The hunting of all mountain lions in central Montana hunting district 540, which includes portions of Meagher and Wheatland counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, February 23, 2005.

The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.

For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.gov click on "Hunting" then under "Hot Topics" click on "Mountain Lion Status," or call the toll-free number at 1-800-385-7826.