The Colorado Division of Wildlife will open mountain lion hunting on the Uncompahgre Plateau for the first time since 2004 when it was closed for mountain lion research.

While the research is scheduled to continue through 2014, the mountain lion hunting season within the region will open on Nov. 16 through Jan. 31 with a quota of eight cats. Hunters may not kill cubs or females with cubs.

Hunters must have a valid mountain lion hunting license and a special permit to hunt in the research area. The permits are free, unlimited and valid for 14 days. A hunter who does not take a lion within the 14 days can pick up another permit to continue hunting so long as the season is still open. Permits can be picked up starting on Nov. 2 at the DOW’s Montrose Service Center at 2300 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose.