RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) – Hunters have killed at least six mountain lions in the first three days of South Dakota’s season for the big cats.

KEVN-TV reports that snow in the Black Hills appears to be helping hunters this year.

The season began Wednesday and will run through March in the Black Hills. It will end early if a quota of 100 total mountain lions or 70 female lions is reached.

The season outside the Black Hills Fire Protection District will run through the rest of the year. But nearly all the lions will be shot in the Black Hills during the limited season there.