Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Proposes Rule That Would Require Harvest Reporting - Impacting Mountain Lion Populations
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will vote in May on a proposed rule that could significantly improve how we understand and manage mountain lion populations in Texas.
This message from the Texans for Mountain Lions Coalition is ultimately a call for something remarkably simple and overdue: better data. By supporting mandatory harvest reporting for mountain lions in Texas—including tissue samples and basic biological information—the proposal aims to give wildlife managers a clearer picture of population health, mortality trends, and long-term sustainability for one of the state’s most elusive apex predators.
NOTE: this article was originally sent to us as an email on May 4, 2026. It was sent by Pamela Nelson Harte
May 4, 2026
Dear Texans for Mountain Lions supporters,
We have big news—and an important call to action for Texas’ iconic mountain lions. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will vote in May on a proposed rule that could significantly improve how we understand and manage mountain lion populations in Texas. The rule would require harvest reporting, meaning anyone who kills a mountain lion must report it through the TPWD wildlife app and submit a small tissue sample and a premolar. This simple step will provide the data needed to better understand population size, health, and long-term trends.
How you can help
Add your support using the TPWD PUBLIC COMMENT FORM. Submitting a comment is quick and straightforward. You’ll enter basic information at the top, review the proposal, and select “Agree Completely” to show your support. All information submitted is kept confidential and used only for the public comment process.
Why this matters
Over the past five years, Texans for Mountain Lions and other stakeholders have worked closely with TPWD to better understand the status of mountain lions across the state. The conclusion is clear: we need better data.Texas has two primary mountain lion populations—one in South Texas and one in the Trans-Pecos. While births and natural mortality fall within predictable ranges, most lion deaths are human-caused and vary widely year to year. That uncertainty makes it difficult to manage the species effectively.Mandatory harvest reporting is the most practical, cost-effective way to close the information gap. Texas already uses this data for several other species. Extending it to mountain lions is a common-sense step that will be a game-changer in understanding these elusive animals and ensuring their future in Texas.
The deadline to submit comments is May 26.
The TPW Commission takes these comments very seriously. Please take a moment to add your support today.
Thank you,
The Texans for Mountain Lions Coalition