Illinois Bobcat Season 2019-2020

The 2019-2020 Illinois Bobcat Season ended Feb. 15, 2020 with 335 bobcat permits filled, which is less than the 2018-2019 season.

This was Illinois’ fourth bobcat season and there were 1,000 permits issued for the season. The percentage of bobcats taken by hunting was 45% and trapping accounted for 46%. Pike Co. led the totals with 22 bobcats.

The graphs below review all previous seasons for comparison. The season totals peaked in 2017 and seem to be on a slight downward trend for the past two years.

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Post Date:

Monday, March 2, 2020

Mission Statement

Our goal is to protect and promote awareness concerning the welfare of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in the State of Illinois.

Illinois Bobcat Foundation
PO Box 246
Lake Forest, IL 60045

We envision a state where….

- Native bobcats have a vital ecological role

- Communities/humans coexist with wildlife

- Science leads bobcat conservation efforts

- Legislation prevents the mismanagement of bobcats

Did you know...

The bobcat is the only native cat of Illinois. Bobcats, named for their short, bobbed tail, are about twice the size of a common house cat. They use their keen sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, squirrels, small rodents and some birds. They are nocturnal, reclusive animals that prefer forested or wooded areas. In 2014, legislation was introduced to remove the ban on trapping/hunting bobcat. The first season in over 40 years was underway by November 2016. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) estimates the bobcat population has grown to 5,000 statewide, mostly in southern regions.

Illinois Bobcat Foundation