Plan Would Allow Nonresident Lion Hunting in South Dakota

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — A proposal to allow nonresidents to hunt mountain lions in South Dakota is drawing opposition.

The Game, Fish and Parks Commission plan would allow nonresidents to go after lions for $121, the same fee as a nonresident pheasant license.

The Rapid City Journal reports the South Dakota Wildlife Federation and the Prairie Hills Audubon Society are opposed to allowing nonresidents to hunt lions in the state, where the lion population has decreased.

The drop has led to a proposed decrease in the number of cats that can be killed during the upcoming season, from 75 to 60.

Game, Fish and Parks has received 21 written comments opposed to allowing nonresidents to hunt lions, and only three in favor.

Commission Chairman John Cooper says "it's an emotional issue."

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