Please Act Now!

In May of 2024, a truly historic event occurred: The first-ever rules in Texas’ history for mountain lions. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously in favor of 36-hour trap-check times and a ban on canned hunting for our cat. And a resounding 91% of more than 7500 respondents to a public survey conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department concurred with the Commission’s decision. You were part of that effort.

Texas has two mountain lion populations, far West Texas and South Texas. Mandatory harvest reporting would provide data that is needed to determine population size, health, and trends regarding mountain lions. Human-caused mortality is the primary cause of Texas’ mountain lion deaths, though the numbers are unknown because harvest reporting is not currently required.

This month, the Commission will vote on mandatory harvest reporting, a proposed rule that is critical. It would require individuals in Texas who kill a mountain lion – whether by hunting, trapping, or other means – to report that death to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) using the hunting app and to submit a small tissue sample and a premolar. Landowner privacy would be maintained as only the county name would be reported, which will not be disclosed to the public.

TPWD is soliciting public comments on this issue. Simply click on Request for Comment to access the form. Provide your name and county of residence, choose “Agree Completely” after reviewing the proposal, make any optional comments, then press Submit.

Texans, be proud of the steps that have been taken to understand and manage mountain lion populations in our state. Now we need to ensure that accurate data is collected. TPWD is listening and your comments will make a significant impact on the Commission’s decision on May 27-28.

Voice your support for mandatory harvest reporting to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The deadline to submit your comments is May 26.‍

Thank you.