Outdoor News Daily

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. – After hearing public comments from both sides of the issue and getting a detailed Game, Fish and Parks presentation on the Black Hills mountain lion population, the GF&P Commission voted to propose a higher female lion harvest limit for the 2010 season.

The proposal would include a season beginning Jan. 1 and ending March 31. A total harvest limit of 35 mountain lions would be set, with an alternate harvest limit of 20 female lions. The season would close early if either harvest limit is reached before March 31.

“We have got very good information on our mountain lion population. This is one of the most studied big-game populations in North America,” said GF&P Big Game Manager John Kanta. “We feel that the population has leveled off, and all the information we have shows the population can handle the increased harvest of females.”

The mountain lion hunting season will not be finalized until Wednesday, July 1. Citizens wishing to provide written comments on the proposal may do so up until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 30. Comments sent before the next Commission meeting on June 4 will be shared as part of a public hearing at that meeting. Comments received after the June meeting will be shared as part of the July 1 public hearing.

Comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us. All comments must have the senders’ full names and addresses in order to become part of the public record.

Comments may be presented in person at both the June and July GF&P Commission meetings. The next meeting will be held in Yankton, with the public hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT Thursday, June 4th. The July 1 meeting will be held in Pierre, with the public hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, July 1.

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