montana mountian lion hunt

dreadedhunter · Post by **dreadedhunter** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:40 am

Hello I am looking for info on lion hunting in MT with hounds. I have never been there before so any info would be great. I have my own hounds but I just don't know where to go to get started. Thanks Dreadedhunter

yotabluewalker · Post by **yotabluewalker** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 4:07 pm

HI, I WOULD SUGGEST THE MONTANA FISH WILDLIFE & PARKS WEBSITE ( fwp.mt.gov) The new lion regulations are out now. Regions 1 & 2 are on permits now so you would have to apply next year before the deadine. As far as the rest of the state like I said check the website. Happy Trails.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:14 pm

you can still apply for permits right up to August 31st. Region 1 and parts of Region 2 are permits but there are several areas within the region that is still quota system. Are you looking to go on a hunt or use your own hounds?

yotabluewalker · Post by **yotabluewalker** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 11:09 pm

Absolutely correct, i was thinkin of out of state big game . it is in the spring ..my bad..however check the regs because paper applications must be in Helena by August 29th and online applications by August 31.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:46 am

Yota is correct on the two dates...this is from FWP website

• Special mountain lion licenses are issued only by special drawing.
• It is the hunter’s responsibility to ensure that a valid application is
submitted by the deadline. Waiting until the last minute may limit
or eliminate your opportunity to apply.
• Hunters’ options to apply are:
• over-the-counter at any FWP Regional Offi ce, FWP Area Offi ce
or FWP Helena Headquarters by the end of business day
on August 29.
• online at fwp.mt.gov by 11:45 p.m. MST, on August 31.
• paper application (i.e. through the mail or dropped off) must be
received by the FWP Helena Headquarters by 5:00 p.m. MST,
on August 29th.
• a special mountain lion license application may be
downloaded from the FWP website and sent to Montana Fish,
Wildlife & Parks, License Section, PO Box 200701, Helena,
MT 59620-0701.
• Hunters may purchase only one general mountain lion license OR
apply for only one special mountain lion license per year.
• Drawing results will be available during or after the third week of
September.
• Nonresidents are limited to no more than 10% of the special
mountain lion licenses offered.
• During the Winter Season, the special mountain lion license
holder is allowed to hunt ONLY in the hunting district or portion of
the hunting district for which the special mountain lion license is
valid.
• Unsuccessful applicants for special mountain lion licenses will
NOT be eligible to purchase a mountain lion license.

dreadedhunter · Post by **dreadedhunter** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 10:28 am

Any ideas on what towns to hunt around or certian areas. Places to stay? Anyone ever kill a cat there to give me some personal insight.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 10:48 am

well though you did not answer my question directly it sounds like you want to come and kill a lion

As we stated before the best areas in the state for population are now in a draw (permit) and only 10% go out to non-residents. Of that 10% the majority are outfitter guided hunters. The permits are starting to take hold and the lion sizes are starting to rise some if your looking for a quality trophy animal. I have names of several outfitters if your interested, just pm me.

You might have to look into a quota area to have any success in getting a tag and then go to areas that do not close down quickly. We had a area right next to me that I have hunted and chased in for the past 14 years, historically it never closed but now that its the only qouta area in region 1 it shut down in 2 weeks last year. I know there are few lions in that area which leads me to believe they are shot elsewhere and claimed on that unit.

Regions 3,4 and 5 are still open guota but you will have to do your homework and buy some forest service maps and in some areas even lock down property access. Its not impossible but its not gonna be easy neither without you doing the leg work.

yotabluewalker · Post by **yotabluewalker** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:12 pm

Throughout Western Montana you will find plenty small towns with motels, food, gas, etc.The further east you hunt the further apart services are. Without knowing what you are looking for it is hard to give advice. Some units have female sub quotas, some don't. As Spanky said the farther east you go in Regions3,4,5 etc. the more difficult it becomes I think. Traditionally the Northern part of the state produces bigger toms. Feel free to contact me as well. I live farther south than most everyone i think.

dreadedhunter · Post by **dreadedhunter** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 4:51 pm

Yeah I am going to use my own hounds I am just looking for the best region to apply for. And any info that may be helpful.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 10:40 pm

if you were looking to chase only I would say get a quota tag and that allows you to chase anywhere in the state. Its a $320 tag that if your in a quota unit you can harvest with it if the quota for that unit is not filled. You could also move over to other quota units that are not filled across the state. Chase wise you can go anywhere with it.

Since you want a permit to harvest you will be restricted to that one unit if you draw it. Legally you would be allowed to hit other untis to chase but I would not want to be you if a game warden pulled you over in a out of state truck dropping hounds out of your designated permit area

whoflungdung · Post by **whoflungdung** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:03 am

Spanky wrote

Chase wise you can go anywhere with it.

The regs read

A hunter with a valid mountain lion license may legally chase mountain lions in ANY VALID HUNTING DISTRICT statewide December 1 to April 14

I think it could be one of those gray areas. I'm not saying Spankys wrong but if I were to try it I would call the local game warden to clear that up jmo.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:08 am

you redneck what part of my post was unclear.....

Since you want a permit to harvest you will be restricted to that one unit if you draw it. Legally you would be allowed to hit other units to chase but I would not want to be you if a game warden pulled you over in a out of state truck dropping hounds out of your designated permit area

typical greenhorn

montananative · Post by **montananative** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:28 pm

if you dont hvae a sled get your hunting done as early on in the sason as possible or you will be like me and getting your pickup barried everytime you go to cut a track.

jjjjranch · Post by **jjjjranch** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:14 pm

I realize that it's not Montana, but lion tags are sold over the counter with a quota.

mike martell · Post by **mike martell** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:06 pm

hey. i live in oregon and hunt in montana every year. as we have been banned since 1994. i hunt central and eastern montana. as i view it as a contribution to the state, as i have hunted these units hard. i find lots of tracks but think the state should not allow non-resident hunting. they need some better game management. the female quota system stinks. should not allow them to be taken, as that is your highest percentage of what you will find. to me that is the future of hunting. if you do hunt montana try and respect the out of state hunter ethic's common sence unwritten rule.nothing pisses me off more than to see a non-resident houndman with a 55 pound female in there posession. the state does not allow non-residents to hunt bobcats either. i like to just pursue them. anything less, you are a greenhorn.

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