Clarifications shared on new mountain lion regulations after significant changes were made

Helena, Montana – After making significant adjustments to the season structures for mountain lions, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is clarifying new regulations.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission gave its approval to modifications to mountain lion structures earlier this year.

A normal mountain lion license, a limited special mountain lion license (applicants must submit their applications by July 22), and an unlimited special mountain lion license are the three license categories available this season.

Only one license may be bought or applied for by each hunter. With one exception, anyone who does not obtain a limited special license may instead buy a general license.

Hunting restrictions must be understood, thus lion hunters are advised to research them before making a purchase.

Due to the considerable changes this year, hunters who bought the incorrect license can get a refund or the correct license by contacting the FWP license office.

FWP has given the following rundown of what mountain lion licenses are available and what they can be used for:

• General mountain lion license.Available to purchase over the counter. Allows hunters without dogs to harvest a lion in any open lion management unit (LMU) during the archery and fall seasons. In the winter season, this license allows a hunter to harvest a mountain lion in LMUs 170, 299, 305 or 309.
• Limited special mountain lion license. Hunters must have applied for this license by July 22. (Unsuccessful applicants can purchase a general mountain lion license.) In archery and fall seasons, hunters without dogs can harvest a lion in any open LMU. In the winter season, hunters with dogs can only harvest a lion in the specific LMU for which their license is valid. Holders may harvest a mountain lion in LMUs 170, 299, 305 or 309 during the winter season. The limited special mountain lion license is not subject to quotas within the LMUs for which they are valid. The license also allows hunters to chase mountain lions during the training season, but only harvest in the unit designated on the license.
• Unlimited special mountain lion license. Hunters can purchase these over the counter before Feb. 28. At the time of purchase, hunters must designate the LMU, group of LMUs or the region they intend to hunt. In archery and fall seasons, a hunter without dogs can harvest a lion in any open LMU. In the winter season, hunters with dogs can hunt lions in the LMU, group of LMUs or the region designated at the time of purchase or until the quota for the LMU is met. This license allows a hunter to chase lions in any unit during the training season, but only harvest a lion in the unit designated on the license.