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Illinois bobcat season ends: Hunters and trappers take 649 statewide

1 year ago in IL State News

Photo: Shutterstock


Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois’ bobcat hunting and trapping season ended Feb. 15 with hunters and trappers taking 649 bobcats statewide, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Hunters accounted for 415 bobcats, while 234 were trapped. An additional 25 were salvaged by permit holders from roadkill or other circumstances.

In Sangamon County, hunters took three bobcats. Fulton County led the state with 26, followed by Pike County with 25. IDNR issued 2,000 permits out of 9,200 applicants in this year’s lottery.

The bobcat harvest from the 2023-2024 season was 370, with 19 salvaged.

A study from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale found the state’s bobcat population could support increased harvests without declining. IDNR said it will continue to monitor the population and will evaluate future regulations based on ongoing research.

 

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Story © 2025 Saga Communications - Images © 2025 Shutterstock

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