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Discover the untamed beauty of Texas as mountain lions, one of the state’s last native carnivores, continue to roam freely. On September 1st, Texas will implement a ban on canned mountain lion hunts for the first time, aiming to protect these elusive predators from mistreatment.
The new regulations, set to begin at the start of the upcoming hunting license cycle, also mandate trappers to check their traps every 36 hours when targeting mountain lions.
Richard Heilbrun, director of the wildlife diversity program at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, credited the collaborative effort of various stakeholders for this proposal’s success. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved these rules in May, emphasizing the importance of conserving these majestic creatures.
Violating these regulations may result in a Class C misdemeanor, with fines up to $500 but no jail time.
Texas for Mountain Lions, a group focused on conservation founded in 2021, spearheaded the petition in 2022 to study and protect these animals, leading to the initiation of these rules.
While the regulations had their fair share of support from the public, the Texas Farm Bureau raised concerns about its impact on ranches in West Texas. However, the majority of comments received favored the new rules.
Mountain lions are a common sight in Texas, especially in the trans-Pecos region, South Texas brushlands, and occasionally in the Hill Country. Sightings have even been reported in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the Panhandle, indicating their widespread presence in the state.
In Val Verde County along the Texas-Mexico border, Game Warden Marco Alvizo remains optimistic that these new regulations won’t significantly alter existing hunting practices for mountain lions.
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Support for the ban on canned hunts echoes amongst ranchers like Warren Cude, who frequently encounters mountain lions preying on his livestock. While he acknowledges the necessity of protecting his animals, the added burden of checking traps every 36 hours poses logistical challenges on his vast ranch.
The stringent rules apply to large vertical snares targeting mountain lions, exempting smaller snares used for coyotes. However, ranchers like Cude worry that snares meant for feral hogs could also fall under this regulation.
Heilbrun emphasizes that alternative methods exist to manage feral hogs effectively without resorting to snares that might impact mountain lions.
Unlike other states, Texas has not imposed limitations on mountain lion hunting, highlighting the unique approach to wildlife management in the state.
Conservationist Brent Lyles views these new regulations as a positive step towards preserving a balanced ecosystem, recognizing the vital role mountain lions play in maintaining biodiversity.
He stresses the importance of understanding and protecting these enigmatic creatures to ensure the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and human interests.
Disclosure: The Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Parks And Wildlife Department have supported The Texas Tribune, an independent news organization funded by contributions from donors, foundations, and sponsors. Their financial backing does not influence the Tribune’s journalistic integrity. Check out our sponsors here.
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