Idaho has long been known as a premier state for fantastic mountain lion hunting. If you’re looking into Idaho mountain lion hunts Idaho needs to be on your short list. This state has long been known for good snow and producing big toms.
An average day will consist of waking up early to a wonderful home cooked breakfast and coffee before heading out to hunt for the day. Hunters and guide(s) will leave around 7:00 am to go begin the search for previous nights tracks. On most mornings, the houndsmen will have left long before the hunters are awake, typically between 2:00-5:00 am to search for fresh tracks. You’ll eventually meet up with the houndsman and often times he will have already located tracks and formulated strategy to start the chase! Hunters and guides will cover ground mostly by 4X4 trucks and snow machines while looking for fresh tracks.
Once fresh tracks have been located and the chase has began hunters will have the option to stand back and watch things unfold or join in the chase on foot! Travel from roads and trails will typically be short distance and by foot. They have used horses and snowshoes in some cases to get hunters as close as they can to a treed mountain lion.
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Salmon River Idaho Mountain Lion Hunt
This outfitter runs his hounds in the Salmon River Wilderness area.
This is a small, well run Mom-and-Pop type small operation dedicated to personal service of each client that hunts with them. The mountain lion hunting is conducted December 15 – February 15. These times of the year are consistently the best for snowfall which provide for the best opportunity to catch a trophy male mountain lion.
A new addition to this hunt is the trapline adventure.
The outfitter will also combine your trophy cougar hunt with a trapline adventure as a part of the experience. You will be helping the outfitter harvest additional predators like coyotes, bobcats, and possibly wolves. You will also catch other furbearers like mink, marten, fox and beaver. Take home any furs that are caught while you are there!
- Almost perfect shot opportunity on trophy cougars.
- Outfitter owns his own hounds, (he doesn’t hire other houndsman to do his cougar hunts.)
- Comfortable lodging in the outfitters home.
- Delicious home cooked meals prepared by the outfitters wife.
- At least 1 or 2 guides per hunter.
- Top quality equipment used during the hunt 4×4 trucks, snowmobiles etc.
- Non-hunting spouses or friends are welcome for a nominal fee.
West Central Idaho Mountain Lion Hunt
The region along the South Fork of the Salmon River is known as a premier mountain lion hunting area because it is a main winter range for elk and deer.
This experienced houndsman and his professional mountain lion hunting guides have experienced great success chasing and harvesting mature toms along the scenic South Fork of the Salmon River in the wilderness of the West Central Mountains of Idaho. This stretch of river drainage along the South Fork of the Salmon River hosts a high number of wintering elk and mule deer during this time of year, with no shortage of predators to follow.
So far, we’ve had an 80% success rate on mature toms.
- Lodging and Meals are included on the hunt.
- Hunt for six full days.
- Guaranteed, over-the-counter mountain lion tags.
- Be sure to get a wolf tag. They’re common in this area.
- There’s always a chance for a bobcat too!
Frank Church Wilderness Mountain Lion Hunts
This Idaho mountain lion hunting trip delivers an unforgettable wilderness experience.
These hunts take place in the rugged Frank Church Wilderness on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, where a thriving population of trophy mountain lions offers incredible hunting opportunities. Guided by expert houndsmen and well-trained dogs, you’ll have a challenging hunt that promises adventure at every turn.
These hunts are cabin-based out of two exceptional locations: one situated at 5,500 feet elevation, and the other at 4,000 feet. These elevations give you access to the best snow conditions, critical for tracking mountain lions. You’ll stay in either a cozy lodge or the cabin depending on the hunt, where warm meals and comfortable accommodations await you at the end of each day’s hunt.
This is a Unique Hunt
Most of the hunt is conducted on horseback, allowing for deep access into the backcountry. When the hounds pick up a fresh lion track, you’ll dismount and follow on foot, listening for the thrilling echoes of the hounds’ chase. The heart-pounding pursuit through snow-covered forests is as rewarding as it is challenging.
In addition to hunting mountain lions, you’ll have the opportunity to harvest a bobcat for an additional trophy fee. The Middle Fork area is teeming with wildlife, and you’ll likely spot Bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and mountain goats along the way. As a bonus, every hunt includes the option to harvest a wolf at no extra charge, adding even more value and excitement to your adventure.
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Spot-and-stalk Idaho Mountain Lion Hunting
This Idaho outfitter has surprisingly high success rates considering how he is hunting lions.
Spot-and-stalk mountain lion hunting is a low odds endeavor, but our outfitter gets it done every season! He hunts the elk winter range and spends a lot of time glassing for kills. Once a kill is found you’ll sit for long hours behind the glass trying to pick the cougar out of the landscape. This is a different twist on what most people consider ONLY a hound hunt. If you aren’t having luck glassing up a tom, there is always the option to call the houndsman.
One great thing about this hunt is that while you are glassing, your odds of seeing a wolf are quite high. Be warned though, seeing a wolf and shooting one are two very different things!
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Book Your Idaho Mountain Lion Hunt
When you’re ready to book a cougar hunt, let us know and we’ll get you in touch with some amazing outfitters.
Idaho Mountain lion Hunting Outfitters
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Anonymous Hunter –
This houndsman was hands down among the best. His dogs were well trained and he worked harder than anyone could have asked for.
David G. –
These guys worked very hard to make this happen. We went on truck, snowmobile and snowshoes up steep mountains to get the cat. Very impressed with the effort.
Bryan Clendenen –
I hunted in Idaho for mountain lion, wolf and bobcat as potential bonus. Outfitter was knowledgeable of the area and the hounds men/guides were excellent. Two of us went on the hunt. We got our first lion the first day, and then I got mine on the third day. My hunt ended up being quite a hike at 13 miles round-trip! Wouldn’t have had it any other way as it was a true adventure!
Michael Persell –
Great outfit, great people and beautiful country.