Hunting for Pumas in the Western United States

Hunting for Pumas in the Western United States: A Complete Guide

Puma hunting—most often called mountain lion hunting—is one of the most challenging big-game pursuits in the West. Stealthy, powerful, and highly elusive, pumas inhabit rugged canyons, steep ridges, and timbered high country across states like Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and parts of the Southwest. Pursuing these apex predators requires preparation, knowledge of state-specific regulations, and a deep respect for both the animal and the landscape.

This guide covers the essential gear, tracking techniques, dog-handling fundamentals, safety considerations, and mountain hunting strategies every puma hunter should know. If you're researching outfitters or planning a guided lion hunt, comparing vetted options through Find A Hunt is a reliable way to start.

Understanding Puma Habitat & Behavior

Pumas are stealth predators that rely on rugged terrain and thick cover.

Preferred Habitat

• Steep canyon systems and rimrock

• Foothill breaks and coulees

• Dense timber and dark north-facing slopes

• Mule deer and elk winter ranges

• Remote desert mountains and badlands

Key Behavior Patterns

• Solitary: Lions typically travel alone except for females with kittens.

• Highly mobile: Can travel miles overnight.

• Prey-driven: Follow deer and elk herds throughout seasonal movements.

• Predator-wise: Avoid human pressure, relying on stealth and dense cover.

Understanding where deer and elk concentrate in winter is often the key to locating lions.

Legal Considerations for Puma Hunting

Regulations are strict and vary significantly by state. Before planning a hunt, always verify:

• Season dates and unit closures

• Quotas or harvest limits (many states close units once quotas fill)

• Tag and license requirements

• Use of dogs (legal in some states, restricted or prohibited in others)

• Mandatory check-in or carcass sealing

• Weapon restrictions

Because mountain lion management is tightly regulated, staying compliant is essential for conservation and hunter credibility.

Essential Gear for Mountain Lion Hunting

Firearms & Ammunition

Choose a rifle or handgun capable of accurate, controlled shots in rugged terrain:

• Rifles: .243 Win, .25-06, .270 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor

• Handguns (where legal): .44 Mag, .357 Mag, 10mm

• Premium, fast-expanding bullets are ideal due to the cat’s relatively thin build.

Clothing

Terrain and weather vary widely across the West:

• Layered clothing for high-altitude temperature swings

• Waterproof boots with excellent traction

• Gaiters for snow and brush

• Gloves and warm headgear for winter hunts

Navigation & Safety

• GPS or mapping app with offline layers

• Extra batteries for cold-weather reliability

• First-aid kit

• Headlamp with spare batteries

• Knife and compact game-processing kit

• Bear spray in areas shared with grizzlies

Optional but Valuable

• Trekking poles for steep terrain

• Binoculars (8x or 10x) for glassing tracks, kills, and terrain

• Lightweight daypack for long tracking days

Tracking Techniques for Puma Hunting

Most successful lion hunts rely on strong tracking—whether on foot or with hounds.

1. Snow Tracking

Fresh snow dramatically increases success:

• Look for large, round tracks with no claw marks

• Identify freshness by crisp edges and lack of snow melt

• Follow tracks into canyons, timber pockets, or rimrock bedding areas

Snow hunts require stamina and early starts.

2. Ground Sign & Scouting

Even without snow, sign can reveal lion activity:

• Scrapes near game trails

• Fresh kills (deer cached with debris)

• Scat along ridgelines or saddles

• Travel corridors between major drainages

3. Glassing

In big country or desert environments:

• Glass canyon edges and boulder fields

• Look for movement at dawn/dusk

• Identify potential kill sites where cats may return

Hunting with Hounds

Where legal, hounds are the most effective and traditional method of hunting pumas.

What Makes a Good Lion Dog

• Strong cold-trailing ability

• Endurance for long, rugged races

• Experienced handlers who read dog behavior well

How Hound Hunts Work

• Find fresh tracks at dawn

• Turn dogs loose to trail the lion

• Follow by foot, horseback, ATV, or truck depending on terrain

• Treeing allows for safe, ethical shot opportunities

Ethical Considerations

• Ensure dogs are in good physical condition

• Avoid stressing females with kittens

• Follow all state-specific hound regulations

Techniques for Spot-and-Stalk Lion Hunting

Some regions and conditions favor spot-and-stalk or tracking without dogs.

Best Practices

• Hunt immediately after snowstorms

• Focus on deer winter range and migration trails

• Move quietly and check rimrock shelves

• Watch for ravens or magpies indicating a fresh kill

Spot-and-stalk lion hunting demands patience and strong mountain navigation skills.

Shot Placement for Puma Hunting

Cats are thin-skinned, but poor shots can lead to long tracking jobs.

Ideal Shot Placement

• Broadside: Behind the shoulder, through the lungs

• Quartering-away: Excellent angle for clean penetration

• Avoid head shots: Risky and often unnecessary

Use controlled breathing and a steady rest—lion shots are often taken from awkward terrain.

Field Care & Meat Handling

Mountain lion meat is surprisingly mild and excellent when handled properly.

After the Shot

• Approach cautiously—wounded lions can be dangerous

• Confirm the cat is expired before handling

• Photograph quickly if desired (cold conditions can stiffen the cat fast)

• Skin promptly to cool the hide

• Follow mandatory check-in or sealing procedures

Meat Uses

• Roasts

• Sausage

• Slow-cooked dishes

• Backstrap pan-fry cuts

Many hunters are pleasantly surprised by the quality.

Safety Considerations

Mountain lion habitats include real hazards:

• Steep cliffs

• Deep snow

• Bitter winter temperatures

• Potential encounters with wolves or bears

• Long distances from help

Always hunt with a partner or guide, carry survival gear, and keep communication devices charged.

Common Mistakes Puma Hunters Make

• Starting late—lion tracks are easiest to read early

• Misjudging track age

• Shooting at poor angles from rushed positions

• Underestimating rugged terrain

• Failing to understand quota closures

• Ignoring weather that affects track visibility

Patience, precision, and preparation separate successful lion hunters from frustrated ones.

FAQs: Puma Hunting in the West

Do all Western states allow puma hunting?

No. Some states allow it, some limit it heavily, and others prohibit it. Always verify current regulations.

Do you need a guide?

Not required, but highly beneficial due to tracking knowledge, dog handling, and terrain familiarity.

What’s the best time to hunt?

Winter, especially after fresh snow.

Are pumas dangerous?

They can be. Always approach downed animals carefully and stay situationally aware.

Is mountain lion meat edible?

Yes—properly cooked lion meat is excellent and commonly used in roasts, stews, and sausages.

Plan Your Western Puma Hunt

Hunting pumas in the Western United States is a demanding, rewarding, and deeply traditional pursuit. With the right tracking skills, gear, and understanding of regional regulations, you can experience one of North America’s most thrilling big-game hunts.

To explore outfitters, compare success rates, and plan your own lion hunt, browse trusted listings today through our hunt marketplace.