UPDATE: Natural Resources Commission seeks input on proposed bobcat trapping rule changes

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened public comment for proposed changes to allow the limited, regulated trapping of bobcats.

In March, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation (SEA 241-2024) that directs the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), by July of 2025, to have rules in place for bobcat harvest.

This is the first of two comment periods to occur before the NRC votes on the proposed changes.

Proposed rule changes include:

• Establishing a bobcat trapping season in 40 counties in southern Indiana that includes a bag limit of one bobcat per trapper and a season quota of 250 bobcats.
• Allowing bobcats and their parts that are legally acquired to be sold.
• Allowing bobcats that are found dead to be kept by people with a permit.
• Adding bobcats to the list of species for which a game breeder's license is required.

Research maintained by the DNR and Purdue University shows that the bobcat population in Indiana has expanded during the last two decades. This research can be reviewed at on.IN.gov/dfw-rule-changes.

"Our research shows that bobcats are established in the 40 proposed counties and have access to high-quality habitat to sustain populations in those areas, said Geriann Albers, Furbearer and Turkey Program Leader for Indiana DNR. "DNR is confident that this framework for a regulated harvest will allow for bobcats to continue to thrive."

Public comments can be submitted at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket by clicking on "Submit Comments Here" on the Bobcat Amendments rule. Comments can also be mailed to:

Natural Resources Commission
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Ave., Room N103
Indianapolis, IN 46204

The deadline for submitting public comments is Nov. 14. A public hearing will also be held on Nov. 14 between 5-7 p.m. ET at the Southeast - Purdue Agricultural Center at 4425 East 350 North, Butlerville, IN 47223. Interested members of the public can attend in person or online anytime during that timeframe. The public hearing will also be webcast at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket during the time of the public hearing, and viewers will also be able to comment during the webcast. Sign up for updates at on.IN.gov/dfw-rule-changes.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.