Arizona Mountain Lion Hunt Scouting | 5 & 10-Day Hunts

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Mountain Lion Hunting in Arizona

Arizona has a healthy mountain lion (cougar) population spread across nearly every mountain range in the state, from the Mogollon Rim and northern forests to the rugged desert mountains of the south. Lions follow their prey, so good deer and elk country is good lion country. They're mostly active at night, cover huge areas and rarely show themselves, which is why scouting for fresh sign before the hunt matters so much.

How Arizona Lion Hunts Work

I offer three methods, depending on the country and the time of year:

• Predator (varmint) calling: calling lions in with distress sounds in areas with fresh sign.
• Glassing and stalking: spotting lions in open, broken country and closing the distance on foot.
• Hounds: cutting fresh tracks and following them with dogs, one of the most effective ways to take a lion in rough terrain.

Arizona Mountain Lion Tags and Rules

• No draw needed: in most units you hunt lions with an Arizona hunting license and an over-the-counter mountain lion tag (nonpermit-tag).
• Season: the general season is open year-round in most of the state.
• Bag limit: generally one mountain lion per calendar year, with exceptions in certain units.
• Reporting: you must report a harvested lion to Arizona Game & Fish within 48 hours.

Rules can change, so always check the AZGFD mountain lion hunting page and the current Arizona hunting regulations before you go. Buy a license and tag from AZGFD.

How I Scout Your Lion Hunt

1. You book your dates. Because tags are over the counter, we can plan around the best time and country.
2. I scout for sign. I look for fresh tracks, scrapes and kills, and check which areas hold deer and elk the lions are following.
3. You hunt where the cats are. We start in the areas with the freshest activity and use the method that fits the country.

Arizona Mountain Lion Hunt FAQ

Do I need to draw a tag to hunt mountain lions in Arizona?

No, not in most units. You need an Arizona hunting license and an over-the-counter mountain lion tag, both available from Arizona Game & Fish.

When is mountain lion season in Arizona?

The general season is open year-round in most of the state. Winter, especially after a fresh snow, is a favorite time because tracks are easy to find and follow.

How many lions can I take?

Generally one mountain lion per calendar year, with exceptions in certain units. Check the current regulations for your unit.

Do I have to report my lion?

Yes. Arizona requires you to report a harvested mountain lion to Arizona Game & Fish within 48 hours.

How long are the hunts and what do they cost?

I offer 5-day lion hunts for $3,500 and 10-day hunts for $5,000. Your license and tag are purchased from Arizona Game & Fish and are not included.

Can nonresidents hunt mountain lion in Arizona?

Yes. Nonresidents can buy a hunting license and an over-the-counter lion tag. No draw is required in most units.

Ready to hunt an Arizona lion? Call Marco at 928-821-1192 or email me.