Hunting big trophy mountain lion can be very exciting. Like many of you, the night before opening day is often filled with anticipation and visions of locating that large track, turning the dog loose, and finally making the tree and watching the dogs perform. Like any type of big game hunting, the more time you spend knowing the country, knowing the mountain lion range and knowing what to look for, you will consistently yield more opportunities at a large tom lion.
They Are Where They Eat
Mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose make up a large portion of their diet and mountain lion have a tendency to roam and travel where the prey species can be found. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose have a wide variety of habitats from low desert areas to the high-mountain rim rock. Throughout this habitat, they select places to rest and bed that are well-hidden yet provide a panoramic view. They will feed and bed in shade higher up on the edges of ridges where they have a good view during the morning hours. As the day warms up, they may head into the deeper parts of washouts, draws, canyons, timber areas and other out-of-the-way spots. In the winter months they will bunch up in groups and seek shelter in mature timber and windfall.
How to Take Advantage of These Patterns
During the season I am out in the woods in areas I know have an abundance of deer, moose and elk. I am always on the look for old scratch piles and kill sites. Lion will often visit old kill sites so putting up trail cameras may identify what is in the area if tracks can't be found. I often look at these areas on a map or google earth images and determine the best path to take which will allow me to cut the area and cover the most likely crossings. If there is a steep ugly canyon ridge with piles of blow down, I usually start there!
"If there is a steep ugly canyon ridge with piles of blow down, I usually start there! "
Consistency is the Key
Once you identify prime target areas keep going back. I usually get a "gut" feeling about an area and will keep returning even if it hasn't produced. There are 2 primary reasons for not giving up. First, a lion may hold up due to weather or a kill and not cross out. Second, a mature tom lion has a huge home range so it may take a while before he shows up. If your area has all the elements you can bet there is a tom lion who is going to pass through looking for a female or dinner. Just because he wasn't there today doesn't mean he won't cross tomorrow. I have checked an area for weeks only to give up and have a buddy intercept a nice tom the next day who walked down my truck tracks. Be persistent and it will pay off!
