|
The mountain lion is currently defined as a big game animal
in South Dakota.
Mountain lions may be hunted January 1 – March 31, 2009,
inclusive, by licensed individuals. Hunters are responsible for checking the
status of the season as it could close prior to the March 31 date if either the
total lion quota or female quota is reached. Only residents of South Dakota may
hunt mountain lions.
The South Dakota mountain lion season has only one unit:
statewide. Landowners who purchase a mountain lion license may continue to hunt
year-round on their own land or private land leased after the established season
is closed, providing those lands are located outside the Black Hills Fire
Protection District.
A citizen may kill a mountain lion to protect human life or
personal property 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. |
