PINETOP, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has announced the harvest threshold for Mountain Lion Management Zone 8 has been met — this includes Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B and 3C. All units in Zone 8 were closed to mountain lion hunting at sundown on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. The harvest threshold in Zone 8 was seven mountain lions.

The annual harvest thresholds throughout the state are reflective of recent changes in mountain lion regulations. When the number of harvested mountain lions reaches the harvest threshold, that zone closes to the additional harvest of mountain lions.

“Harvest thresholds are used to distribute harvest more evenly across the state and to promote population stability,” said Rick Langley, game specialist for the department’s regional office in Pinetop.

Hunters are responsible for calling (877) 438-0447 before hunting to determine if any mountain lion management zones are closed and to report their harvest within 48 hours of taking the animal.

For more information on the recent changes in mountain lion regulations please refer to pages 60-64 in the 2018-2019 Arizona Hunting Regulations availableonline, at department offices, and license dealers statewide.