FAQ: Cougar hunting and regulations

Frequently asked questions about the regulations governing cougar hunting and pursuit.

What is the law regarding the take of cougars in Utah?

Cougars can be harvested year-round with a hunting or combination license. There is no bag limit, and the requirement for a permit was removed in 2023. See the current Utah Bear, Cougar and Furbearer Guidebook for requirements, rules and guidelines.

You can trap cougars following the rules and guidelines set forth in the Utah Bear, Cougar and Furbearer Guidebook. If you intend to trap cougars, you must have a valid hunting or combination license and a trap registration license.

Cougars are classified as protected wildlife in Utah. You must salvage the pelt and skull of any harvested cougar and cannot allow those parts of the animal to waste.

Harvested cougars must be checked in at a DWR office or by a DWR employee within 48 hours of harvest. DWR staff will confirm the exact location of the harvest (GPS coordinates) and collect some biological data. At that time, you’ll also receive the required permanent possession tag.

Biologists will continue to monitor harvest statistics and determine if any future changes are needed to manage cougars in Utah.

Can any cougar be harvested under this law?

It is not legal to pursue and/or harvest females with kittens or cougar kittens.

The DWR has placed GPS collars on many wildlife species — including cougars — for ongoing research studies across the state. Please avoid harvesting a collared cougar; it is an expensive and time-consuming process to capture and collar replacement animals. If you do harvest a collared cougar, please return the collar to the DWR when you check in your cougar.

Are there requirements for hunting or pursuing cougars with hounds?

A pursuit permit is not required to pursue or harvest cougars using dogs. However, some hunting units are closed to hunting with dogs during the spring black bear hunt. Refer to the Utah Bear, Cougar and Furbearer Guidebook for those specific rules and dates.

What about the points that I currently have toward a cougar permit?

Your points will not expire or be revoked, and will remain on record with the DWR. However, refunds will not be provided for points earned or purchased before 2023.

Can I transfer my accrued cougar points toward another species instead?

Per rule, there is no transfer of points from one species to another species. Your cougar bonus points will remain in your profile history but are nontransferable.

Do I need a hunting or combination license to take a cougar depredating on my livestock?

Not during the first 96 hours after you discover losses due to a cougar. During that time, a producer, an immediate family member or an employee may take the cougar(s) involved. After the 96-hour period — or at times when livestock aren't present — a producer must have a hunting or combination license to take a cougar.

See the current Utah Bear, Cougar and Furbearer Guidebook for reporting requirements.

Can I use a snare trap to harvest a cougar?

Yes, as long as you follow all the current rules and regulations regarding trapping. If you intend to trap cougars, you must have a valid hunting or combination license and a trap registration license. See the current Utah Bear, Cougar and Furbearer Guidebook for details.