RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — It’s the start of an expanded mountain lion season for hunters in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The state Game Fish and Parks Commission has set a quota of 100 lions, a record in the seven years of lion seasons. The quotas have been gradually increased primarily to protect big game.

The season is scheduled through March, but will end early if 100 lions are killed or if 70 females are killed.

Seventy-three lions were killed last year in two months. That included the set quota of 70 and three additional lions taken before word all hunters realized the limit was filled.

A regional supervisor for Game, Fish and Parks tells the Rapid City Journal that the snow that fell over Christmas was ideal for Wednesday’s opener.