Big Game Puma concolor
Mountain Lion (Cougar) Hunting Guide
Complete Mountain Lion (Cougar) hunting guide. Seasons by state, hunting methods, trophy criteria, rut timing, and field care tips for mountain lion (cougar) hunters.
Boneless Yield
33%
Scoring
Boone & Crockett (Skull)
Typical Season Dates
winter
Nov-Mar
fall
Sep-Nov
Note: Exact dates vary by state and management unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing licenses.
Trophy Criteria
Boone & Crockett Minimum
15"
Where to Hunt Mountain Lion (Cougar)
Meat Yield
| Animal | Live Weight (avg) | Bone-In Yield | Boneless Yield | Boneless lbs (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| male | 150 lbs | 45% | 33% | 50 lbs |
| female | 100 lbs | 45% | 33% | 33 lbs |
Mountain Lion (Cougar) Hunting Tools
Other Species Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mountain Lion (Cougar) season?
Mountain Lion (Cougar) seasons vary by state and weapon type. Typical archery season: late summer to early fall. Rifle season: fall.
What is a trophy-class Mountain Lion (Cougar)?
Minimum scores for the record books are: Boone & Crockett: 15 inches, Pope & Young (archery): undefined inches. These are all-time minimums — many hunters target smaller, more achievable trophy goals.
How much meat does a Mountain Lion (Cougar) yield?
A mature mountain lion (cougar) bull/buck weighs 115–220 lbs (avg 150 lbs) live weight. Expect 45% boneless meat yield — roughly 50 lbs of boneless meat from an average animal.
What states can I hunt Mountain Lion (Cougar)?
Mountain Lion (Cougar) can be hunted in: CO, MT, WY, ID, NM, AZ, NV, UT, OR, WA, SD, ND, NE, TX. Western states like CO, MT, WY are known for their mountain lion (cougar) populations.
When is the Mountain Lion (Cougar) rut?
Mountain Lion (Cougar) rut timing varies by region and elevation. Contact your local wildlife biologist for specific timing in your hunting area.