If one is otherwise legally hunting and a lion walks by, is it fair game?

Not asking for moral/ethical responses, just legality in Texas. Also, assume no aggression or livestock depletion on the cat's part. Thanks!

Shoot it, legal

Then post pics

Perfectly legal. TPWD does request that you let them know of any lions harvested, but I think it's more so they can track them.

click.......bang!

If it happened, would do but not expecting to see what was supposedly seen by acouple of others out joy riding - non-drinker, ranch women.

In other words, I don't doubt they saw a couple of big cats which might be lions but, even if so, said cats could be in OK, KS, CO or NM by now. Then again, with all the muley does running around on the place, I can see where they might want to stay a little while.

Ive seen plenty while I was joy riding on ranches..(drinker)

BMD only shoots Black Panthers in the panhandle!

We all shoot black panthers in the panhandle. Stop pulling his leg!

It's legal. One or two are killed in east TX every year-more in central/west TX. I would shoot one in a heartbeat.

Don't get me wrong, I drink as well. I'd be very surprised if these 2 do. Their stories match & I think they saw something out of the ordinary. There have other reports of lions down through the years & it wouldn't surprise me if lions wondered through occasionally. I've just never seen one.

that wasnt my leg he was pulling.........but he was close

Rofl

There has been 4 or 5 seen on our place in childress, one was shot at but missed. Yes they a legal to shoot.

I played a couple of hands of poker with one, got tired of all the squalling, too loud.

If it's not endangering live stock or you why do you want to shoot it? Just curious because I would let one walk as I have no need to kill one.

X2

According to TPWD, mountain lions are not game animals, but can be shot if seen. They are not protected species and they are not game animals. After you see or shoot, you have to call in a 512(?) number to report it.


I read that.

You don't have to call, but it is encouraged.

Because I have two youngsters.

But I have to ask, how do you define "endangering you"? How do you know if you're being stalked early one morning on the way to your stand?

You might let one walk the first time, but what about the next? Once a predator threatens, it's already too late, IMHO. I'll shoot everyone on-site (yotes too).

TPWD likes to be notified so that a small section of tongue can be removed for DNA testing. They also like to be able to document and verify sightings / harvest.

Legal. Saw one trailing a doe last year, but could not get a shot off. Also saw and heard one years ago in Young Co. I would love to get a shot at one. They have to be a deer/calf killing machine.

Side note....According to the Internet, the last black panther in Texas was killed in Brownwood back in the 30s.

Legal, cats are classified as Varmints, if memory serves...Btw if you GET the opportunity to see one JUST WALKING BY...consider yourself one of the fortunate few that was in the right place at the right time...and shoot it because you will probably NEVER get another chance at that scenario...