Bobcat hunting season is under way

The Department of Natural Resources says those interested in hunting a bobcat can now participate in the season in select areas of the state.

Bobcat hunting seasons: 

Units A, B and C: Jan. 1 – March 1

Unit D: Jan. 1 – Feb. 1

See a map of bobcat hunting/trapping units.

The season bag limit for bobcat is two per person. Only one bobcat may be taken from units C or D combined; only one may be taken from unit B.

All those who hunt and trap furbearing animals, including those who trap or hunt on their own enclosed farmland or private property, must have a valid fur harvester license. This license allows the license-holder to hunt fox, bobcat, coyote or raccoon, and trap badger, bobcat, fisher, marten, fox, coyote, weasel, mink, raccoon, muskrat, beaver, otter, skunk or opossum.

Hunting bobcats also requires a free kill tag, available from license agents or by contacting any DNR operations service center.

Those 17 years of age and older must possess a valid fur harvester license. A junior resident fur harvester-trap only license is available to youth 10-16 years old without hunter safety training. Youth under 10 years old may trap furbearers as licensed through the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

All successful hunters must register their harvest at select DNR offices. If harvested in Units A, B or C, the animal must be registered on or before March 11, 2013; if harvested in Unit D, then on or before Feb. 11, 2013. Please call ahead to make sure staff is available for registering.

For more information on bobcat hunting, see the DNR’s bobcat page or the Hunting and Trapping Digest, pages 22-27.