Indiana DNR proposes to allow hunting and trapping of bobcats

A once endangered species in Indiana could now find itself on the other end of hunters' rifles or traps. The state's Department of Natural Resources is proposing to create a hunting and trapping season for bobcats, Indiana's only native wild cat.

Taken off the state's endangered species list in 2005, the bobcat population has been expanding in recent years, according to DNR officials — which the agency touts as a huge conservation win.

Wildlife and environmental groups agree that their numbers have gradually grown since that time, largely in part to Indiana's endangered species protections. That said, they argue that the state agency does not have specific data to show that their population could support opening a season, and they fear doing so could threaten the recovery that's been made.

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"To open up a hunting and trapping season on such a vulnerable species without scientific data to back it up is unwise," said Erin Huang, the Indiana State Director of the U.S. Humane Society. "This is a species that is not causing a problem — livestock predation is rare and there are no reported attacks on pets, so I just don't see a reason for it."

When asked for comment, a DNR spokeswoman did not respond but provided a link to its website page on the proposed rule changes, through which the hunting season would be created.

The proposed change would establish a season with a bag limit per person as well as a statewide quota for the number of bobcats that could be taken. The season would also be open in only a limited number of counties, according to the suggested rule language.

In a document the agency released with background information and justification for the proposals, it says that an increasing number of bobcats are being accidentally killed when struck by cars or caught in legal traps for other animals such as coyotes or raccoons.

There also is the potential for bobcat pelts and carcasses to be illegally marketed in other states with current fur prices, according to the report from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Several surrounding states — such as Michigan and Kentucky — have a hunting and trapping season.

"A regulated season in Indiana will address this problem and increase recreation and economic opportunities for business and individuals," the DNR wrote. "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."

Tim Maloney with the Hoosier Environmental Council believes that reasoning does not align with the models that should govern wildlife management.

"Having a purpose to produce pelts and animal parts for commercial sale is not a legitimate reason for this change," the senior policy director said. "It's commercial exploitation that wiped out a lot of our wildlife species along with habitat destruction in decades past."

He added that non-consumptive use of wildlife, such as viewing the animals and ecotourism, can be an economic opportunity as well.

In a July 2017 article published in Springer's Biodiversity and Conservation journal, researchers estimated the non-consumptive value of a single bobcat in Yellowstone National Park to be more than $300,000. They compared that to the roughly $315 in value from trapping or hunting a bobcat in Wyoming during the same season.

"Bobcats hold tremendous value to the non-consumptive value as well as fur traders" the study wrote. "We need to ensure bobcat management is not just sustainable in terms of harvest, but that all people have access to shared resources held in trust."

The DNR, in its justification document, says that the proposed season will achieve that balance for all types of wildlife enjoyment and recreation — and officials have emphasized the per person and statewide quotas as part of the rule.

The agency cites that incidental kills of bobcats have increased with there being more than 60 mortalities reported annually since 2010, and population growth has been particularly strong in the southern part of the state.

Hunters also report increased sightings of bobcats in recent years, both while out during hunts in addition to on their trail cameras or in their traps.

Dave Engelking, who lives and hunts in Brown County, said that he has had several appear on trail cams at the back of his house and on his land. He said he also watched three juvenile bobcats play together while hunting from a blind two years ago.

Bobcats are generally solitary and secretive animals, adding to their mystery for many. Not much larger than the average house cat, they stand about 2 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet long and weigh about 15 to 30 pounds. They are often recognized for their short, stubby tail and the tufts of fur on their cheeks.

Engelking said he knows many hunters are accidentally trapping bobcats now, and added that he also thinks many hunters will harvest them when out for other animals such as deer. Still, the Brown County resident said he strongly supports the plan for a quota.

"Especially in the beginning years," Engelking said, "to see what counties really have a lot of bobcats and to know how many guys are out there trying to hunt and trap them."

Groups such as the Humane Society and Sierra Club acknowledge that it is difficult to determine an exact population count, but they argue that more and varying data points should be used beyond incidental kills and anecdotal evidence.

Without that, the director of Sierra Club's Hoosier chapter said the agency can't know what a viable bobcat population looks like and where the quota should be set.

"The Sierra Club is not opposed to hunting," Bowden Quinn said. "But we are concerned about endangered wildlife, so we just would like to see a more comprehensive idea of the numbers because I don't think anyone wants to see bobcats be returned to threatened status."

The agency has proposed the changes before the Natural Resources Commission, which is currently accepting public comments on this and other rules until March 23. They have also scheduled two public hearings on March 14 in Mitchell and March 22 in Anderson.

The Commission will then vote on the proposed changes in May and, if approved, a hunting season could open in 2019.

"Once all the input and feedback is gathered and put together after the comment section is open, that will shed light on if there is enough of these bobcats and if there should be a season," Engelking said. "DNR is the one in charge, so if they think it's good then I'll agree with it."

Call IndyStar reporter Sarah Bowman at (317) 444-6129. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

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