North Dakota hunters now have shot nine mountain lions in Zone 1 in the southwestern part of the state.

N.D. Game and Fish Department photo

In a news release, the state Game and Fish Department this morning said the ninth mountain lion was taken Tuesday. If hunters shoot one more cat in Zone 1, the early season quota of 10 will be reached and mountain lion hunting in the zone will close immediately.

If the final lion is taken in Zone 1 before Nov. 20, Game and Fish will notify media outlets announcing the close of the early season. Hunters also can check the tally on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov.

The late season in Zone 1, with a quota of four, opens Nov. 21. There is no carry-over if the early season quota is not filled.

You can see a map of the Zone 1 boundaries here. The mountain lion season in Zone 2, which is the rest of the state outside Zone 1, has no quota and is open through March 31, 2012.

The mountain lion season is open only to North Dakota residents. A furbearer or combination license is required.