Winter mountain lion (cougar) hunts offer a great opportunity in the off season for big game hunting.  Idaho has a liberal mountain lion season and we hunt from the first of December until the end of March.  Mountain lion are extremely elusive animals seldom seen in the wild and require the aid of well trained hunting hounds to acquire this magnificent trophy.

Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters has the exclusive commercial hunting rights for an area of over 700 square miles for mountain lion hunting in central Idaho.  We are avid outdoorsmen and have grown up hunting and trapping all types of animals.  We love the outdoors and the thrill of the hunt, especially when following a pack of well trained hounds.  We have been raising and training hounds for over 35 years.  Hunting with hounds is our personal favorite hunting sport.

Idaho is without question one of the premiere hunting states with more mountain lion in the Boone and Crockett record book than any other state.  Of the top 20 trophies, 6 were harvested in Idaho.  Mountain lion numbers have increased in our area over the past several years, giving hunters a chance to harvest a trophy tom.  These are strictly fair chase hunts which we have run a high success rate on good mature cats for the past 32 years.  Your hunt will be scheduled for specific dates, but because the winter months have varying weather and hunting conditions, we ask that you be somewhat flexible.  This will ensure that you will have the best chance to harvest a trophy mountain lion.

We use quality, well maintained 4 wheel drive vehicles, snowmobiles, radios for communication and dog tracking equipment.  This allows us to make the most of your time while hunting.


We personally guide all of our hound hunts.  On occasion we also hire qualified, licensed guides to assist in the hunt.  This allows us to cover more country and increases your chances of success.


Mountain lion can be hunted with bow, rifle, muzzleloader or hand gun.  Tags are sold over the counter.  They are guaranteed tags that we can assist you in purchasing.

Included in the cost of the hunt is all lodging, meals, transportation including to and from the Boise airport, guide fees and trophy care.  Not included in the cost is license and tag, sales tax and gratuities.

Bobcats can be combined with this hunt.

Dates and Rates

Ask about our guaranteed Tom Hunts

Call now to book your hunt!   (208) 462-3416

Booking Information

A 40% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your hunt and dates.  Cashier's check, money order, personal check, Visa or Master Card are all accepted.  The balance is due 30 days before your hunt begins.  In addition to the base price, Idaho also requires a 6% sales tax.  Gratuities are not mandatory, however, it is customary to tip your guide, packer and cook if you feel they did a good job for you.

Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters is a member of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, America Outdoors National Outfitter and Guides Association, bonded and licensed by the State of Idaho and permitted on the Boise National Forest and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.  All of our guides are professionals who are licensed by the State of Idaho and meet current first aid requirements.

Clients are responsible for letting the outfitter know of any special medical and dietary needs prior to trip.  Special dietary needs can easily be accommodated with advance notice.

Please call us for available dates.

Because we spend most of our time in the backcountry away from our computer,
a phone call is the fastest way to contact us.

Call now to book your hunt!   (208) 462-3416