SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is proposing rules to regulate bobcat hunting and trapping throughout the state.
The agency released its proposals Monday, January 25, 2016, to amend a wildlife hunting law that took effect Jan. 1.
Proposed rules include prohibiting bobcat harvesting in the northeastern and east-central regions of Illinois and requiring hunters to purchase a $5 Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit. The department also proposes bobcat hunting season run from Nov. 10 through Jan. 31 and close during firearm deer hunting season.
The General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will review the agency’s proposals. The department is accepting public comments via mail through March 7, 2016.
Anne Mergen
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Office of Legal Counsel
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
Adopted rules will be reviewed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for compliance with federal regulations.
The Illinois DNR website lists these proposed changed to bobcat hunting and trapping rules:
• Harvest of bobcats will be prohibited in northeastern and east-central Illinois.
• People must purchase a $5 Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit before attempting to take the species. A limited number of permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The bag limit will be one bobcat per person per season.
• Hunting season dates will run from November 10 through January 31 with brief closures during the firearm deer season.
• Trapping season dates will run from November 5 through January 20 in the northern zone and November 10 through January 25 in the southern zone.
• People who harvest a bobcat must purchase a $5 Bobcat Registration Permit. They will be mailed a federal tag, which must be affixed permanently to the pelt before it is exported or transferred to a fur buyer, fur tanner, taxidermist or garment manufacturer.
