Montana (Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks): Unfortunately, there is a deadline to apply to hunt cougar in this state, and it has already passed at this writing. For future reference that date is August 1. There is no lottery involved in getting a permit, but you do have to submit an application by the deadline to get a permit. There also is a system of quotas and sub-quotas in this state. You can call the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for information on the quota status. In a change this year, there are now two mountain lion seasons - one with dogs and the other without dogs. This season will close in individual areas when 20 percent of the quota established for that area is reached.
Besides a non-resident license fee of $320, there is a trophy fee of $50, and a $5 conservation license. This state does not require a new license at the start of the new year. Last year 5,931 licenses were sold in the state, including 510 to non-residents. The total lion harvest was 774. Normally, the top harvests occur in Regions 1 and 2.
For an outfitter, you can contact the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. You should also consider Rick Wemple, owner of Wildlife Adventures. This company hunts both Montana and Idaho. Wemple generally produces 100 percent hunter success for less than 10 hunters each year. Last season, he hosted six hunters who all tagged cats, including one B & C tom. His seven-day, 1 x 1 hunts cost $3,350. For two hunters, he provides a 10-day, 2 x 1 outing for $2,750 each. Hunters fly into Missoula, where they are picked up.
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