by Joe Ulery/Indiana News ServiceNovember 17, 20241Share1

https://www.953mnc.com/2024/11/17/hoosiers-push-back-on-bobcat-hunting-season/

(Photo supplied/Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources is pushing a bobcat trapping plan after a new law required a hunting season by 2025.

Opponents said the plan is premature and risky without accurate data on bobcat numbers.

Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for The Humane Society of the United States, said the DNR released only a map of bobcat sightings, mostly in southern Indiana, with no full population study.

“They should be using data to determine what type of number that quota would be,” Chapman contended. “We’re incredibly frustrated because we have yet to see any type of comprehensive population study from DNR.”

Chapman hopes residents push for the zero quota to protect Indiana’s recovering bobcat population. She noted the season would benefit only a few trappers. The current plan allows trapping in about 40 southern Indiana counties starting next November, with a statewide quota of 250 bobcats. Trappers would have a one-bobcat bag limit and be required to purchase a special bobcat license.

The Humane Society is determined to prevent past wildlife declines for the bobcat from repeating. Chapman pointed out wildlife watching brings far more revenue to Indiana than hunting or trapping.

“In 2022, it generated $16 billion for the state of Indiana and only half a percent of that was generated by hunting and trapping.”

Chapman argued it is important for Hoosiers to stress the value of live wildlife for tourism and conservation.