Bowhunting Mountain Lions
When bowhunters think of a challenging hunt, most think of elk hunting, sheep hunting or moose hunting. These types of hunts are extremely challenging but another hunt that takes place in North America that is equally as challenging and some may say more challenging than the animals listed above. That animal is a mountain lion. The mountain lion is elusive, has a large home range, and although there are plenty of big cats in many of the western states, most hunters want a large male which can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
One bowhunter who has been on dozens of mountain lion hunts is Shane Mowery of Idaho. Mowery is a professional guide and hunter. “Trying to find a mountain lion is like trying to find the unicorn of the timber,” Mowery said. “It is extremely difficult. Big males travel alone and cover lots of ground on a daily basis. Even when I am hunting with dogs, finding a big cat is nearly impossible much of the time.”
I have been on two mountain lion hunts and both times I came home empty-handed. One hunt was an 8-day bowhunt in Colorado in the winter. The other hunt was a 5-day hunt on dry ground in Arizona. Both hunts were over hounds and both had close calls, but I ate tag soup both times.
If going on a mountain lion hunt sounds like something you would like to do, there are a few things you should consider before booking a trip. First and foremost, lion hunting is extremely physically demanding. The better shape a bowhunter is in, the better chance they have of being successful. In the winter, many guides use UTV’s or horses, but walking up and down mountains is often a must.
Another thing to consider is which state you want to hunt in. Most western states allow non-residents to hunt mountain lions. If you want a large cat, the best states to hunt in are northern states including Montana, Idaho or Colorado. These states are known for having large cats.
Next you will need to hire a guide. Most hunters who bowhunt mountain lions hire a guide who has a good pack of hounds. When selecting an outfitter, make sure the outfitter gives you a reference list that includes hunters who have killed a mountain lion and hunters who have gone home empty-handed. Talk to hunters who didn’t tag a cat. An unsuccessful hunter will often give an honest opinion. If a hunter who didn’t kill a cat was happy and would hunt with the outfitter again, the outfitter is probably a good one.
I have been on two mountain lion hunts and my hope is someday in the future I will get to hike behind a pack of hounds again. Hunting mountain lions is challenging and exciting. Tagging a mountain lion should be on every bowhunter’s bucket list especially for those bowhunters who are attracted to difficult hunts that challenge them mentally and physically.
