INDIANA – Indiana is approaching its first legal bobcat trapping season in over five decades following the final public hearing on the controversial plan last week. The Natural Resources Committee is now working to finalize rules allowing trapping in 40 southern counties, with one bobcat per trapper restrictions and a statewide quota of 250.
The plan faces significant opposition, with a recent Remington Research Group survey showing that 71% of Hoosiers oppose recreational bobcat trapping. The survey, which polled 706 residents across political parties, found that 66% believe providing recreation for trappers isn’t sufficient justification for the practice.
Bobcats, placed on Indiana’s endangered species list in 1969 after nearly disappearing from the state, were removed in 2005 following increased roadkill sightings. The Indiana State Trappers Association supports the proposed rules, arguing they provide a good baseline for species management in areas with healthy bobcat populations.
Critics, including the Humane Society of the United States, argue there isn’t enough data on bobcat numbers to establish a season. They’re pushing for the Department of Natural Resources to set the statewide quota at zero.
Once the Natural Resource Committee adopts the final rules, they will head to the attorney general and governor for review, who both have about a month to approve or deny the rule.
Once the governor approves, the rule will become effective 30 days after it is formally published.
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