FWP considering more liberal mountain lion quotas

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released proposed quotas for mountain lion hunting in 2013-14 hunting season.

Hunters could take more lions across Region 1, which includes most of Northwest Montana, as more liberal quotas and more licenses could be issued. If hunters fill all the special-license tags and meet the quotas, up to 37 more lions could be taken under the proposed regulations. The harvest could rise in Region 1 by about 26 percent.

The greatest increase in take could come in Hunting District 100, north of Libby including the Yaak, and Hunting District 121, parts of Sanders County along the Montana-Idaho border. The number of special licenses in District 100 would rise from 25 to 30; the number in District 121 would rise from 31 to 37.

Special licenses are only available through a drawing held prior to the start of the season. A hunter cannot purchase both a special license and a general mountain lion license. Hunting in District 110, the North Fork, is only by special license. Hunting in District 130, the Swan Valley, is open through a general mountain lion license.

To date this season, hunters have taken 141 mountain lions across Region 1. The total quota is 186 lions. There is no quota in District 170, the Flathead Valley proper, where hunters have taken two females and two males.

The FWP Commission is proposing that 517 lions could be taken statewide in the 2013-2014 season. That includes an increase in the number of female quota from the current 171 to 226.

The lion proposals are available online at www.fwp.mt.gov. The public can comment on the new lion regulations until May. The FWP commission is expected to vote on the quotas at its June meeting.