Bowhunt America

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A ringing cell phone isn't something to get overly ecstatic about. People across the globe receive countless calls each day. This call, however, was different. The number illuminating on my phone was that of local mountain lion guru, Jay Waring. I knew why he was calling before I even answered the phone. The fresh blanket of white outside told the story. Another epic mountain lion adventure was in store. Only this time I wasn't going to be going along as a dog handler or spectator—this time I was the hunter. My lifelong dream of tailing a pack of hounds in pursuit of North America's ultimate predator was about to come true.

I couldn't even get out a polite greeting before Jay's voice starting blasting in my ear. It was obvious he was excited.

“Jace, this is perfect snow!” he exclaimed. “If we get out early and start prospecting, a lion track will be in our future. Be at the house at 1:00 a.m., and I will have everything ready to go. Tomorrow is your day, man.”

The drive to Jay's was a slippery one, but when I pulled in the yard his Toyota was humming and the sweet sound of hounds filled the air. Jay was all smiles. He lived for days like this. After handing me a steaming cup of coffee, we jumped into the rig and were off.

Conversation was absent as we rolled down the frosted highway, but we did exchange grins between sips of coffee. Thirty miles into the trip, I broke the silence.

“Jay, in all of your years of lion hunting and countless trips down this highway, have you ever cut a track crossing the blacktop?”

Jay laughed. “Every time I leave the house I hope for that very thing, but in twenty years it has never happened.”

I'm not sure what kind of magic hung in the air that morning, but it quickly showed up. Minutes after my question, the rig was sliding right and left. Jay's foot was pressed hard on the brake, and when the truck stopped, he looked at me with wide eyes.

“I think I just saw a lion track on the road,” he gasped.

Instantly the tires were chewing up snow and spinning in reverse. My heart was in my throat. Then the truck stopped. Jay rolled down the window and turned to me with a big silly grin.

“Lion tracks, Jace, and he is one big boy,” he said.

The 15-inch stride and monstrous prints were impressive. Due to the lack of snow accumulation in the prints, we figured them to be less than fifteen minutes old. Now all we had to do was wait for dawn. It was a long wait. I felt like a ten-year-old boy on Christmas morning. Finally, light flickered in the east, and the hounds were cut loose.

I don’t recall how many canyons we scaled or the number of times I tumbled to the earth, but my first glimpse of that magnificent creature will be forever etched in my memory. He was gorgeous. Jay was nervous because the tree was small and the foliage was thick. We would have to inch extremely close for a clear bowshot. “Close” ended up being 12 yards, and the cat opened and closed his powerful jaws to show his displeasure. When I got the bow back everything slowed down. My top pin burned into his golden fur, and then the arrow was gone. The hit was perfect, and the giant beast plummeted to the soft snow. My mountain lion dream had become reality.

Your Adventure Starts Here

I don’t tend to have a lot of extra money for lavish dream bowhunts. My wallet is typically lined with more receipts than dollar bills, and my mountain lion adventure didn’t happen overnight—I had to plan. The wonderful thing about a lion hunt is that it’s doable on a strict budget. I’m living proof of that.

If you live in an area where mountain lions are prevalent, start by contacting all of the outfitters that are within a couple hours drive of your home. What I have discovered is that many outfitters are happy to work out an arrangement with locals. When an unexpected snowstorm hits, the outfitter wants to hunt. He can’t twiddle his thumbs after a fresh snow waiting for an out-of-state client to arrive, especially if the forecast calls for a warming trend after the storm. A savvy outfitter knows tracks will be gone quickly, and he wants to have someone on standby—someone who can be there at a moment’s notice.

Another great thing about being a go-to guy can be the price. Before Jay and I even became friends, he explained to me that since I was local and willing to wait, the hunt would be $1,500 cheaper than his usual hunts. After two years of waiting, my turn rolled around, and I got an amazing hunt for half the price.

My first lion experience got me addicted, and I’ve come to know many different mountain lion guides in several states. Each of them has a local calling tree, and all of them reduce the price of the hunt for these locals. This is definitely something to keep in mind.

What if you don’t live in prime mountain lion habitat? Can you still afford a dream adventure like this? Absolutely! The trick is finding a reliable outfitter who doesn’t depend heavily on lion hunts as a major source of income. Take Jay and his outfit for example. Mule deer and elk are his bread and butter. He simply hunts lions because he is addicted to hunting these stunning creatures, and he loves his hounds. Don’t get me wrong—Jay does turn a small profit off the lions he puts up a tree, but that isn’t his focus. By the time Colorado’s mountain lion season arrives, Jay has served his mule deer and elk clientele, and now he just wants to hunt. For this reason, his lion expeditions are very reasonable.

Another great tip for getting a first-rate lion hunt at a discount price is to attend some sportsman’s shows. Outfitters from across the country travel to numerous shows during the off-season, and most run show specials. My good buddy booked an awesome lion hunt at the Denver International Sportsman’s Exhibition this past January. The hunt is in Utah, and he saved $1,000 by booking at the show. Plus, he got a chance to meet the outfitter, ask all his questions and get a firsthand look at the operation. This is another benefit of attending a few shows.

Is an Outfitter Really Necessary?

Personally, I’m a do-it-yourself guy. In fact, my mountain lion hunt was my first experience using an outfitter. That said, if I ever go on another lion hunt, I’ll use an outfitter again. Mountain lions are arguably one of the most elusive of all God’s creatures, and without a good set of hunting hounds, you might as well be going after Bigfoot. Your only chance of a DIY mountain lion hunt is to find a fresh kill—which is hard enough in itself—and set up over it. Serious mountain lion hunters either have their own dogs or go with a guide.

Get Ready Now

Once you have committed to a mountain lion hunt there are some things you must do. Nothing is worse than showing up for your adventure and having it quickly become a nightmare. I have tagged along with many hunters who waited their whole lives for the experience and ended up hating it. Most simply aren’t able to meet the physical requirements this hunt demands. Lion hunters should plan on walking miles in rough, steep terrain and potentially knee-deep snow, which will make one mile feel like three.

When the dogs actually jump the lion, things really get interesting. A wise cat will take the most dreadful path through the woods imaginable in an attempt to lose the hounds. You will often have to reroute your course and go miles out of the way to get around a rock face or some other serious obstacle. I have seen some hunters who actually made it to the treed cat but were so exhausted they couldn’t draw their bow. Others were shaking so badly they couldn’t steady their pin, and the outfitter told them not to shoot out of concern for the safety of the hounds. Those hunters ended up harvesting their lions, but they had to do so with a pistol.

The good news is this can all be avoided. Start training months before your lion adventure. If you’re like me and never know when your number might be called, stay in top shape all winter. I have found that running, walking in steep terrain with a hefty pack and swimming pay big dividends. Making the commitment to uphold a solid workout routine will add to the enjoyment of your hunt.

Elevation is another important variable to consider. Most lion excursions take place way above sea level, which can affect the human body in negative ways. This especially holds true for those not accustomed to altitude swings. I have been on lion hunts that start at 5,000 feet and end at 8,000. Other times the cat will keep climbing and make it above 10,000 feet. It’s important to remember that altitude will intensify the physical demands of the hunt and can also lead to altitude sickness. The reduced air pressure and lower concentration of oxygen at high altitude constricts the blood vessels and prevents good blood flow. In most cases this causes a mild headache and nausea. However, altitude sickness can result in vomiting, swelling of appendages and severe fatigue.

Unfortunately there is no real cure for altitude sickness other than dropping elevation. A traveling hunter’s best defense is to arrive a day or two early for the hunt. This will help with the natural acclimation process and allow your lungs to warm-up before things really get wild.

The Mental Roller Coaster

Not only is cat hunting one of the most physical hunts a bowhunter will ever endure, it’s also mentally exhausting. Days of bouncing around in trucks and covering countless miles on snowmobiles can get old in a hurry. Negative bowhunter psyche starts to creep in, and guys begin to question the outcome of the hunt.

When a track is finally uncovered and the hounds are cut loose, things still go wrong. The cat will eventually find a south-facing slope where the snow is sparse, and the dogs will lose the scent. For hours you will be on pins and needles while the hounds circle, trying to get back on the trail. Then, just when everything seems to be going perfect, the heavens will open and snow will begin to fall. Tracks will fill up with white powder, and things will really get difficult.

Through it all you must remain confident. When things look bleak, remember your training and how hard you worked to make the hunt happen. Hold onto the belief that all the hard work and dedication will eventually lead to a treed lion.

The Shot

Simulating an actual mountain lion shot can be quite tricky. You will likely need to take a shot at a severe upward angle, and a quagmire of branches typically conceals the animal’s vitals. To practice this difficult shot, strap on a safety vest and get a tall ladder. Now prop the ladder in a sturdy tree and haul up a lightweight archery target. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but a poor shot in the field can lead to injured dogs or a wounded animal. The more proficient you become at home, the more natural the shot will be in the field.

Necessary Lion Gear

There are a few items a lion hunter can’t go without. Staying dry in subzero temperatures is critical. Since you will be constantly on the go, perspiration will be an issue. You won’t notice it much while you’re trekking around the mountain, but the moment you stop, it will be very apparent. A good base layer made of moisture-wicking fabric will help keep you warm and dry. Your outer layer should be 100-percent waterproof, and I also recommend a good pair of leg gaiters. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a bunch of freezing snow piling in the top of your boots. Last but not least is a comfortable, medium-sized pack. Lion hunts can be long affairs, and you will want to carry plenty of food and water. You will also be toting several other items like survival tools, a camera, extra clothing, knives, etc. A durable pack that is easy on the shoulders and neck is worth its weight in gold.

Make It Memorable

A great mountain lion adventure provides a lifetime of memories. Be sure to take loads of pictures, and shoot some quality video if possible. The experience of howling dogs, breathtaking scenery and a treed lion is indescribable. It will be something you can share around campfires for years to come.

Questions for the Outfitter

Having a great mountain lion hunt depends heavily on the experience and knowledge of your outfitter. Before you commit and send someone a chunk of money, ask plenty of questions. The last thing you want is to book your dream hunt with some fly-by-night operation. A good outfitter should be able to answer the following questions with ease:

What type of hounds do you use, and did you train them personally?
How many acres of private and public property do you have access to?
How long have you been running lions with hounds?
Could you provide me with a list of references and their phone numbers?
If we tree a female or a small tom, can I pass on the animal?
What are your primary means of transportation?
What is your policy if we don’t get started on a lion during the hunt?

These are just a few to help get you started. As you visit with the outfitter you will think of many more, and don’t hesitate to ask them. The biggest mistake people make when booking with an outfitter is leaving too many stones unturned. A quality outfitter expects questions, so ask as many as you need. This way there will be no surprises when you show up for the hunt, which will make things simpler and more enjoyable.

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