Mountain lion hunting repeal advances

Mountain lions could no longer be hunted under a bill advanced from general file Feb. 21.

LB671, introduced by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, would repeal the law passed in 2012 that authorizes the state Game and Parks Commission to hold a mountain lion hunting season. Chambers said claims of dangerous mountain lions cannot be backed up with data.

“When people give these anecdotal stories, it goes against all data and scientific studies out there,” he said. “These animals can and should be managed by Game and Parks, but not through a hunting season.”

The bill also would eliminate limited permits currently issued to farmers and ranchers to kill mountain lions preying on their livestock or poultry.

A Natural Resources Committee amendment, adopted 36-0, would retain the statute currently in place that allows farmers and ranchers to kill a mountain lion they perceive to be a threat.

Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery supported the bill, saying there is no evidence to suggest a hunting season is warranted.

“Why do we need a season? Is it just for the pleasure of certain hunters who are seeking a trophy?” he asked. “Mountain lions are not like deer, they’re not overpopulated and don’t provide food suitable for human consumption.”

Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz opposed the bill. He advised the Legislature to let the experts make determinations on wildlife management.

“We should recognize that the Legislature that put this in place a few years ago did what they were authorized to do,” he said. “I hope we’re not going to jump back and forth on issues like this and make it look like we don’t know what we’re doing. We should allow Game and Parks to do their job.”

Senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 31-5 vote.