California's wilderness is full of incredible wildlife, but the resurgence of one predator is causing concern for hunters, ranchers, and conservationists alike—mountain lions. Over the past few decades, their population has been growing steadily, and if you’ve spent any time outdoors recently, you’ve probably noticed the effects. Every trail cam I set out seems to capture a mountain lion. They're everywhere, and it's becoming clear that something needs to be done.
Mountain lion hunting has been banned in California since 1990, but with their numbers steadily increasing, it’s time to rethink that decision. Here's why mountain lion hunting should be brought back to the state to help restore balance to our ecosystems.
Little bugger was stalking me....shot with my IPhone.
The Explosion of Mountain Lion Populations
When mountain lion hunting was outlawed in California, the intent was to protect a vulnerable species. At the time, the population was estimated to be somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 cats. Today, that number has skyrocketed, with estimates ranging anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000, depending on the source.
This explosion in population isn’t just a problem for deer and other prey species—it's also creating dangerous situations for humans and livestock. With fewer natural checks on their population, mountain lions are becoming more brazen, venturing closer to human settlements, attacking livestock, and in rare cases, even threatening people. The trail cams don’t lie—mountain lions are no longer elusive ghosts of the wilderness. They are ever-present and increasing.
Impact on Deer Populations
Ask any hunter who spends time in the backcountry, and they'll tell you the same story: mountain lions are decimating deer populations. The balance between predator and prey has been completely disrupted.
Deer populations, particularly blacktail deer, have been on the decline in California. While factors like habitat loss and drought play a role, the sheer number of mountain lions is making it nearly impossible for deer herds to recover. A single adult mountain lion can kill a deer every week or two, which adds up quickly when you're talking about thousands of lions across the state. As hunters, we know that managing prey species responsibly is essential for a healthy ecosystem, but with mountain lions unchecked, the balance is way off.
Livestock Loss and Economic Impact
It’s not just deer and elk herds feeling the pressure—California ranchers are dealing with increased livestock losses due to mountain lion attacks. Cattle, sheep, goats, and even horses have fallen prey to these powerful predators. For small ranchers, losing livestock can be financially devastating, and mountain lions are an ever-present threat in many rural areas of the state.
Allowing regulated hunting would provide a much-needed population control measure, reducing the number of livestock losses and giving ranchers a chance to protect their livelihoods.
Human Safety Concerns
While mountain lions typically avoid people, attacks on humans have been rising in recent years. As their populations grow, lions are forced into closer proximity with towns and suburbs, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters. In fact, California has seen a handful of fatal mountain lion attacks in the last few decades, along with numerous non-fatal ones.
Bringing back hunting would restore some of the natural fear mountain lions have of humans. A regulated hunting season could help keep the population in check and reduce the number of risky encounters in areas where people live, work, and recreate.
Hunting as a Conservation Tool
Hunting has always been a vital tool in wildlife management, and mountain lions should be no exception. In states where mountain lion hunting is allowed—like Utah, Colorado, and Idaho—populations are carefully monitored and managed through regulated seasons and tag systems. This ensures that mountain lion numbers remain healthy but not out of control.
By reintroducing a regulated hunting season for mountain lions in California, we can maintain a balance that protects both the predators and their prey, as well as the livelihoods of those who live alongside them. It's not about wiping out mountain lions—it's about managing their population in a way that benefits the entire ecosystem.
The Call for Change
It’s time for California to reconsider its stance on mountain lion hunting. The population boom has gone too far, and the consequences are being felt across the state, from dwindling deer herds to increased livestock losses and even human safety concerns.
Hunting is not a threat to mountain lions—it’s a tool for managing their numbers responsibly, keeping ecosystems balanced, and ensuring that these majestic predators continue to thrive without overwhelming the landscape.
If every trail cam you set up is picking up mountain lions, it’s clear that action is needed. By bringing back mountain lion hunting, California can restore balance to its wild lands, protect prey populations, and reduce the risks posed to livestock and people. It’s time for us to step in and make a change before the situation gets further out of hand.