Montana Officials Report Increase in Illegally Killed Mountain Lions

If you're going to live in Montana, you must respect Montana. And that can mean anything - respecting the land, the people, and of course, the wildlife.

Unfortunately, some people don't care about any of that which is leading Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to remind folks to follow the rules and purchase a dang license!

Montana Game Wardens Report Uptick in Illegally Taken Mountain Lions

In a press release shared by Montana FWP yesterday, officials shared that there was an increase of people illegally killing and harvesting mountain lions last year.

"During 2025, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks game wardens reported an increase in the number of mountain lions illegally harvested in central Montana by hunters who had not already purchased a license," Montana FWP said in their press release.

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"Five lions were taken by hunters in Region 4 during the 2025 general big game season, and wardens report that three of the five hunters later admitted to buying their license after they had already shot the lion."

Yeah, you can't do that. Hey, at least three of those five hunters admitted to their wrongdoing. Still - it doesn't undo the disrespect toward Montana wildlife.

Montana FWP Announces Punishment for Illegally Killing Mountain Lions

Officials say those three hunters were issued citations for "hunting without a valid license, or unlawful possession of wildlife" with fines totaling $3,605 according to Montana FWP.

Oh yeah, they also took possession of the mountain lions.

"Hunters are encountering and harvesting lions as they hunt for deer and elk and then attempting to circumvent the law by buying a license after the fact," Game Warden Seargent Trent Farmer said.

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"Hunters interested in harvesting a lion need to plan ahead and buy their license before the season begins."