Mountain lion hunting, deer donation approved

Mountain lion hunting permits will be available to Nebraska residents under a bill passed by the Legislature April 11.
LB928, introduced by Ellsworth Sen. LeRoy Louden, authorizes the state Game and Parks Commission to issue permits by random drawing to eligible applicants. Any person seeking a permit will pay a $25 application fee. A limited number of permits will be issued to nonresidents through an auction process.
The bill also allows hunters to harvest and donate deer to a food-assistance program for people in need. Under the program, hunters may donate field-dressed deer to meat processors that have contracted with the state. Processors will be compensated for their participation in the program.
Senators passed the bill on a 49-0 vote.