Mountain Lion Hunting in Utah: High Country and Hounds
Where the Mountains Breathe
Hunting mountain lions in Utah is a different kind of pursuit. It’s not a hunt of convenience or comfort. It’s a challenge that plays out across steep ridgelines, snowy draws, and high country where the air thins and the views stretch for miles. You don’t just walk out and stumble across a lion. You track, you climb, and you follow the only thing that can stick with one of these ghosts of the mountains—a hound with grit. Additionally, hunters must be prepared to adjust their schedules based on current weather conditions to optimize their hunting experience.
The Lay of the Land
Utah is a state of extremes. From red rock desert to snow-covered alpine basins, it offers a little bit of everything, but when it comes to mountain lion hunting, the high country is where most of the action happens. Think aspen groves, rimrock cliffs, dense pine forests, and long ridges that go on forever. These lions travel huge territories, often staying just ahead of the weather and rarely making the same move twice. Following one means covering miles, often in deep snow, through terrain that will test your lungs, legs, and resolve. Utah mountain lion hunts offer a unique adventure, showcasing the rugged terrain and rich habitat that contribute to a thriving mountain lion population.
Hounds Are the Backbone
Mountain lion hunting begins and ends with hounds. The dogs do what no man can—track a cat across bare rock, frozen ground, or sun-baked soil. Breeding plays a crucial role in developing these specialized hounds for mountain lion hunting. The best hounds in Utah are bred for endurance, drive, and brains. Blueticks, redbones, walkers, and plotts all have a place in the box, and most hunters swear by a mix. The key is a cold-nosed dog with a steady head and the heart to keep pushing when the trail turns rough. The sound of a hound trailing high above a canyon rim or bawling on a fresh track is something you don’t forget.
Gearing Up for the High Hunt
There’s no room for shortcuts in the Utah backcountry. You need gear that works. That starts with solid boots, a good layering system for cold and wind, and a pack that carries enough to keep you going all day. Snowshoes often come into play, especially after a storm. Good optics help spot tracks from a distance. A reliable firearm—a scoped rifle or revolver, depending on preference—is needed for when the cat is treed. And a GPS collar system for the dogs is almost a must. These lions don’t make it easy, and losing a dog in the wrong canyon can turn serious quick.
Reading Sign and Chasing Tracks
A big part of lion hunting is knowing how to read the mountain and cut fresh tracks. Fresh snow helps. A lion track tells a story, and the experienced hunter learns to read the size, gait, and direction. Is it an old tom cruising for territory? A female with a kitten? Is it worth turning the dogs loose? Lions can travel all night, so a track at dawn might be miles old. That’s when the hounds earn their keep. When you cut a fresh one, it’s game on. The dogs go silent, then one opens up. Another follows. Soon the canyon’s echoing with their voices. That’s when you start moving fast.
When the Tree Comes
The goal in most lion hunts is to get the cat in a tree. When a big tom feels pressure from a determined pack of hounds, he’ll often head for a steep rock face or high limb. That moment—when the dogs go from trailing to baying—is the payoff. You hustle up the mountain, sometimes climbing through snow and deadfall, heart pounding. When you see that tail flick or those eyes locked on you from above, it’s a mix of awe, adrenaline, and thrill. Taking the shot is part of it, but the real trophy is getting there at all.
A Hunt of Respect and Regulation
Mountain lion hunting in Utah is highly regulated. A valid hunting license is required to obtain a mountain lion tag. Tags are limited, and hunters are expected to know the difference between males and females, especially those with kittens. Ethics matter. No hunter worth his salt wants to take a female with young or waste a cat because of poor judgment. There’s a culture of responsibility that runs deep among the lion hunters out here. It’s not about stacking pelts. It’s about the experience, the chase, and doing it right.
Seasonal Timing and Tactics
The season typically runs from November to March, when snow makes tracking easier and the big cats are on the move. January and February are prime. Cold days and fresh powder set the stage for a textbook chase. Early mornings are best, especially after a fresh snowfall. Some hunters run roads to cut tracks, others ride mules or snowmobiles to reach the higher basins. No matter the approach, it takes grit and a willingness to put in the miles.
A Bond Forged in Snow and Sound
Hound hunting, more than most types of hunting, builds a deep bond between man and dog. You trust those hounds with your time, your effort, and often your safety. You follow them into country where few people ever set foot. And when they lock onto a scent, you go where they go. There’s something honest about that. Something pure. The hills of Utah don’t care about your plans or how far you meant to go. They offer a chance to test yourself—and if you’re lucky, to find a lion waiting in the limbs.
Conclusion
Mountain lion hunting in Utah is not for the faint of heart. It demands time, effort, and respect for the land, the game, and the dogs that make it possible. But for those willing to put in the work, the reward is more than just a punch tag. It’s an unforgettable experience forged in snow and echo, in bark and bay. It’s a chase that stays with you long after the prints melt away. If you’ve got the heart, the hounds, and the hunger for high country, there’s no better way to spend a winter’s day.
FAQs
Is a special permit required to hunt mountain lions in Utah?
Yes, Utah requires a specific tag for mountain lion hunting, which necessitates having a valid Utah hunting license. Tags are limited and may be obtained through a draw or over-the-counter depending on the unit and season.
Can non-residents hunt mountain lions in Utah?
Yes, non-residents can hunt lions in Utah with the appropriate license and tag. However, availability may vary, and costs are higher than resident fees, with some optional services and amenities available for an additional charge.
What’s the best time of year to hunt lions in Utah?
Winter is the ideal season, particularly November through February, when snow helps with tracking and the cats are more active.
Do you need hounds to hunt mountain lions?
While not legally required in all cases, hounds are essential for most successful mountain lion hunts. They are the only reliable way to track and tree a lion in Utah’s rugged terrain. These hunts are conducted by experienced guides who ensure safety and skillful hound training.
Is mountain lion hunting dangerous?
Being prepared is crucial as it carries risks like any backcountry activity—cold, snow, steep climbs, and the presence of a large predator. But with proper planning, gear, and experience, it can be done safely and respectfully.