Bobcats in Indiana

[slagmaker]

http://fox59.com/2018/03/05/indiana-dnr-officials-propose-bobcat-hunting-trapping-season/

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. â€" State Natural Resources officials want a hunting and trapping season for bobcats in Indiana.


The Indianapolis Star reports Monday that DNR officials say Indiana’s bobcat population has been expanding in recent years. The cat was taken off the state’s endangered species list in 2005.

The proposal would establish quotas and bag limits.

Wildlife and environmental groups say the state does not have specific data showing the bobcat population could support opening such a season.

Indiana State director of the U.S. Humane Society Erin Huang doesn’t see a reason for a hunting and trapping season and says the species “is not causing a problem.”

The Natural Resources Commission is accepting public comment until March 23 on rule changes that would allow hunting and trapping

[nastygunz]

 That is exactly what happened in New Hampshire last year and there was a huge uproar and they shot the season down!

[slagmaker]

Everyone thinks house cat when they hear bobcat. People here are all up in arms over then doing the study.

It is gonna take the loss of pets and that kind of stuff before any serious talk will be allowed.

[Hawks Feather]

Ohio is going to open a 'limited' season in a 'limited' area next year.  Hopefully I will live long enough to see an open season here in northwest Ohio.

Jerry

[HaMeR]

Seriously Jerry!!?? I just called one in on Jan 30th just South of here!! 

[Todd Rahm]

Bobcats have been in Indiana as far back as I can remember as a kid, DNR just didn't want to admit it back then.

[Hawks Feather]

Seriously Jerry!!?? I just called one in on Jan 30th just South of here!! 

Yep, I was in Findlay at the Division 2 headquarters and they were talking about it.  The state is still working on the details, but it is scheduled to be in effect for next winter.

Jerry

[JohnP]

http://fox59.com/2018/03/05/indiana-dnr-officials-propose-bobcat-hunting-trapping-season/

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. â€" State Natural Resources officials want a hunting and trapping season for bobcats in Indiana.
The cat was taken off the state’s endangered species list in 2005.

If they been off the endangered species list for the past thirteen years I would bet my last dollar that there are plenty to go around   

[nastygunz]

 If you cross the Connecticut River they're legal to hunt in VT.

[slagmaker]

Well it has been several years sense they started showing up on game cams pretty regularly
I know where my dad lives (just north of Evansville) they started showing up in the mid 90's.

[FinsnFur]

I always thought they were nationwide
We have them here in Wisconsin. They certainly have them a little further north in Canada. I have hunted them in Texas and AZ.

[HaMeR]

Seriously Jerry!!?? I just called one in on Jan 30th just South of here!! 

Yep, I was in Findlay at the Division 2 headquarters and they were talking about it.  The state is still working on the details, but it is scheduled to be in effect for next winter.

Jerry

[HaMeR]

Jerry-- Ohio Bobcat season is limited to trapping. 20 cats in Southern Ohio & 40 in Eastern Ohio. All cats must be surrendered for scientific study.

Our local newspaper.

http://www.timesreporter.com/news/20180312/bobcat-population-in-ohio-could-be-thinned-by-trapping

[Hawks Feather]

Bummer.  I was told that it would be hunt or trap, but that was about six weeks ago and obviously has changed.  If I took the time to trap one I wouldn't want to give it away for study.

Jerry

[KySongDog]

Indiana State director of the U.S. Humane Society Erin Huang doesn’t see a reason for a hunting and trapping season and says the species “is not causing a problem.”

I have some hard core rabbit hunting friends in southern Indiana who would fiercely disagree.  They say the bobcats are decimating the rabbit population. 

[HaMeR]

I'll bet they're hell on turkeys too!!

Jerry-- After splitting the $245,000 bill on research with you & other's here I would like to see a more definitive plan in place. I realize they need to start somewhere & I also think a 1/4 million $$ is as good a place as any. As far as what you were lead to believe,, well,, that may be what that particular person or group thought as well. The term Bobcat season has at least 2 different meanings. It's all good. 

[JohnP]

I have found that most, if not all, surveys and/or studies turn out in favor of the organization that is footing the bill.   In our county we have had water studies almost yearly and I can tell you before the study is even started what the outcome is going to be, just by who is picking up the check. 

[Okanagan]

I have found that most, if not all, surveys and/or studies turn out in favor of the organization that is footing the bill. 

^^^ THIS!!!^^^

The only thing that surprises me about these things nowadays is how many people believe these "studies".

[FinsnFur]

  So true