If you’re looking for one of the most challenging and unforgettable big game hunts in North America, mountain lion hunting in Montana is right at the top. These apex predators are elusive, powerful, and intelligent, which makes pursuing them in the wild a real test of grit, patience, and preparation. This isn’t a sit-and-wait kind of hunt. This is a pursuit.
At Crazy Creek Outfitters, we’ve been guiding successful mountain lion hunts for years across the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges. It’s not just about finding a big cat. It’s about doing it right—with respect for the animal, the terrain, and the hunt itself.
If you’re considering a guided mountain lion hunt, here’s what you can expect, why timing matters, and how going with experienced guides like us can make the difference between just a cold walk in the woods and a hunt you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
The Basics of Mountain Lion Hunting in Montana
Mountain lion season in Montana typically runs from December 1 through April 14, or until the area-specific quotas are filled. These hunts take place in winter when snow on the ground makes it possible to track lions more effectively.
The key to success is simple but demanding: fresh snow and fresh tracks. Once we cut a lion track, the real work begins. Our team, along with our trained hounds, will follow the track until the cat is treed or cornered. At that point, it’s up to the hunter to move in, stay calm, and take a clean shot.
Mountain lion hunts are physically demanding and often require hiking through deep snow, climbing elevation, and moving fast once the dogs are on a trail. You don’t have to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be in decent shape and ready for long days outdoors. It’s the kind of hunt that’ll challenge you—and the kind that feels incredibly rewarding when it all comes together.
Why Hunt With Hounds?
This is one of the few hunts where hounds are not only helpful, but essential. Mountain lions are ghosts of the forest. You could walk right past one and never know it. They move through rugged terrain quickly and don’t leave much behind except tracks in the snow.
Our hounds are trained to track lions based on scent and behavior. Once they’re on the trail, they can follow a mountain lion through thick timber, steep ravines, and rocky outcroppings—places most hunters wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. When the hounds tree the lion, we guide you in for a safe and ethical shot.
This method of hunting is legal, ethical, and widely respected in the predator hunting world. It’s also one of the most thrilling experiences in the field. You’ll hear the hounds baying in the distance, your adrenaline will spike, and you’ll know you’re in the thick of a real backcountry pursuit.
What to Expect on a Typical Hunt With Crazy Creek
At Crazy Creek Outfitters, our mountain lion hunts are typically 5-day packages with one-on-one guide service. We base operations out of Victor, Montana, right in the heart of lion country. From there, we head out each morning—early—scouting snow conditions and checking high-probability areas for fresh tracks.
Once a track is cut, we launch into the pursuit. Depending on conditions, we might spend hours following the trail, or it could come together quickly. Each day brings something new.
We provide transportation, licensed guides, and the hounds. You’ll need to bring your own rifle or weapon of choice, winter gear, boots, and an attitude ready for long days and cold weather. Food and lodging are arranged separately, and we can point you to our trusted partners in the area.
We also assist with the licensing and application process. Montana requires a mountain lion license and conservation license, and quotas vary by region. We’ll make sure you have what you need and stay within all legal requirements. When quotas fill, that unit is closed for the season—so the earlier you plan and book, the better.
Why Experience Matters When Hunting Lions
You only get so many chances at a mountain lion. If you’re flying in from out of state, taking time off work, and investing in a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, you want to make sure you’re putting your trust in a team that’s done it before—and done it well.
We know these mountains. We know where the lions move, how to find fresh sign, and how to adjust based on snowpack, temperature, and quota updates. We’ve tracked and treed cats in all kinds of conditions, and we’ve guided hunters of all experience levels to successful outcomes.
More importantly, we understand the full weight of what it means to take a mountain lion. This is not a numbers game. It’s a serious, regulated, and highly respectful hunt. We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t treat this like a guaranteed outcome. Every cat we help a hunter pursue is earned.
Who This Hunt Is Right For
This isn’t a casual weekend hunt. It’s for hunters who want a real challenge. You’ll be outdoors in below-freezing temperatures, working through elevation and snow, and following dogs into remote areas. But if that sounds like your kind of adventure, you’ll love it.
We’ve guided:
– Predator hunters looking to check lion off their list
– Rifle hunters looking for a winter hunt
– Returning elk or deer clients looking to experience something different
– Out-of-state hunters who want a guided, legal way to pursue lions in Montana
– If that sounds like you, you’ll be in good company.
How to Prepare for a Mountain Lion Hunt
We’ll send you a full prep list when you book with us, but here are a few essentials to keep in mind:
– Physical conditioning: Start walking, hiking, and getting your legs and lungs ready. Altitude and snow can make things more difficult than expected.
– Winter gear: Waterproof boots, insulated outerwear, and base layers are crucial. You’ll be moving and also spending time stationary, so you need to be ready for both extremes.
– Marksmanship: Practice offhand shooting and short-range control. These are typically not 300-yard shots. They’re 20 to 60 yards, sometimes steep angles, often in timber.
– Mental toughness: Not every day will lead to a lion. Weather can change fast, tracks can go cold, and the chase might take longer than expected. Stay patient and trust the process.
We’ll walk you through every part of the experience. Our goal is not just to get you on a lion—it’s to make sure you understand and appreciate the entire hunt from start to finish.
Book With Crazy Creek Outfitters
If you’re serious about mountain lion hunting in Montana, there’s no better team to guide you than Crazy Creek. We live and breathe this stuff. We know the country, we know the game, and we run hunts with a professional, ethical approach that clients return for year after year.
We’re not a booking agency. We’re the ones out there before daylight cutting tracks, checking snowpack, working dogs, and putting you in the best possible position for a successful hunt. If you’re ready to experience a true predator pursuit in the mountains of Montana, we’d be honored to guide you.
Get in touch with us today to talk availability, licensing, and what to expect. Let’s plan a hunt you’ll never forget.