Wisconsin Ag Connection - Nearly 550 Bobcats Harvested During Recent Hunt

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Nearly 550 Bobcats Harvested During Recent Hunt
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/23/2018

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has released its preliminary numbers for the 2017-18 bobcat seasons. The agency says hunters and trappers harvested 548 bobcats between registered citizens and tribal hunting efforts over the past year.

The bobcat harvest is divided by northern and southern management zones. In 2017, the harvest goal for the northern zone was 550 and the harvest goal for the southern zone was 200 for a total harvest goal of 750 bobcats statewide. DNR Ecologist Shawn Rossler says both zones saw harvest goal increases for the past season, with a substantial increase in the northern zone.

"Harvest goals and permit levels for each management zone are evaluated annually based on review of bobcat population data," Rossler noted. "Bobcats are managed through a preference point lottery system that allows harvest by trappers and hunters with a permit."

The Furbearer Advisory Committee, which includes DNR Staff, tribal and partner agency representatives, and individuals from key user groups, provides annual harvest goal recommendations to the department.

Meanwhile, the annual application deadline for the bobcat harvest permit drawing is August 1. Wisconsin's bobcat hunting and trapping seasons are held from mid-October to December 25 and from December 26 to January 31.

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