Chelan Cougar's

[Machias]

I cannot confirm this yet, but I heard last night that when the Chelan Cougar with hounds season opens on the 1st of Dec that it is already pursuit only.  The female quota of 4 has already been filled. 

[arrowflinger]

This might be a stupid question............but how can the quota be filled before the season is opened?

[Machias]

Nope not a silly question at all.  The female quota's start I believe 1 Aug, all females killed, either through depredation permits, public safety removal, boot hunters, deer and elk hunters who tag one, all females killed in that area count towards the quota.  Last year for Stevens and Pend Oreille, we have a 15 female quota, whent he hound season opened 1 Dec we were down to 8 females left.  The harvest season closed a couple of days after Christmas last year.  There were still something like 19+ toms available, but since guys couldn't restrain themselves and shot females it was done.

[arrowflinger]

Okay, I was thinking that, but wasn't sure. Never cat hunted but would love to get one someday. Is it easy to tell difference between them? I'm guessing if you have one treed it would but out deer hunting and see one to shoot, would be a little harder to tell.

[Machias]

Yes once they are treed it's quite easy, and your absolutely right out hunting and you come accross one you can't hardly tell and even if you could who's gonna pass on an animal you might see a handfull of times in a lifetime!

[Jackjr]

any one know how many females have been shot in stevens and pend oreille so far this year?

[SuperDave]

I believe there is a number you can call with a recorded message!  That sucks, my brother drew a tag!