Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Issues New Rules Regarding Mountain Lion Hunting and Trapping
Posted 2024-06-07 by
The big cats can’t be left in a trap or snare for more than 36 hours and "canned" hunts have been banned
New Texas law prevents keeping a mountain lion in a trap or snare for more than 36 hours. (Image by Evgeniyqw)
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved new mountain lion hunting and trapping rules that are designed to protect the big cats.
According to kxan.com, the current rules don’t require trappers to check their traps for mountain lions, which could result in the animals dying slowly and inhumanely.
The new rules state live mountain lions can’t be kept in a trap or snare for more than 36 hours. The commission also banned “canned” hunts — when animals are bred just to be hunted and killed in a confined area.
Those who break the rules could earn a Class C misdemeanor.
“Our objective here is not ‘gotcha’ and trying to catch somebody that’s living narrowly on the edge,” TPWD Commissioner Paul Foster said. “What we’re trying to do is influence good behavior and punish really bad behavior.”
Mountain lions are mostly found in the southern and western portions of the state in the remote mountains, hilly areas, or canyonlands. They can occasionally be found in the western Hill Country.
