Ideal Hound Breeds for Hunting Mountain Lions?

Choosing the Right Breed

When selecting a hound breed for hunting mountain lions, consider the terrain and climate of the area. For example, in Utah’s mountainous terrain, a breed with a strong prey drive and excellent tracking ability is essential. The Plott Hound is an excellent choice, as it has a strong instinct to follow its quarry and can navigate steep terrain with ease. Other breeds, such as the Black Mouth Cur, are also well-suited for this type of hunting due to their exceptional endurance and tracking ability.

Training and Conditioning

Regardless of the breed chosen, it’s essential to train and condition the hound for mountain lion hunting. This involves teaching the hound to follow a strong scent trail, navigate challenging terrain, and respond to commands. A well-trained hound can make all the difference in a successful hunt. It’s recommended to start training the hound at a young age and gradually increase the difficulty of the terrain and the scent trails.

Scenting and Tracking Techniques

When hunting mountain lions, it’s essential to use the right scenting and tracking techniques. One technique is to use a “line” of hounds, where multiple hounds are placed along a scent trail to track the mountain lion. This allows the hunter to follow the hounds and track the quarry. Another technique is to use a “treeing” method, where the hounds are released to track the mountain lion, and the hunter follows the hounds to the location of the quarry. This method is particularly effective in Utah’s mountainous terrain, where the hounds can navigate steep terrain and track the quarry to the location of the mountain lion.