Proven Pursuit

Proven Pursuit operates out of Eureka, Nevada as a family-run hunting outfitter specializing in guided mountain lion and black bear hunts. Owner and master guide Ira Hook has built his reputation on one thing: dogs. Over 15 years, he's carefully developed bloodlines of fast, cold-nosed hounds descended from legendary Southwest dry-ground lion dogs. These aren't weekend warriors—they're working partners trained to hunt hard, day after day, in unforgiving terrain.

• •Year-round mountain lion season — Nevada allows hunting day and night, which means if you get on a long race and darkness falls, you keep going. Most states require pulling dogs at sunset.
• •Over-the-counter tags — No lottery, no draw (except for Nevada bear tags). Two lion tags per season.
• •No surprise pricing — All hunts are fully all-inclusive: lodging, meals, 1:1 guide, transportation during the hunt, animal care, and caping. You pay one price and hunt.
• •Hounds trained in-house — Ira raises and trains every dog. You're not hiring a guide with borrowed dogs—you're hunting with a houndsman who knows every dog's personality, strengths, and quirks.

Lion hunts start before dawn. You roll out on pre-scouted roads scanning for fresh tracks—the crunch of boots on gravel, the scent of pine, the sudden adrenaline spike when the dogs pick up a trail. Once the dogs break loose, their baying echoes through mountain valleys as you push through rocky terrain and thick brush.

When the cougar trees or bays, the air tightens. Dogs circling. The cat's growl cutting through silence. Your breath visible in cool mountain air. You move in close and face the moment every hunter lives for: deciding if this is the lion worth the harvest.

Hunt styles offered:

• •Dry ground lion hunting (spring/summer) — Dusty roads, water holes, riding optional. Fast, accessible terrain compared to snow hunts.
• •Archery cougar hunts — Full-draw bowhunts. Ira prefers bowhunters and notes Pope & Young record opportunities.
• •Rifle hunts — Year-round availability.

These hunts combine morning hound work with evening spot-and-stalk glassing. Leave camp at first light to cut fresh bear tracks. Once a bear is treed, hike in for a close look and decide if it's the right bruin. Evening glassing sessions targeting color-phase boars are highly productive depending on food sources.

Tags available over the counter in most Arizona units. Some open as early as mid-August. Archery season runs late August through September. Most rifle hunts take place in October.

Hunt styles:

• •Hound/spot-and-stalk combination — Dogs in morning, glass and stalk in evening.
• •Archery black bear hunts — Same tactics, bow in hand.

All hounds descend from traditional dry-ground lion bloodlines. Medium to small in size, but critically important—tough-footed. That toughness allows them to hunt hard, day after day, in rocky desert terrain that would shred ordinary dogs.

• •Not included: Transportation before/after the hunt, tags, hunting license, gratuities.

• •Lodging varies by season: Primarily cabin in Eureka area; may include motel or wall tent camp in warmer months due to staying mobile with the hounds.

State-wide quota keeps hunter congestion minimal compared to states with units and zones that close, forcing hunters into remaining open areas. Plus, you get public access to some of the most remote country in the lower 48.

Testimonials from recent hunters highlight the quality of dog work, Ira's knowledge of terrain, and the intensity of the experience:

• •"Non-stop action. The dogs were incredible." (Spring 2025 Nevada client)
• •"His dogs performed flawlessly. He's a true professional with hounds." (Fall 2025 Arizona client)
• •"7 days of hunting, hounds treed 5 lions and one bobcat. A lifetime experience." (Winter trophy hunt client)

Proven Pursuit LLC P.O. Box 972 Eureka, Nevada 89316 (775) 385-0522 [email protected]

Call or text anytime to discuss hunt timing, ask questions, or book your trip. Ira can walk you through tag availability, seasonal conditions, and what to expect based on your hunting experience and fitness level.