Cougar Hunting Seasons Closed Dec. 31 in Several Areas Across Washington

By Vanessa Torres

Washington -(Ammoland.com)- State wildlife managers are reminding hunters that cougar-hunting seasons closed in several areas of the state at dusk on Dec. 31 after harvest guidelines for the animals were reached in those areas.

Of the state’s 50 cougar hunt areas, nine closed Dec. 31, including Game Management Units (GMUs) 108, 111, 117, 204, 336, 340, 342, 346, 564, 568, 572, 574, 578 and 667.

Those GMUs are located in portions of Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Okanogan, Ferry, Kittitas, Yakima, Clark, Skamania, Klickitat, Thurston and Lewis counties.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages cougar hunts under a plan approved by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sets policy for the department. Under the plan, WDFW can close areas where the cougar harvest meets or exceeds area guidelines, while continuing to allow for hunting opportunities elsewhere.

“The goal is to preserve a variety of cougar age classes – particularly older animals – in numerous areas throughout the state,” said Mick Cope, WDFW Game Division manager. “Those older cougar tend to be more effective at maintaining stable territories.”

The cougar harvest varies slightly from …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand