I think I can clarify the lion closure issue for you. What is true is there were some houndsmen who were in favor of the closure due to how strenuous the hunts were. Both the Cougar Fund and Defenders of Wildlife were pushing for a closed season like most of the Western States currently have (the exception was AZ and TX). But the decision for the closure was based upon biology when these groups approached the Department and then examined the data. The general trend of mountain lion harvest over the past 25 years is steady with between 250 and 350 lions taken in a calendar year. In the months of the closure (June, July, & August) less than 4 % of the total annnual harvest is taken. Therefore these three months being closed only minimally affected the overall annual harvest levels. The impact of the closure is minimal at best and should not be seen as a negative, but a way to balance the desires of all people involved. Remember this is a tenant of the North American Model of Conservation, that wildlife is held in the public trust for all people. I hope this helps to clarify what was done.
John
