Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "How come you guys are picking on Jon Stevens for killing a mountain lion in self-defense?" Answer: I wasn't involved with Mr. Stevens, and I don't have first hand knowledge about the details of the mountain lion he killed, but I will try to summarize the Idaho Fish and Game Commission rules that apply. Mr. Stevens told conservation officers he killed the mountain lion in self-defense. The law clearly allows people to take any steps necessary to protect themselves. They are not required to possess a big game tag for that animal in order to protect themselves. The fact he killed the mountain lion to protect himself and his companions is not being questioned. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission annually adopts seasons and rules for the take, harvest, possession, and seasons for all hunting, fish, and trapping in Idaho. Those rules include the allowable "methods of take" for hunting birds, small game and big game. Lawful "methods of take" means commission-approved hunting methods as well as allowable firearms, muzzleloaders and archery equipment that can be used to hunt big game animals. The commission-approved methods of take for big game hunting as well as unlawful methods are listed under "Weapon Restrictions" on page 65 and General Wildlife Laws on page 62 of the big game hunting brochure. The commission has restricted the use of shotguns for hunting big game to shotguns loaded only with #00 buck or larger pellets or shotgun slugs. Mr. Stevens told conservation officers he killed the mountain lion with birdshot while duck hunting. Since birdshot is not lawful for harvesting any big game animal, Mr. Stevens cannot keep the mountain lion. The law is clear, a shotgun with birdshot is not allowed for mountain lion hunting, however, it can be used to protect yourself. Killing the lion in self-defense is not a violation. Mr. Stevens turned over the lion hide and was provided a duplicate mountain lion tag. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley regional office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.