Two alternatives are being considered. The first would provide that all nonresidents, except those who hunt with registered outfitters, who wish to hunt or chase mountain lions with a dog(s) in FWP Region 1 must draw a hound-handler permit. Nonresidents would be allowed to accompany resident houndsmen during the chase season only. The number of nonresident hound-handler permits offered per district would be set at 10 percent of the open quota in each Region 1 hunting district.

In the second alternative, three mountain lion districts in Libby (100, 103 and 104) would require permits awarded through the drawing for both residents and nonresidents. Hunters would be restricted to hunting lions in the district in which they draw a permit. For the remaining Region 1 districts, mountain lion hunting would be managed as described in the first alternative.

The proposed alternatives can be obtained by calling (406) 444-2612. Comments should be submitted in writing to FWP Wildlife Division, Mountain Lion Alternatives, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701 or e-mailed to fwpwld@state.mt.us by July 6.