Arizona lions
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — While mountain lion hunting in Colorado can be quite good, if the idea of hiking for miles through knee-deep snow doesn’t appeal to you, consider a trek across the border and south, into Arizona, for a horseback ride into cougar country.
The Arizona Game & Fish Department estimates the state’s mountain lion population at around 2,500. Lions are present throughout the entire state, with the exception of the very southwest corner.
The most popular game management unit for lions is the famous 12A south unit, in the Kaibab National Forest north of Flagstaff.
Other lion-heavy areas include units 22, 23, 24A (north and east of Phoenix), and units 27, 28 and 31 east and north of Tucson, which includes the Blue Wilderness Area.
Good go-to advice
According to a current research project being conducted by AZGFD, the lion’s primary habitat in the state appears to be principally in timbered areas, particularly in units populated by stands of chaparral and ponderosa pine.
Mountain lions tend to follow the deer herds to some extent, but will also hunt other game animals including elk.
Due to the drought Arizona has faced over the past years, the mule deer population is down, whitetail deer populations have remained stable, and javelina populations are down. But at 2,500 lions, the lion population in Arizona is relatively healthy.
When to hunt
With the exception of special units closed to hunting, and units closed during certain times of the year (be sure to consult the 2005-2006 Arizona Hunting Regulations brochure), lion season is open year-round. But lions are generally hunted in the winter months (October through April) due to the moisture that helps the dogs pick up scent, and because of milder temperatures for hunters (and dogs).
Of special interest to lion hunters is Arizona’s regulation allowing a hunter to harvest a lion a day in certain game management units, until the harvest objective has been met.
After that, the limit reverts back to one lion per year (and none of the previous lions harvested count against the one per year limit).
The reason for this allowance is that AZGFD is attempting to protect transplanted bighorn sheep in certain GMUs.
Hunters can call (877) 438-0447 for up-to-date info on open units.
License info
Nonresidents may purchase a mountain lion tag over-the-counter (called a “non-permit” tag) for $200, in addition to needing a nonresident hunting license.
Hunters must contact AZGFD within 20 days of harvest, and must provide a sample tooth of any harvested lions.
Go guided
If you hire a guide, be sure to ask if his dogs are “dry land” lion dogs. These specially trained dogs are more adept lion trackers than the “damps,” or wet ground dogs.
The going rate for a lion hunt is around $3,500, with hunts usually organized into 4-day or 8-day ventures.
Contact information
Arizona Game & Fish Department (602-942-3000)
Pat Barber, predator and furbearer biologist (602-789-3354)Guides and outfitters
Outdoorsman’s (602-944-7121)
Bedlion Outfitters (928-526-5993)
Arizona Lion Hunts (623-386-0102)
Arizona Wildlife Outfitters (928-681-4867)
By Jim Smith
Fishing and Hunting News
February 15, 2006,
