Mountain lions shot November 16 and 17 in western North Dakota are the first two cats taken during the state’s first experimental season. The first lion, taken NW of Grassy Butte on Weds.(11/16/05), was a  92 pound female, approximately 2 ½ - 3 yrs. of age. The second lion, harvested  in the Killdeer area on Thursday (11/17/05), was a 92 pound male, approximately 1 ½ - 2 yrs. old.  

Both animals were in very good health and were taken by individuals while deer hunting.  The harvest of these two lions brings the season quota down to three.  The experimental season runs until March 12, 2006. 

The experimental season started in early September and runs through March 12, or until a season quota of five cats has been met. Any mountain lion taken must be reported to the Game and Fish Department within 12 hours and the entire animal must be submitted for analysis.