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Post by Woody Williams on Apr 30, 2016 8:24:47 GMT -5
What do you think on a "bobcat season"? Should there be one?
Idea for the DNR Fish and WildlifeSEE - secure.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-Got-INput_2016_issue_background.pdfBobcats 4. Establish a bobcat hunting & trapping season in certain counties. There would be a bag limit per person and a statewide quota, along with a limited number of counties that would be open. (312 IAC 9-3-18.1) Background: Bobcat populations have expanded during the last two decades, incidental kills have increased with more than 60 mortalities reported annually since 2010, and the population continues to expand in the southern part of Indiana. The population in southern Indiana is sufficient to withstand a regulated harvest and this resource can be utilized. State law requires the DNR to manage for viable populations and a regulated trapping and hunting season is the best option. An increasing number of bobcats are accidentally killed via vehicle collisions and traps legally set for other species such as coyote and raccoon. At this time, bobcat cannot be retained or used by the trappers or hunters. With current fur prices, there is the potential for these bobcat pelts and carcasses to be illegally marketed in neighboring states that have open bobcat seasons. A regulated season in Indiana will address this problem and increase recreation and economic opportunities for businesses and individuals. A season will provide successful trappers and hunters the opportunity to sell bobcat pelts to licensed furbuyers who can market these furs through international fur auctions or manufacturers.
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Post by greyhair on Apr 30, 2016 16:03:42 GMT -5
Not yet - they are just now getting 're-established. Later when they are more numerous. I don't think we should hunt something that is a treat just to see one.
That said, my wife saw one near our house a few days ago, second sighting this spring. Came out of our meadow same place as last time. I should move my camera and check my woods for a den.
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Post by GS1 on Apr 30, 2016 16:05:52 GMT -5
Not yet - they are just now getting 're-established. Later when they are more numerous. I don't think we should hunt something that is a treat just to see one. That said, my wife saw one near our house a few days ago, second sighting this spring. Came out of our meadow same place as last time. I should move my camera and check my woods for a den. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean there isn't a good population of them. I used to hunt Kentucky in the spring and saw 2 in 10 years. |
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Post by GS1 on Apr 30, 2016 16:08:09 GMT -5
Absolutely in the counties that can support it. They are having a field day on the turkeys. When one trapper is accidentally catching 5-8 a week it is time to do something.
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Post by greyhair on Apr 30, 2016 16:52:50 GMT -5
Point taken - I would just like to hold off a little longer, let the population get roots a bit deeper. Consider it again in say, 3-4 years. If one gets my wife's 6 pound Shih-Tzu I might change my tune though. Where this one has been seen twice is less than 50 yards from my back deck.
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Post by ms660 on Apr 30, 2016 18:03:35 GMT -5
Next to deer I get more cat pictures than any other critter it seems. Bring on a season. I'm getting tired of letting them out of my coyote sets
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Post by swilk on Apr 30, 2016 18:27:46 GMT -5
Its time for there to be a system of checks and balances in the areas that can handle it. I'm not sure exactly what those areas are but I do feel in my little corner of paradise it is time.....
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Post by swetz on Apr 30, 2016 19:28:59 GMT -5
Are there any population estimates out there? Just wondered if there were any stats out there before making a judgment.
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Post by nfalls116 on Apr 30, 2016 19:30:38 GMT -5
I think trapping only and a lottery system for tags
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Post by firstwd on Apr 30, 2016 22:53:44 GMT -5
I think trapping only and a lottery system for tags I agree trapping only, but no reason for a lottery. Establish a Bobcat Stamp similar to a tout/salmon stamp. If you buy a stamp, you can keep the cat. No stamp, cat must be released. Then set an annual quota with telecheck like they did with otter last year. The stamp purchase would put you on a contact list so you could receive daily updates on harvest totals and be told when the quota was met and season closed. |
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2016 13:59:38 GMT -5
so would that mean everybody with lifetme lic. gets a stamp
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Post by GS1 on May 1, 2016 14:30:04 GMT -5
Trapping would be a lot more effective than calling them in, but if you have a quota why does it matter how it is reached?
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Post by firstwd on May 1, 2016 21:25:30 GMT -5
Trapping would be a lot more effective than calling them in, but if you have a quota why does it matter how it is reached? Just my thoughts on an initial season. |
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Post by nfalls116 on May 1, 2016 21:39:17 GMT -5
I just think trappers get the short end on a lot of things so that's my reasoning
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Post by hornzilla on May 2, 2016 6:51:40 GMT -5
I think there should be a season. But I think that a cat treed with hounds in coon season sound be legal also.
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Post by Land Between the Lakes on May 6, 2016 18:02:35 GMT -5
Only if the hunt was similar to the Kentucky Bear hunting season. In KY the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife sets a season quota for how many bears they want taken each season. Once KY hunters meet this limit the KY Bear season closes for the season.
So if the IDNR said they want 25 bobcats taken in Indiana, once hunters meet that limit, the IN season would close.
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Post by Land Between the Lakes on May 6, 2016 18:03:58 GMT -5
Next to deer I get more cat pictures than any other critter it seems. Bring on a season. I'm getting tired of letting them out of my coyote sets What county? |
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Post by nfalls116 on May 6, 2016 18:54:49 GMT -5
Only if the hunt was similar to the Kentucky Bear hunting season. In KY the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife sets a season quota for how many bears they want taken each season. Once KY hunters meet this limit the KY Bear season closes for the season. So if the IDNR said they want 25 bobcats taken in Indiana, once hunters meet that limit, the IN season would close. that's how our otter season is |
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Post by Jamie Brooks 1John5:13 on May 7, 2016 19:55:59 GMT -5
I think yes by county. Some southern counties have too many in my opinion. I'm thinking that it might be hurting the turkey population down there, and anything that does this needs to have a season.
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Post by Woody Williams on May 9, 2016 7:01:39 GMT -5
I see one or two during deer season. As GS1 said there are more out there that we aren't seeing. I don't have a problem with a season on them IF it is strictly controlled like the river otter season. That said I'd have a hard time shooting one as I like cats.
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