Idaho Cougar Hunting

Idaho Cougar Hunting

Idaho is a top cougar hunting destination. We offer guaranteed cougar hunts in their southern and northern Idaho hunt areas. We have been outfitting and guiding mountain lion hunts for more than 40 years and caught hundreds of cougar including the former P&Y World Record Cougar. Cougar hunting is not just a winter sideline, it's serious business.

Base Price is for 5-Day hunt. 7-Day hunt available for additional fee.

Why Choose us?

An important factor to consider when choosing a Mt. Lion outfitter is what cat you will be told to shoot. We will not tell you what you have to shoot. We can usually estimate the sex and weight within 10 or 15 pounds by looking at the tracks or looking at the animal. When tracks are found your guide will tell you what the cat is and it's your decision if you want to chase the cat or use the time to look for a better cat to chase. When a cat is treed it's your choice to shoot the cat or leave it and look for a bigger cat.

Hunt Areas & Terrain

The Northern Idaho cougar hunting areas managed by Brian Denney are 3000' to 6000' elevation with more than 350 square miles of prime cougar hunting. The southern Idaho cougar hunting areas managed by Dale Denney are 5000' to 8000' elevation with more than 700 square miles of prime cougar hunting territory. Idaho is very mountanous but the guides will go at a pace hunters can handle, many hunters with limited physical abilities have been successful.

Seasons, Licenses, & Hunter Ed

Cougar hunting seasons run November 1 to March 31. The best hunting usually occurs when there is fresh snow from late November through early February. The License and Cougar Tag are available over the counter for $340.75 and can be purchased when you arrive. Hunter Education is required if born after Jan 1, 1975.

Trophy Quality

Cougar are also known as Mountain Lions, the toms usually weigh from 120 to 150 pounds or more and females usually weigh 80 to 100 pounds. Hides usually measure from 7 to 9 feet in length. We have taken dozens of record book sized cougar. The largest cougar taken by our outfitter scaled 205 pounds, measured over 9 1/2 feet long and was the P&Y world record for several years.

Hunting Methods

The most successful cougar hunting method is to travel mountain roads with a 4x4 truck, ATV, or snowmobile watching for fresh cougar tracks. The guides may also hike into remote areas looking for cougar tracks if needed. Once a good set of fresh tracks is located the dogs are released and the chase is on. Because the hounds can cover so much country, you will wait until the cat is bayed or treed, then we will try to get you as close as possible before hiking in.

Shot Opportunity & Additional Game

Shot opportunity averages 80% to 90% most years but there have been many years with 100% success. Most shots range from 10 to 50 yards. Ask Dale about adding coyote, wolf, and bobcat to your hunt. Local waters also offer excellent trout fishing and your hunting license includes 3 days of fishing.

Guiding, Lodging, Meals

The Cougar hunts are guided 1x1. Lodging and meals are included at our remodeled farm house in southern Idaho or the manufactured home in northern Idaho or you can also choose to stay at a motel in town if preferred. Any motels and restaurants are your expense.