WYOMING — Last week, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) released a draft proposal to increase the maximum numbers of mountain lions that can be killed in four Wyoming hunt areas.
Existing only in the Western Hemisphere, mountain lions are one of North America’s biggest cats, WGFD says.
The new regulation would increase the quota from 20 to 30 in Area 14 (Lincoln), five to eight in Area 17 (Piney), 15 to 23 in Area 26 (Greys River) and six to nine in Area 29 (Hoback). The four area increases would take the maximum total from 46 to 70.
“Individual hunt area management objectives are based on regional desires to meet
localized situations,” WGFD says. “The goal of mountain lion management in Wyoming is to sustain mountain lion populations throughout core habitat at varying densities depending on management objectives.”
Those management objectives include recreational/hunting opportunity, ungulate populations maintenance at established objectives or with current habitat conditions, reduced mountain lion depredation on pets and livestock and reduced potential for human injury.
This quota decision comes after Wyoming wildlife officials discussed slashing populations of three native Wyoming predators – mountain lions, bears and coyotes – where an extended and severe winter caused mule deer survival rates to plummet.
Purchases of mountain lion licenses are unlimited, but the open season ends when the quota is met in each hunt area. In February, Governor Gordon signed a bill establishing a mountain lion pursuit season for Wyoming residents to chase and tree mountain lions with the use of dogs after the mortality maximum is reached.
According to the WGFD, anyone who makes false reporting of a mountain lion kill is punishable as provided by Title 23, Wyoming statutes for violation of Commission regulations, by a fine of not more than $10,000.
