In Texas, mountain lions (Puma concolor) are classified as nongame wildlife. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, this means that mountain lions may be hunted at any time by any lawful means or methods on private property. The nongame species status also means that mountain lions may be harvested year-round. While certain nongame species are protected by possession limits, there are no closed seasons, bag limits or possession limits for mountain lions in the state of Texas. Wildlife classified as nongame species may be killed by anyone who holds a Texas hunting license.

For scale, other nongame animals in Texas include armadillos, bobcats, coyotes, flying squirrels, frogs, ground squirrels, porcupines, prairie dogs, rabbits, and turtles (freshwater). As the state’s tertiary predator, mountain lions do belong on this list of prolific wildlife. Furthermore, adequate population data does not exist to justify unregulated hunting of the species.

The preliminary objective proposed by the Big Bend Regional Sierra Club Group on behalf of Puma concolor is to reclassify the species from nongame status to “game” status, allowing for population monitoring, harvest controls, capped bag limits, and a hunting season. Ideally, reclassifying the status of mountain lions will require Texas hunters to purchase a tag on their hunting license in order to legally kill a mountain lion. Harvest reports will generate a baseline understanding of the population and ensure that the species continues to thrive in the state of Texas.

Reclassifying mountain lions as a game animal will:

• Encourage species education, which will eradicate species myths and misconceptions.
• Generate respect for the species.
• Generate revenue for outdoor recreation programs and public lands through license sales.
• Foster conservation efforts.
• Drive ecosystem health.
• Ensure that future generations may benefit from the inherent value of mountain lions in Texas.

Initial Steps to aid in the reclassification of Mountain Lions in Texas include:

• Public Education campaign to garner support.
• Gain support and resources from Lone Star Chapter of Sierra Club.
• Create an educational campaign through Facebook and Instagram using the title and hashtag #texasmountainlions or a similar phrase.
• Work in partnership with regional conservation agencies.
• Contact State representatives.

For more baseline information on Mountain Lions in Texas, please visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

For more information on new conservation efforts in Texas contact the Big Bend Regional Sierra Club Group.