Bull Creek Outfitters

Bull Creek Outfitters specializes in guided mountain lion hunts across Nevada's high desert and mountain terrain. Operating from bases in Wells, Nevada (3 hours west of Salt Lake City) and Pioche, Nevada (3 hours north of Las Vegas), they've built a reputation as one of the most successful mountain lion guide services in the world.

Nevada Department of Wildlife records show Bull Creek consistently harvests more mature mountain lions than any other guide service in the state. The operation maintains approximately a 14-lion harvest rate for 16 hunters across full seasons, reflecting their systematic approach to finding and harvesting trophy-class toms.

"I have been on many guided hunts Africa, New Zealand and Asia. I can not say enough good things about Bull creek outfitters." — Tim Harris

Each day starts at 4:00 AM with a 5:00 AM departure. Here's what a typical mountain lion hunt includes:

• •1-on-1 or 2-on-1 guide ratio — Each client gets dedicated attention
• •10-12 trained hounds fitted with GPS tracking collars for real-time location data
• •Horses and mules for accessing high-altitude terrain (4,000–9,000 feet)
• •Side-by-side 4x4 trucks with UHF 2-way radios for guide communication
• •Track-and-tree methodology — Guides identify track age, size, and sex before committing hounds

Once hounds locate and tree a lion, hunters make the stalk and harvest. The guides then shift full focus to the second hunter's lion.

Cleave and Monte Dwire founded and operate the business. Their approach emphasizes:

• •Selective breeding and training of hound packs designed specifically for difficult scenting conditions
• •Thousands of hours afield handling every weather and terrain variable
• •Harvest of mature animals that have passed on genetics for years and are no longer assets to the gene pool
• •Hunter safety and wildlife stewardship as dual priorities

Bull Creek chooses Nevada for three specific advantages:

1. Over-the-counter tags — No waiting periods or expensive draw processes; purchase your tag before arrival 2. 24/7 hunting season — Nevada allows nighttime harvests; other states require hunting to stop at dark 3. No wolf population — Guides can run dogs without territorial wolf conflicts that plague other states; packs stay safe

• •7-day mountain lion hunt: $7,000
• •Deposit required: $1,500 (secures hunt date in advance)
• •Nevada Non-Resident License: $155
• •Nevada Mountain Lion Tag: $104
• •Short notice/last-minute hunts: Welcome; call for availability

Hunters should pack:

• •Hunter safety/education certificate (required if born after January 1, 1960)
• •Layered clothing — Thermal underwear, insulated jacket, wool pants, Carhart jeans, insulated boots with Gore-tex and 200-400g Thinsulate, wool socks
• •Snow gaiters and headlamp/flashlight
• •Proof of Nevada tag purchase (yellow copy of contract)

Pro tip: Arrive the day before your hunt starts. Don't book your return flight until your hunt ends—this maximizes hunting time and allows time for CITES seal inspection at Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Hunters highlight:

• •A 74-year-old Missouri deer hunter completing his first lion hunt in dry conditions
• •A bow hunter harvesting an 8'4" lion weighing 155.5 lbs at the end of a 250-300 foot mine shaft
• •A woman bow hunter with an Alaska State Wildlife Trooper spouse taking a Pope & Young tomcat
• •Multiple clients completing their "Super Ten" record books with Bull Creek lions
• •A 67-year-old completing the most memorable hunt of his lifetime despite high altitude and deep snow

"Cleave, Becky, and Monte combined their knowledge of lion hunting and terrain with hard work, long hours, dedication, and compassion to make this the most memorable hunt I have ever experienced." — Larry Szeliga

Bull Creek Outfitters PO Box 610 Wells, NV 89835 (775) 293-1917 [email protected]

References available upon request.