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The mountain lion
is currently defined as a big game animal in South Dakota.
In 2005 a hunting season was established with the intention of managing the
lion population towards the carrying capacity of the Black Hills. Mountain lions
may be hunted in South Dakota from October 1 to December 15, inclusive, by
licensed individuals. Only residents of South Dakota may hunt mountain lions.
There are two hunting units for mountain lions: a Black Hills Unit and a Prairie
Unit. A harvest quota has been established for mountains lions harvested in the
Black Hills Unit, so hunters need to be aware that the season in the Black Hills
Unit may be closed by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks prior to Dec. 15.
A citizen may kill a mountain lion to protect human life from an immediate or
imminent threat at any time. |
The laws and regulations protecting mountain lions are typically Class one
or Class two misdemeanors and carry maximum penalties of $1,000 and up to
one year in jail. In addition, civil penalties for the illegal harvest of a
mountain lion may be invoked.
South Dakota's Administrative Rules on Mt. Lion Hunting Season Back to Mountain Lion home
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