A mature tom has a big head and a big foot.

His houndsman, a brother-in-law, has treed 93 cats in 24 years and is a third-generation lion hunter. His grandfather was a predator hunter for the state of Colorado.

An average 140- to 150-pound cougar last winter.

The hunt is offered by a rancher/outfitter who operates a cattle ranch in Unit 85, where he takes deer and elk hunters in the fall and chases cougars in the late fall and winter.

"This hunt is a lot of fun for us," the oufitter said. "We get to help out the deer and elk and get to spend time enjoying the outdoors."

You'll spend time looking for tracks while riding a four-wheeler or even a four-wheel-drive truck. Be sure to bring a camera because the scenery is stunning, and you'll most likely see big game on the trip.

"The hunter has to be present when the dogs are turned loose on a track," the outfitter said. "At that point my guide stays with the dogs, and I stay with the hunter and try to take short cuts to catch up to the dogs.

You do not have to draw a tag to take this hunt. The guide said he has never seen the quota filled in this unit, which is primarily private.

This monster weighed 186 pounds, taken by a bowhunter last winter.

Hunting starts the day after the fourth rifle big game hunt, so usually the cougar hunting begins about Nov. 22, and it runs through March. Prime conditions usually occur in December, January and the first part of February, but March can be excellent, too.

Hunting takes place near Aguilar, La Veta and Trinidad. Aguilar and Trinidad are about 17 miles from the outfitter's house. Aguilar has a little grocery store and a laundry facility. Trinidad has a restaurant and motels .

Jodie Carter, who hosts a Sportsman's Channel show with her husband, Brandon, got a smaller-than-average 100-pound lion on this hunt this March. Her adventure will be aired next winter, so you might consider booking before the show publicizes this trip.

"We probably average about 150 pounds on lions," the outfitter said, "but there are some big ones, too. We got a 186-pounder last winter, and there are some bruisers out there. Cats in our area usually range from 100 to 200 pounds."