They're probably citing local city and/or county ordnances against discharging firearms. IIRC, however, under state law you can legally kill a lion that is in the act of attacking a human or ANY domestic animal. For a while, DFG was issuing depredation permits after the fact, but I've been gone from the state for three years, so I don't know if they're still doing that. In any event, it's safe to assume that if you do kill one, you should expect to have to prove your innocence. All of which makes me grateful that I am now in Texas, where we can legally shoot lions on sight.
