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Management objectives in each zone was based on the historical density and occurrence data for mountain lions and their prey populations. The department has used a zone management approach since 2011, managing mountain lions using two different zones Standard Management and Minimal Occurrence. In 2012, the hunt season was again extended to yearlong but, beginning in 2018, the season will once more be closed during the summer months when research shows that mountain lion births are at their peak. In 2007, the hunt season was shortened from yearlong to 9-months with a closure from June through August. Wildlife managers use these data to closely monitor harvest and ensure a sustainable population. Since 2006, mountain lion hunters are required to have their mountain lion physically inspected by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for identification of age and sex of the animal and collection of important biological information. Beginning in 2018, this management approach will be removed and a bag limit of one mountain lion per hunter per year will apply statewide. In limited portions of some units, bag limits have been increased for the purpose of management, research, or protecting prey species of concern. The hunting season in Arizona allows unlimited tags with a bag limit of one mountain lion per hunter per year. Spotted kittens and females accompanied by spotted kittens are protected by state statutes, and reports of any illegal harvest are investigated thoroughly by wildlife managers. Reported data indicates that mountain lion harvests gradually increased over time but have remained fairly consistent over the past 20 years and range between 250 and 350 animals per year, of which approximately 9-13 percent are taken for livestock depredation incidents. In 1981, a mandatory reporting requirement was instituted by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
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This status continued until 1970 when the mountain lion was classified as a big game animal, and a tag was required to hunt one. Mountain lions were classified as a “predatory animal” by the territorial legislature in 1919 and were subject to a bounty of $50 dollars. Hunting mountain lion information Hunt History