North American Mountain Lion 15 H.A.R.T Challenge

The North American Mountain Lion 15 H.A.R.T Challenge is a pursuit of one of the most elusive and mysterious predators on the continent. Known by many names: cougar, puma, panther; the mountain lion rules remote mountain ranges, rugged deserts, and dense forests from coast to coast.

To complete this challenge, you’ll need to verify a H.A.R.T shot in each of fifteen regions where this iconic species still roams. You may never see the same terrain twice. Each shot requires patience, respect, and a true understanding of how to walk unnoticed in the cat’s domain.

This challenge isn’t about how many. It’s about how well. It’s about showing you belong in lion country.

What You’ll Need to Complete This Challenge

To successfully complete the Mountain Lion 15, you’ll need to verify a H.A.R.T shot on a mountain lion in each qualifying U.S. state and one Canadian region.

Qualification Criteria

Animal Type:

Mountain lion (male or female)

Location:

U.S. States:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Canada:

One verified H.A.R.T shot in any location with a native population

H.A.R.T Shot Verification:

Must be completed using the H.A.R.T Shot App
Each shot can only be applied to one challenge
The challenge is selected after verification

Weapons Divisions

You may pursue this challenge using any of the official H.A.R.T weapons divisions:

Firearms Division:
Any firearm or replica that activates the H.A.R.T Shot app

H.A.R.Tchery Division:
Any bow system or faux bow compatible with the app

H.A.R.T Stick Division:
Camera-based shots designed to capture the moment without harm, in the spirit of the Native American Coup Stick tradition

Where to H.A.R.T

Land Access & Ethical Guidelines

You may complete this challenge on:

Public land
Private land (with permission)
Preserves or ranches

You must:

Follow all local laws and wildlife regulations
Carry appropriate licenses and tags when applicable
Respect access boundaries and habitat sensitivity
Keep a respectful distance of 30-50 yards for any H.A.R.T shot when using hounds
Keep a distance of 100 yards or more when on foot
Apply ethical wildlife photography practices

Tips for Completing the Challenge

1

Move Like a Ghost

Spotting a mountain lion requires silence, patience, and an understanding of terrain

2

Work with Guides

In areas where lions are highly elusive, experienced trackers are invaluable

3

Focus on Sign

Tracks, scat, and prey remains are often more visible than the cat itself

Recognition and Record-Keeping

Each verified H.A.R.T shot earns you a commemorative Patch and a place in the H.A.R.T the Hunt Record Book. Also, you will be invited to purchase and collect all the Skullies for a one-of-a-kind trophy collection.

The first person to complete this challenge will help design and name the official North American Mountain Lion 15 trophy. All future completers may purchase a replica engraved with their name and date of completion. You may purchase a commemorative Skullie display board to show off the Skullies you collected during the challenge.

Why Take On the Mountain Lion 15?

This is a challenge of stillness, skill, and intuition. It’s for H.A.R.Ters who want to blend into the wild and witness the silent rulers of the backcountry.

By completing the Mountain Lion 15, you’ll:

Learn to read subtle signs across different ecosystems
Experience a rare connection with an apex predator
Explore some of the most untamed regions in North America
Join a legacy of H.A.R.Ters preserving wild spaces through presence, not pressure

Start the Challenge

Download the H.A.R.T Shot App
Purchase your ammo (bullets, arrows, or Strikes)
Plan your route through lion territory
Make your H.A.R.T shot
Upload, verify, and apply it to the Mountain Lion 15 Challenge

Download the App here:

Final Notes

The challenge is selected after verification
No single H.A.R.T shot can count toward multiple challenges
With family, challenges may be passed down but not stacked

H.A.R.T® HUNTS CHALLENGE

North American Mountain Lion 15