Cougar Hunting on Vancouver Island

Anything you need to know about the best time, places, outfitters, and regulations of Vancouver Island cougar hunting, you can find them here. We are ready to help you make a rewarding BC hunting opportunity.

Southern British Columbia is one of North America's premier cat hunting destinations. Among these wild cats on Vancouver Island are cougar (mountain lion) and lynx. Cougars are the largest cat species in BC.  The weight of male cougars in British Columbia is between 67-100 kg (147-220 lbs). Your cougar hunting trip on Vancouver Island is an opportunity to harvest one of North America's most efficient predators. It is home to the highest number of cougars. It is estimated that 4000 cougars live in BC. The cougar population on Vancouver Island is between 600-800. The concentration is so high that you may choose to harvest two cougars per season. But the act of harvesting a small number of Mountain Lions each winter helps maintain a healthy balance in our wildlife populations. Cougars are solitary animals and are not usually seen together, except for a mother with her young. Trophy hunting of cougars on Vancouver Island mostly depends on the weather. Cool temperatures and snow increase the hunter's chances of a successful cougar hunt.

According to British Columbia Ministry of Environment data, between 1979 and 2008, the number of trophy hunters, including BC residents and non-residents, was 3,219. Until the 1960s, cougars were considered mainly obstacles to rather than pursuing sport hunting on Vancouver Island. In the mid-twentieth century, many BC residents chose an off-farms lifestyle. So, there was less of an agricultural style of living for cougars to threaten. Cougars became regarded as part of a quickly diminishing wilderness rather than antagonists to it for these people. BC government re-classified cougars from vermin to game animals in 1966, and hunting licences were required. The Fish and Wildlife Branch states that a cougar is an integral part of BC wildlife. Now cougars are popular targets for hunters.

Book Your Guided Cougar Hunting Trip

• Cougars are the largest cat species in British Columbia.
• Incidental animals such as wolves and coyotes are also available on all hunts. Hunting licences for these animals are necessary.
• Some people enjoy cougar meat, but you are not legally obliged to salvage cougar meat.
• Non-hunters are accepted and welcome with an additional price.
• Cougars can be used for food and decoration.
• Vancouver Island is home to the highest number of cougars.
• You may choose to harvest two cougars per season.
• Harvesting a small number of cougars each winter helps maintain a healthy balance in deer populations.

Cougars are mainly on the northeastern part of the island, where their diet, black-tailed deer, lives. This hungry cat follows deer to lower elevations during winter. Like deer, cougars' habitats are mountainous and forested areas, and they eat any smaller animals that come through their territory. Their meal also includes mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose calves, and farm animals. Cougars find shelter in caves, rocks, bushes and thick undergrowth. These wild cats may swim to smaller islands for hunting if their territory is not productive at that time. As they usually stay away from civilization, it takes more effort for sightings. You can expect them around Sayward, Ucluelet, Campbell River, Courtenay, and Duncan. For now, the management units (MU) or the hunting areas designated by BC regulation for hunting cougars are 1-1 to 1-15 on the region 1 (Vancouver Island) map. But hunters should be aware of no hunting and shooting areas on Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island cougar hunting may vary in price depending on duration, hunting methods, licence, tags, services, guide, and tax. But the cost may start at $8,500. Each hunter can take up to two animals by paying for each tag. Your cougar hunting trip may be combined with other big game or small game animals.

According to British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis, non-resident and non-resident alien hunters are required to be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide outfitter or a holder of a permit to accompany at all times when hunting big game, regardless of the type of licence (restricted or unrestricted) they have. This alert big game trophy makes your hunting adventure on Vancouver Island a challenge. Experienced hunting guides turn this challenge into an exciting and rewarding cougar hunting experience. To experience a successful hunting tour: 1- Plan for it in advance. 2- Choose the areas where you intend to hunt for your trophy cougar hunts. 3- Apply for and obtain the necessary licence. 4- Select the right outfitter. An outfitted hunting trip is not only for unskilled hunters. Hiring a professional outfitter or guide provides a truly world-class hunt. It helps you access the best areas for hunting on Vancouver Island and new vistas of outdoor adventure.

• Though cougars are more interested in searching livestock, they will assault a pet if a probability arises. Be careful about it if you have a dog with you.
• Motion alarms are a famous choice when it comes to scaring cougars away.
• If a cougar gets very close to you, maintain eye contact. Never run past or away from a mountain lion.
• Don't bend over or crouch down. Aggressively wave your arms, throw stones or branches, and do not turn away.