Mountain lions are not trophies.

They are apex predators, vital to South Dakota’s ecosystems—and now, they’re being hunted in one of the most inhumane ways imaginable.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has approved a drastic expansion of hound hunting across the Black Hills Fire Protection District. This decision allows hunters to release packs of dogs to chase mountain lions for miles, until the terrified animal collapses or climbs a tree—exhausted, cornered, and defenseless.

Then the hunter walks up and pulls the trigger.

There is no chase. No sport. No dignity. Just cruelty.

Even worse, the hound-hunting season has been extended from two weeks to three, and new stretches of privately owned land are now open for this practice—despite widespread concern about trespassing, landowner rights, and ecological damage. The number of dog permits remains at 15, but the suffering inflicted is massive. And in a devastating twist, unlimited permits will now be issued for hunting lions without dogs in Custer State Park—once a safe haven.

South Dakota already allows the killing of up to 60 mountain lions, or 40 females, per season. Every lion killed weakens the population. Every female killed risks orphaning cubs. Every chase disturbs the land and disrespects wildlife.

We, the undersigned, call on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission to:

• Reverse the expansion of hound hunting immediately
• Reinstate protections for mountain lions in Custer State Park
• Permanently ban the use of dogs to hunt mountain lions statewide

Hound hunting is not tradition—it is torment.

Mountain lions deserve protection, not persecution. Our ecosystems depend on them. Our communities have spoken. It’s time the Commission listened.