Colorado Mountain Lion Green Chili

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Justin Townsend

Editor-in-Chief at Harvesting Nature

Justin (Choctaw) is an avid hunter, angler, and chef whose passion for the outdoors lead him to create Harvesting Nature in 2011. He continues to hunt, fish, and cook all while sharing his experiences with others through film, podcasts, print, and with recipes. He also proudly serves in the United States Coast Guard.

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Latest posts by Justin Townsend (see all)

• We Took Cooking by Cut to the Meatgistics Podcast - September 22, 2026
• LIVE! Cooking by Cut: The Wild Game Butchery and Cookbook We Wanted to Write - September 1, 2026
• World Sauces for Wild Game: Puerto Rican Pique - August 19, 2026

Mountain Lion Green Chili is a hearty, soul-warming dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine. The smooth, sweet flavor of the mountain lion is brought to life by the smoky heat of roasted Hatch green chiles, creating a chili that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. With diced tomatoes and tender potatoes simmered in a rich broth, this stew delivers the kind of comfort that only wild game can provide. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or someone eager to expand your culinary horizons, this dish offers a unique way to enjoy tasty mountain lion meat. 

Colorado Proposition 127 has sparked a heated debate, and at its heart lies the importance of food security and sustainable harvesting practices. To battle this proposition, we must let the public know that mountain lions are not targeted for sport but are a significant source of sustenance for many who rely on wild game. Mountain Lions are labeled as game animals in Colorado. This categorization does not legally allow hunters to leave behind the meat. Mountain Lion meat must be used by law. Ethical hunters adhere to sustainable practices, which respect both the animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.

This chili exemplifies this philosophy, transforming a hunted mountain lion into a flavorful dish that honors its life. By utilizing wild game as a food source, hunters contribute to food security and sustainable practices, embracing the tradition of harvesting locally available resources. This approach helps reduce reliance on industrialized meat and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

By supporting wild game consumption and defending the rights of ethical hunters and anglers, we safeguard our natural environments while upholding outdoor traditions. These traditions are not just a part of our heritage—they are crucial to conservation efforts, as hunting often contributes to population control and the maintenance of ecological balance. Additionally, hunting license fees bring substantial funding to wildlife management agencies. 

Serving Size: 4-6
Time to Make: 1.5-2 hours
Equipment: Large Pot, Knife, Cutting Board
Also Works With: Venison, Elk, or any other wild game meat

Looking for more big cat recipes? Try out Rikki Folger’s Red Curry Braised Bobcat recipe!

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Colorado Mountain Lion Green Chili

Recipe by Justin Townsend

4.3 from 3 votes

Course: Wild RecipesCuisine: American, Mexican

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Mountain Lion Green Chili is a hearty, soul-warming dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs mountain lion meat, cubed

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled, seeded, and chopped

• 2 cups diced tomatoes

• 4 cups game stock (sub chicken)

• 2 large potatoes, diced

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 Tbsp Harvesting Nature’s Big Game Blend

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro and pickled onion for garnish

Preparation

• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed mountain lion meat and brown on all sides.
• Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until soft and translucent.
• Add the roasted Hatch green chiles, diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
• Return the browned mountain lion meat to the pot. Pour in the game stock, and bring the stew to a simmer.
• Add the diced potatoes to the pot, and continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Garnish the stew with fresh cilantro and pickled onion before serving.
  

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