Whether you’re hunting mountain lions in Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming or anywhere else, your gear will be pretty much the same. The weather on a mountain lion hunt can range widely from rain, sleet, snow and wind to warm and sunny so packing accordingly can be a challenge. A good layering system is the way to go.
If you’re hunting mountain lions on dry ground your gear will be different. The weather will probably be warm as this is typically an Arizona thing. Also, you will probably be riding horses, so dress accordingly, but be prepared for a cold front to move in, or rain.
If you don’t want to purchase gear that you won’t use again after your trip, check out www.rgunsngear.com. What a cool program!
Be sure to use OIGET10 at checkout to get your discount.
Clothing and Apparel
❏ Underwear (1 pair per day)
❏ Base Layer Top and Bottom (2 – 3 pairs per week) *we suggest merino wool
❏ Lightweight Camo Jacket
❏ Windstopper Camo Jacket
❏ Midweight Camo Jacket
❏ Lightweight Camo Vest
❏ Lightweight Camo Shirt (3 – 5 per week)
❏ Lightweight Camo Pants (1-2 pair per week)
❏ Midweight Camo Pants (1 pair per week)
❏ Rain Gear
❏ Blaze Orange (rifle hunts) *check Regulations in the state you are hunting
❏ Lightweight Gloves
❏ Midweight Gloves
❏ Camo Cap
❏ Camo Stocking Cap or Camo Beanie
❏ Heavy Shirt
❏ Cold Weather Pants
❏ Insulated Parka (with hood)
❏ Insulated Bibs
❏ Balaclava and/or Neck Gaiter
❏ Wool Gloves
❏ Insulated Waterproof Gloves
❏ Hand Muff
❏ Gaiters
❏ Hand Warmer Packets
Hunting Gear
❏ Binoculars
❏ Bino Harness
❏ Backpack
❏ Spotting Scope – The case could be made that you don’t really need a spotting scope, or even binoculars for that matter, on a mountain lion hunt, and I would have to agree….technically speaking. But you will usually be hunting winter range and it sure is nice to get a close up look at that big bull on the opposite ridge.
Rifle Hunts
❏ Rifle – Mountain lions don’t require a large caliber. Shot placement is the most important factor to consider.
❏ Shells (at least one box)
❏ Scope (with rain cover)
❏ Rifle Sling
❏ Soft Rifle Case
❏ Hard Rifle Case
❏ Gun Cleaning Kit
Bowhunting
❏ Bow – Check the Regulations in the state you are hunting.
❏ Arrows (At least one doz.)
❏ Broadheads
– Check the Regulations in the state you are hunting.
❏ Release
(An extra release is recommended.)
❏ Soft Bow Case
❏ Hard Bow Case
Personal and Misc. Items
❏ Lip Balm
❏ Towel
❏ Insect Repellent
❏ Sunscreen
❏ Moleskin for blisters
❏ Super Glue
❏ Prescription Medication
❏ WD-40
❏ Duct Tape
❏ Pain Reliever
❏ Extra Glasses and/or Contacts
❏ Quality Polarized Sunglasses
❏ Personal Toiletries
❏ Camera
❏ Video Camera and/or GoPro
❏ Extra Batteries for all Electronics
*This is a sample/generic gear list. For more specific details for the time of year you are traveling to, we recommend checking with your outfitter, consultant or your destination’s local Wildlife Management Agency.
Be Sure to Remember These Items on Your Mountain Lion Hunt:
- Hunting license and mountain lion tag.
- Conservation Stamp (if needed).
- Many states require Hunters Safety certificates.
- Gun Permits etc.
- I.D.
- Airline ticket and Itinerary
- Passport (if needed)
- Outfitter contact information
We strongly recommend you consider purchasing a trip insurance policy, as most outfitters do not offer refunds for any reason. If some unforeseen problem pops up and you are unable to make your trip, you won’t lose all of your hard earned money.
Trip insurance also protects you from damage or loss to your equipment and provides medical benefits and emergency evacuation coverage during your trip.
Packing Tips:
- Use your day pack for all of your carry-on items if you are flying.
- Pack an extra set of casual clothing with you in your hard case under the foam lining.
- Pack your sleeping bag in a compression sack
to conserve space. - Most people pack WAY too much. For most guided trips, all of your gear should be able to fit in one duffel bag weighing less than 80 lbs. *Not including your sleeping bag.
to conserve space.Practice Your Shooting:
One of the most important factors to a successful hunt is your ability to shoot well. Start preparing for your hunt well in advance by sighting in your rifle or bow carefully. Make sure you practice from all possible shooting positions, and shoot A LOT out to distances that stretch your abilities. That will make those close shots easy. On a mountain lion hunt, you’ll probably be shooting almost straight up. Figure out a way to practice that.
Taxidermy:
If you are looking for a good taxidermist, we use and recommend The Wildlife Gallery. They do amazing work, will treat you right and most importantly, they will bring your trophy “back to life”. Be sure to tell them Outdoors International sent you.
Notes:
To ensure your are prepared for weather conditions for your upcoming adventure, we recommend checking www.weather.com and/or www.accuweather.com immediately prior to your departure.
The standard tip for a guide is 10% to 20% of the cost of your trip. Remember to tip the cooks and other help in the camp as well. The amount you give reflects your appreciation for your guide’s hard work and effort.
