Predator Hunting
The Ultimate Winter Hunting Experience
Predator hunting with Upfront Outfitters in Oregon and Washington is the ultimate test of a hunter’s skill. It is a high-stakes, action-packed pursuit that demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the landscape. At Upfront Outfitters, we are proud to offer a new line of world-class predator hunts targeting coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats across the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you are looking to sharpen your long-range shooting or experience the adrenaline of calling a big cat into close range, our guided hunts deliver an authentic, game-rich experience.
Coyotes
These are not just targets; they are keen, elusive predators designed to thrive in the harshest conditions. Tricking a wise coyote into a stand is a rewarding challenge that tests every bit of your fieldcraft.
Cougars (Mountain Lions) & Bobcats
Unlike the tactical "chess match" of coyote hunting, pursuing cats is about being in the right place at the right time. These predators are remarkably responsive to calls. We hunt them alongside coyotes, keeping a sharp eye for fresh tracks, especially after a fresh dusting of snow. If we cross a fresh cat track on our way to a coyote stand, the mission shifts instantly to a potential cat encounter for licensed hunters.
The Desert Floor
Millions of acres of wide-open BLM land, sagebrush, and cheatgrass offering incredible long-range visibility.
The Timbered Highlands
Rising into pine forests and alpine meadows, these regions provide deep canyons and draws that are perfect for calling.
All of our hunting grounds boast high coyote densities and strong populations of mountain lions and bobcats.
Heavy Snow Years
Predators concentrate in the valley floors and desert fringes. This creates "target-rich" environments and opportunities for long-range stands with vast visibility. Mountain lions follow the wintering big game down from the peaks, making them more accessible.
Light Snow Years
We push higher into the elevations, utilizing the expanded access to reach remote pockets of unpressured predators.
Public Land Hunting
Upfront Outfitters is permitted to predator hunt across vast stretches of National Forest, BLM, and State lands in Eastern Oregon. Unlike hunting behind a fence, our access to public land hunting allows us to cover massive amounts of ground, following the game wherever they lead.
Hunting Regulations & Licensing
To ensure a legal and ethical hunt, please note the following requirements:
- Coyotes: A valid Oregon hunting license is all that is required.
- Cougars: Requires a hunting license and a cougar tag. Hunting is open year-round (subject to GMU quotas). Harvested cougars must be checked into an ODFW office within 10 days for validation.
- Bobcats: Requires a furbearer license and a bobcat catch record card. The season typically runs from December 1st to February 28th. Harvests must be presented to ODFW within 5 days of the season's end, and all harvests must be reported online by April 15th.
Predator Hunting Gear & Tactics
Predator Hunting Tactics
Predator hunting tactics we utilize are using high-end electronic calls and positioning ourselves at vantage points with slight-to-moderate elevation. We key into travel, bedding, and feeding corridors, think of thick creek bottoms, meadow edges, and agricultural pivots. If the cover is tight, be ready for "up close and personal" action with a shotgun as coyotes charge the call.
Recommended Predator Hunting Gear
- Clothing: Winter in Eastern Oregon is unforgiving. We recommend "puffy" insulated coats and pants, high-quality waterproof boots, and heavy gloves.
- Coyote Rifles: A flat, fast-shooting caliber like the .223 Remington is ideal. AR platforms paired with rapid-expansion bullets (like the Hornady V-Max) are preferred for quick follow-up shots.
- Cougar Rifles: We recommend stepping up to a minimum of .243 Winchester with controlled-expansion bullets for clean, ethical kills.
- Shotguns: A 12-gauge with a modified choke and high-quality BB shot (such as Hornady) is recommended for tight brush.
- Optics: A 3-9x scope is standard. While we can shoot out well past 400 yards, most "call-in" opportunities happen within 200 yards. Suppressors are highly recommended as they often allow us to take multiple coyotes from a single stand.