Lion Hunting
Guided Idaho Mountain Lion Hunts
Traditional & Modern Archery or Rifle Lion Hunts
Lion season runs November 25 through February 28, offering traditional archery, modern archery, and rifle opportunities across prime Idaho units.
Since 1989, we have guided mountain lion hunts in Units 28, 29, 37-A, and 36-B. These areas provide excellent winter habitat and consistently produce mature toms.
Our approach has always been quality over quantity. We limit the number of hunters and maintain low hunting pressure to preserve long-term opportunity and strong success rates.
We offer:
- Archery Lion Hunts
- Rifle Lion Hunts
- Traditional Archery Lion Hunts
- One-on-One Fully Guided Hunts
Each hunt is conducted one-on-one with a professional guide and experienced hounds.
Lion Hunt Details
Season: November 25 – February 28
Duration: 8 Days
Guiding: One-on-One
Style: Archery or Rifle
Mountain lion hunts are conducted during winter conditions, primarily by tracking fresh snow with seasoned hounds. Hunts are supported by snow machines, 4×4 trucks, ATVs, and state-of-the-art GPS tracking systems.
Hunters can expect:
- Experienced, proven lion hounds
- Pre-scouted hunting areas prior to arrival
- Fast snowmobile load and deployment systems
- Cold weather hunting conditions
We only take one hunter per hunt. It takes 2 guides working together covering areas where cats consistently move. We start very early in the morning to try to locate a track. Winter days are short. The sooner after daylight you can start after a lion the better.
Idaho Mountain Lion Hunts
Few hunts compare to cutting a fresh track at first light and turning loose seasoned hounds. Idaho mountain lion hunting is intense, focused, and unforgettable.
We guide in prime winter habitat that consistently produces quality toms. Our 8-day hunts are supported by state-of-the-art GPS tracking systems, snow machines, 4×4 trucks, ATVs, and proven hounds. We pre-scout every hunt and use a fast snowmobile loading system to maximize time on track.
Conditions can be cold, so proper winter gear is essential. Hunters are never forced to harvest a lion to conclude their hunt. Rawhide Outfitters is family owned and personally guided by John, Justin, and Luke, bringing over 45 years of combined experience to every chase.
| Hunt Type | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Day Guided Lion Hunt | 8 Days | $8,600.00 |
Price subject to 6% Idaho sales tax. Licenses and tags not included.
| Non-Resident Rates | Price |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion Tag | $204.50 |
| Idaho Hunting License (Includes $10.00 Depredation Fee) | $195.00 |
Hunting License and Tags
Hunting License and tags may be purchased across the counter.
Reservations
Reservations for any hunt may be made by calling us to arrange for available trip dates. We generally only book two hunters per week for bear, elk, and deer (one per hunt for lion and specialty hunts) which we believe is a big contributing factor for effective resource management that provides healthy game availability and success from year to year. We request a 50% deposit at time of booking and then the remaining balance is due 30 days before your hunt.
Deposits
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your hunt and dates and is due at the time of booking along with license and tag fees. Remaining balance of hunt and applicable taxes are due 30 days prior to hunt dates! Deposits are transferable if a replacement can be found before the purchase of hunting tags in depositor’s name.
Gratuities
While gratuities are not mandatory, it is customary to offer a tip to your guide and cook in recognition of exceptional service.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the length of our hunting season and the limited openings available, we are unable to refund advance payments or deposits if you cancel your hunt. However, you have the option to transfer your deposit to another individual pending license and tag availability. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we suggest that you consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance from a travel agent.
Lion Hunting Photo Gallery
Winter Tracks. Treed Toms. Unforgettable Moments.
Experience the intensity of fresh snow, silent timber, and the sound of hounds trailing through the mountains of Idaho. This is winter hunting at its finest.
What Hunters Are Saying
“Terrific trip, the guides were great and the dogs were well trained! This was the best adrenaline rush that I could ever have. I would hunt with Rawhide Outfitters again in a heartbeat. When you are out their chasing a lion or a bear, you don’t even think about being tired, because the adrenaline rush is so fantastic, you don’t even think about being exhausted. I was excited to get my cat on the first day of my two week hunt.”
Sherri Goodman, Idaho
“Thank you for a most successful mountain lion hunt. The professionalism that all of you exhibited in all you do certainly supports the reputation that you have gained. Every day was methodically thought out and planned to the utmost degree of preciseness. You shared your home and entire family making me feel that I was a part of it. We had planned for an eight day hunt, but with all the planning, good dogs and a lot of luck, we were successful on the third day. I was incredibly impressed with the ease of completing the process following the kill complete with a visit to the taxidermist all before 11:00 AM. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the hunt, and will highly recommend Rawhide Outfitters as the premier mountain lion guides in Idaho!”
Dave G – Pocatello, Idaho
“I met the Cranneys on a white water rafting trip in June 2010 with Luke and Aunt Rose. Our family had a tremendous time on the North Fork! I scheduled a mountain lion hunt with them shortly thereafter for December 2010. I had one of the best hunts of my life with the Cranney family. John and Cathy, along with Justin and Luke, worked so hard for me to have a successful hunt. They treated me like family, making me feel welcome in their home and on the hunt. I have some prior health issues, but they were able to work with my diet so I had very little problems. I have very rarely seen people work so hard to ensure I had a great time and successful hunt. Thanks so much for wonderful memories!”
Mike Tylavsky – Pensacola, Florida
“I started hunting with John in 1990, and have been many times since. I have had family and friends that have gone with John and now his two boys also. Everyone and I mean everyone has had nothing but very high respect for the Cranneys. They care about the animals they hunt and care about their hunters. You can’t help but call them friends after your first visit with them, I have and still do.”
Gary Santos
“I had the best hunt of my life with Rawhide Outfitters. It was amazing how hard they worked for me to make my hunt as meaningful and successful as possible. My lion hunt was packed full of adventure, excitement, good food, hospitality and beautiful country. To harvest such a beautiful tom on the third day of the hunt far exceeded my expectations! Thanks for the GREAT memories and friendship.”
Joe Woodcock
My lion hunt with you this year surpassed any expectations I had. The Cranny’s have a work ethic unsurpassed by anyone else I know with exception only to the dedicated hounds that tracked the lions. The amount of country covered was spectacular and the photos I took throughout the hunt are something that help make a great adventure story to tell over and over. What an exciting time locating tracks, putting the dogs on the trail and watching them work, something I will never forget. I look forward to the next hunt with Rawhide Outfitters.
John McGee
Plan Your Hunt
Prepared. Personalized. Ready for the Field.
We’ll help you choose the right hunt, season, and strategy so your time in Idaho’s backcountry is organized, focused, and built for success from arrival to final day in camp.
