Bobcat harvest quota to increase for the 2017-18 season
MADISON- The statewide harvest quota for bobcat has been approved and set at
750 for the 2017-18 seasons, which mark the fourth year of statewide bobcat
harvest.
Hunters and trappers successful in receiving a harvest permit for the
2017-18 season will be notified by mid-September.
The quota of 750 bobcats includes both the Northern and Southern Zone -
Wisconsin HWY 64 acts as the dividing line between these zones. The Southern
Zone quota for the 2017-18 season is set at 200 bobcats (compared to 150 in
2016-17), while the northern zone quota is set at 550, (compared to 225 in
2016-17).
"Both zones will see quota increases this year, with a substantial quota
increase in the Northern Zone." said Shawn Rossler, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources furbearer ecologist.
Each year, the department's Furbearer Advisory Committee meets to review
bobcat research, harvest, and survey data to make harvest recommendations.
The committee expressed support for increased quota recommendations for both
zones.
Bobcat population estimate research is led by Dr. Nathan Roberts, DNR
furbearer research scientist. "DNR works closely with trappers and hunters
to learn more about this elusive, but common, species - together, we are
working to refine our understanding of Wisconsin's bobcat population and are
finding that Wisconsin's bobcat population is healthy and robust enough to
provide additional harvest opportunities," said Roberts. "The information we
gather from ongoing research efforts will be used to update population
models and continue to guide harvest quotas in the future."
Bobcat research is funded, in part, by a special application fee that was
requested by Wisconsin;s sportsmen and women to ensure science-based
management of this species.
2017-18 bobcat hunting and trapping seasons begin Oct. 15
Wisconsin's bobcat hunting and trapping seasons are divided into early and
late time periods. These early and late seasons for each zone can be closed
early, if needed, to stay within approved harvest quotas.
Time periods for 2017-18 are as follows:
* Period 1: Oct. 15 to Dec. 25, 2017; and
* Period 2: Dec. 26, 2017 to Jan. 31, 2018.
Successful hunters and trappers must register their bobcat by phone within
24 hours and, additionally, must also register their bobcat in person by the
fifth day of the month following the date of take.
For more information regarding this year's bobcat quota, search the DNR
website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "trap<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Trap/>."