Three Cats Already Taken

3 Mountain Lions Killed in Southwestern ND So Far This Season

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Officials say three mountain lions have been killed in western North Dakota, in an area that has a quota of five before the season closes.

The area west of state Highway 8 and south of state Highway 1804 has a quota of five cougars. The rest of the state has no quota before the season ends March 9.

"Each year, we go through these seasons just like we manage elk or geese or deer or moose, and we learn more," said state wildlife division chief Randy Kreil said.

Two cougars were reported killed this week. The latest was killed Tuesday by a bow hunter in northern Dunn County, Kreil said.

"It's a young female about a year to year and a half old, and weighs 60 pounds," he said.

Mountain lion kittens, or adult females accompanied by a kitten may not be hunted, the Game and Fish Department said. Hunters may not use dogs in mountain lion hunts until Dec. 1.

The rules do not affect Indian land, where tribes establish their own hunting regulations. Mountain lions shot to protect livestock or humans, those killed by state or federal wildlife agencies and those caught in traps do not count against the limits.