Cougar Hunting on Vancouver Island

Discover everything you need to know about cougar hunting on Vancouver Island, including the best seasons, prime locations, trusted outfitters, and important regulations. We’re here to help make your BC hunting experience both successful and rewarding.

Southern British Columbia is a premier destination for hunting wild cats, including cougars (mountain lions) and lynx. Cougars are the largest cat species in the province, with males weighing between 67 and 100 kilograms (147–220 pounds). Vancouver Island offers a unique opportunity to hunt one of North America’s most elusive predators, home to the highest cougar density in the world.
The island hosts an estimated 600–800 cougars out of BC’s total population of 4,000. Hunters are allowed to harvest up to two cougars per season, ensuring sustainable management of the species. Responsible hunting helps maintain ecological balance by controlling cougar numbers and reducing predation on deer and other prey animals.
Cougars are solitary animals, typically seen alone unless a mother is with her young. Hunting success often depends on weather conditions, with snow and cool temperatures providing better opportunities to track and spot these stealthy predators.

Between 1979 and 2008, 3,219 trophy hunters, including BC residents and non-residents, participated in cougar hunting across the province. Before the 1960s, cougars were seen as threats to agriculture rather than as game animals. However, societal changes in the mid-20th century led to a reduction in farming lifestyles, shifting public perception of cougars from antagonists to valued components of BC’s wilderness.
In 1966, the BC government reclassified cougars as game animals, requiring hunting licenses to regulate their harvest. The Fish and Wildlife Branch now recognizes cougars as an integral part of British Columbia’s ecosystem. Today, they are a popular target for hunters, combining thrill, challenge, and a sense of connection with nature.

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• Cougars are the largest wild cats in British Columbia, with males weighing up to 100 kg (220 lbs).
• Vancouver Island has the highest cougar density in North America, with an estimated population of 600–800.
• Hunting licenses are also required for incidental species like wolves and coyotes, which may be encountered during hunts.
• While cougar meat is edible and considered a delicacy by some, hunters are not legally required to salvage the meat.
• Non-hunters can join guided cougar hunting trips for an additional fee, making it a shared experience.
• Cougars are valued for their use as trophies and decorations, such as their pelts.
• Regulated hunting, which permits up to two cougar harvests per hunter per season, helps maintain healthy deer and prey populations on Vancouver Island.

Cougars are most commonly found in the northeastern parts of Vancouver Island, following their primary prey, black-tailed deer, to lower elevations during winter. Their habitats include mountainous and forested regions, where they also prey on mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose calves, and smaller animals. Cougars find shelter in caves, rocky areas, dense undergrowth, and bushes. When resources are scarce, they may even swim to smaller islands in search of prey.
Hunters often spot cougars in areas such as Sayward, Ucluelet, Campbell River, Courtenay, and Duncan. The designated management units (MUs) for cougar hunting on Vancouver Island are 1-1 to 1-15. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local regulations and be aware of restricted or no-hunting areas to ensure a lawful and ethical hunt.

The cost of cougar hunting on Vancouver Island starts at approximately $8,500, depending on factors such as duration, hunting methods, licenses, tags, and guide services. Each hunter can harvest up to two cougars per season, provided they purchase the required tags. Hunting trips can often be combined with opportunities to pursue other big game or small game species, creating a comprehensive outdoor adventure.

Non-resident and non-resident alien hunters in BC are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide outfitter, assistant guide, or someone with a permit to accompany. Experienced outfitters provide the expertise needed to navigate Vancouver Island’s terrain and ensure a successful hunt.
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned hunter, professional guides offer:
1. Advanced planning tailored to your goals.
2. Access to prime hunting locations.
3. Expert knowledge of cougar behavior and tracking.
Guided hunting trips are not only for unskilled hunters—they elevate the experience for anyone seeking a world-class hunting adventure.

• While cougars rarely target humans, they may attack pets or livestock if given the chance. Keep pets secured during hunts.
• Motion alarms are effective for deterring cougars from campsites.
• If a cougar approaches, maintain eye contact, stand tall, and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms.
• Never run away, as this may trigger the cougar’s predatory instincts.
• Avoid crouching or bending over. Instead, throw stones or branches if necessary to defend yourself.

Cougars are solitary, elusive predators, making them one of the most challenging animals to hunt. Understanding their behavior is key to a successful hunt:
• Territorial Habits: Cougars establish territories marked by scratches, scat, and scent markers. Males often dominate larger areas, overlapping with the territories of multiple females.
• Diet and Hunting Patterns: Black-tailed deer are their primary prey on Vancouver Island, but cougars also hunt elk calves, rabbits, and other small animals. They often cover their kills and return to them later.
• Activity Patterns: Cougars are most active during dawn and dusk, times when they hunt or patrol their territory.
Adding this information educates hunters about how to anticipate cougar movements and behaviors, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.

Cougar hunting on Vancouver Island is a winter activity requiring specific preparations:
• Gear Essentials: Snowshoes, waterproof outerwear, and insulated gloves are crucial for staying comfortable in cold, snowy conditions.
• Physical Conditioning: Trekking through snow and rugged terrain can be physically demanding, so hunters should prepare with cardiovascular and strength training.
• Weather Considerations: Fresh snow improves tracking but requires extra caution for safety in icy conditions.
This section adds value by providing practical advice for winter hunting conditions.