Utah Mountain Lion Hunts

At Jake Bess Hunting, we specialize in guided Mountain Lion hunts with the use of professionally trained hounds, based out of Southern Utah. Our Utah Mountain Lion hunts can range from a single day up to five days, depending on weather conditions. You’ll work closely with your guide to determine the best timing and duration for your hunt.

Guided Units | Utah Mountain Lion Hunts

Utah’s mountain lion season runs year round, but we conduct hunts at the most opportune times of the year to capitalize on utilizing our highly trained hounds to catch and tree lions. Our hunting season for mountain lion spans from November through March.

Mountain Lion Populations and Success Rates

Southern Utah offers some of the best mountain lion hunting opportunities in the West, thanks to healthy lion populations supported by rugged terrain and abundant prey. The region’s canyons, mesas, and high desert basins provide ideal habitat for cougars, allowing the population to remain stable and sustainable. Our guided hunts in southern Utah consistently yield high success rates—often between 80% and 100%—due to the use of experienced hounds men, well-trained dogs, and deep local knowledge of lion behavior and movement patterns.

At Jake Bess Hunting, our guides are experts at assessing fresh tracks, navigating difficult terrain safely, and capitalizing on opportunities when a mountain lion is treed or bayed. For both seasoned hunters and first-time lion hunters, a guided experience in Southern Utah maximizes the chance for success while ensuring ethical and legal harvest practices.

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Hunt Licenses | Utah Mountain Lion Hunts

To hunt Mountain Lions in Utah, all you will need is a Utah big game hunting license. No tags, no harvest quotas, no limits, just show up and enjoy the hunt. Every mountain lion will need to be checked in by a UDNR employee which is very simple and easy to do and we will help you through that process.

Utah has the easiest and simplest regulations surrounding the take of mountain lions in all of the western US, which in turn makes the hunting much more enjoyable. Not having hidden harvest quotas, arbitrary boundaries lines, and draw tags, makes pursuing mountain lions in Utah the best of any state.

What To Expect | Utah Mountain Lion Hunts

Our winter Mountain Lion hunts typically run from November through March. Snowfall can vary during these months, but we hunt in all conditions. Each day starts early, driving and cutting roads in search of fresh tracks. Depending on conditions, we utilize trucks, ATVs, and mules to cover ground efficiently.

Early winter and late spring Mountain Lion hunts present a different challenge. With drier conditions, the hunts can be more demanding but offer an incredible experience for those wanting to witness the full excitement of the chase. Watching the hounds work a dry ground track is truly unforgettable. We tailor each hunt to match the hunter’s physical ability and personal goals, ensuring a rewarding and customized experience.

Hunts Include | Utah Mountain Lion Hunts

At Jake Bess Hunting, we are committed to providing a high-quality, personalized Mountain Lion hunting experience. Every hunt is fully guided and designed to give you the best possible chance at success while making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Below is a list of what’s included with your hunt to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

- All field transportation during the hunt
- Opportunity to harvest one Mountain Lion
- Professional use of trained hound dogs
- Caping and skinning of your lion

What’s NOT Included:

- Utah hunting licenses/ permits
- Weapons
- Personal hunting gear
- Processing of game
- Food and lodging

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Preparing For Your Hunt | Utah Mountain Lion Hunts

Before hunting in Utah, ensure compliance with state regulations:

Hunter Education: Individuals born after December 31, 1965, must complete a hunter education course approved by the DWR.

Licenses and Permits: A valid hunting license is required.

Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Utah Big Game Field Regulations to understand season dates, legal hunting methods, and other important rules.

Mountain lion hunt gear list:

- Gore-Tex boots (lightly insulated). Heavy snow boots do not work well with hiking and if mule transportation is needed
- Good Gore-Tex gaiters (hiking in snow)
- Layered clothing as temperatures can vary. Will want to able to add and subtract layers when hiking in a cold climate
- Headlamp
- Backpack (lightweight)
- Water bottle (nalgene)
- Knife
- Check with the guide prior to departure for all other recommendations based on hunt conditions and weather.

The Utah Mountain Lion Hunting Experience

Hunting Mountain Lions in Southern Utah offers a truly unforgettable experience. The rugged terrain, high desert plateaus, and thick pinyon-juniper forests create the perfect habitat for a healthy and thriving Mountain Lion population. With abundant prey like mule deer and elk, this region consistently produces strong lion numbers year after year, offering hunters excellent opportunities for a successful hunt.

Our hunts are conducted with the help of experienced hounds, trained specifically to trail and tree Mountain Lions. Few experiences compare to the thrill of cutting a fresh track, turning the dogs loose, and following the chase through wild, remote country. You’ll get to witness firsthand the incredible teamwork and determination of the hounds as they track one of North America’s most elusive predators. Whether you’re navigating snow-covered ridges in winter or tackling the dry, challenging conditions of spring, each hunt promises a unique and exciting adventure.

Success rates for our Southern Utah Mountain Lion hunts are very high, thanks to careful scouting, skilled guides, three generations of experience, highest quality hounds, and a strong population of lions. We pride ourselves on offering ethical, fair chase hunts that test your abilities while giving you a real shot at harvesting a mature Mountain Lion. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or new to pursuing lions with hounds, Southern Utah provides the perfect backdrop for a challenging and deeply rewarding hunt.

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