogs, the hunters hike in from the nearest road.

What does a hunt cost and how does booking work?

A 4-day lion hunt is $5950 and a 6-day hunt is $7950, with extra hunt days at $1000 and a non-hunter at $200 per day. To book, check available dates on our calendar and submit an application with a 50% deposit.

What license and tags do I need?

A hunting license and Mt Lion tag cost $399.50, wolf tags are $41.75, and no additional tag is needed for bobcat or coyote. Licenses are available online or over the counter in nearly every Idaho town, and are valid Jan 1 to Dec 31.

What size cougars do you take?

Mature toms can weigh 140 pounds or more and measure 8 to 9 feet when skinned. Bearpaw has taken many record size cougar, the largest scaling 205 pounds, measuring 9 1/2 feet, scoring 15 11/16, and was the P&Y World Record.

What are my odds, and can I choose which cat to take?

Multiple tracks are found on nearly every hunt, and we prefer passing small lions to find good toms. We can estimate the sex and size of lions by their tracks, and it's your choice which cats we chase and which cat you shoot.

How are hunts guided, and what about lodging?

Hunts are guided 1x1. Two hunters wanting to hunt together can stay with one guide while the other guide stays in close contact about any tracks found. Comfortable indoor lodging and meals are included with your hunt.

What weapon should I bring and what's the weather like?

Bring a .223 caliber or larger rifle sighted dead on at 50 yards, since treed shots are close. Be prepared for cold, snowy weather with rain gear just in case, and check the forecast before leaving. Orange is not required.

Related Idaho Hunts

Idaho Wolf / Lion / Bobcat  •  Idaho Bear Hunts  •  Southern Idaho Elk & Deer  •  Idaho Mule Deer