Teddy Roosevelt Recounts Thrilling Colorado Mountain Lion Hunt

The former president shares tales of his successful big game expedition, including a rifle with teeth marks from a feisty feline.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In 1901, just after becoming Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt traveled to Colorado for a five-week mountain lion hunting expedition. He killed 12 lions and 5 lynx, including the largest mountain lion ever recorded at the time, weighing 227 pounds. Roosevelt shared details of the successful hunt with the editor of Outdoor Life magazine, including how his rifle had teeth marks from a lion he had to stab with a knife when the dogs had it cornered.

Why it matters

Roosevelt was an avid outdoorsman and big game hunter, and his Colorado mountain lion hunt showcased his adventurous spirit and skill as a sportsman. The trip also highlighted the abundance of wildlife in Colorado at the time and the challenges faced by early big game hunters before the widespread use of high-powered rifles.

The details

During the five-week hunt, Roosevelt was accompanied by his guide, John B. Goff, and they hunted on several different ranches in the Meeker area, including the Keystone Ranch, the Mathes Ranch, and Judge Foreman's ranch. Roosevelt killed 12 mountain lions and 5 lynx, with the largest lion weighing 227 pounds. He often had to stab the lions with a knife when the dogs had them cornered, as it was too dangerous to shoot them at close range. Roosevelt carefully measured and weighed all the animals he killed, and the skins were mounted for his personal collection.

  • On January 12, Roosevelt and his party arrived in Meeker, Colorado.
  • They spent several weeks hunting on the Keystone Ranch.
  • They then moved their hunting operations to the Mathes Ranch, where they stayed for two weeks and killed 3 lions.
  • Finally, they spent a few days hunting at Judge Foreman's ranch before Roosevelt returned to Colorado Springs on February 18.

The players

Theodore Roosevelt

The former governor of New York who was about to become the Vice President of the United States, Roosevelt was an avid outdoorsman and big game hunter.

John B. Goff

Roosevelt's guide during the Colorado mountain lion hunt, Goff was described as one of the most experienced big game hunters in America.

P.B. Stewart

A Colorado Springs sportsman who accompanied Roosevelt to Meeker at the start of the hunt.

Dr. Webb

Another Colorado Springs sportsman who joined Roosevelt and Stewart at the start of the hunt.

William Wilson

The foreman of the Keystone Ranch, where Roosevelt and his party spent several weeks hunting.

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What they’re saying

“I do not want you to be formal with me, I won't have it. I have read and admired your magazine for a long time. In fact, I can heartily say that it was one of the most pleasant companions I had on my hunt.”

— Theodore Roosevelt (Outdoor Life)

“Governor Roosevelt has just left Meeker, having come in with me from the hunting grounds to-day. I believe he has had the most enjoyable hunt of his life, and I certainly shared in the pleasure.”

— John B. Goff, Guide (Outdoor Life)

What’s next

Roosevelt's successful Colorado mountain lion hunt cemented his reputation as an avid outdoorsman and big game hunter. The skins and trophies from the expedition were added to his personal collection, and the experience likely inspired future hunting trips and conservation efforts during his presidency.

The takeaway

Roosevelt's Colorado mountain lion hunt showcased his adventurous spirit, skill as a sportsman, and deep appreciation for the great outdoors. The trip highlighted the abundant wildlife in Colorado at the time and the challenges faced by early big game hunters, while also demonstrating Roosevelt's down-to-earth and congenial personality, even with members of the media.