Hunting & Trapping Digest 2008-2009 - (Page 84) 2008-2009 BOBCAT HUNTING & TRAPPING SEASON The Pennsylvania Game Commission will again use a permit-based quota system to regulate the harvest of bobcats. These permits may only be used in Wildlife Management Units 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4D. The number of permits to be allocated each year is determined as the product of the harvest success rate (estimated from the previous year) and a harvest objective that is determined annually, based on habitat assessment, annual evaluation of abundance indices, and annual refinements to the PGC’s bobcat population model. This bobcat harvest seaBOBCAT HARVEST WMUS son is consistent with the Game Commission’s bobcat management goal: To maintain, conserve and promote sustainable bobcat populations in regions of Pennsylvania that provide suitable habitat conditions, and to provide recreational opportunities for consumptive and nonconsumptive users of bobcats. WHO CAN ATTEMPT TO HARVEST A BOBCAT? Licensed furtakers (hunters and trappers) who possess a valid bobcat harvest permit may attempt to take one bobcat in WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4D using legal devices and methods during the bobcat hunting and trapping season. It is unlawful to hunt bobcats during the regular antlered and antlerless deer season between the hours of one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. SEASON DATES: Trapping — October 26- February 22, 2009 Hunting — October 25- February 21, 2009 TO APPLY FOR A BOBCAT HARVEST PERMIT: 1) Individuals who received a bobcat harvest permit last year are not eligible to apply during the 2008-09 season. 2) Fill out the application form. Individuals can also apply over-the-counter at Game Commission region and headquarters offices. Please be sure your application is complete. Enter your Furtaker License Backtag Number (large black numbers, not the license stamp numbers). A driver’s license number is required. Juniors should provide the driver’s license number of their parent or guardian. 3) Mail completed application and a $5 nonrefundable fee (check or money order made payable to the Pennsylvania Game Commission — Please do not send cash) to: Bobcat Permit Application Pennsylvania Game Commission 2001 Elmerton Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797 Applications will be accepted starting June 27, 2008 through August 15, 2008. Applications postmarked after August 15 will be returned. Applicants can apply online at the agency’s website through Sept. 2. Only one permit application will be accepted for each licensed hunter or trapper. Multiple submissions will result in rejection of all applications. Bobcat harvest permits will be allocated during a public drawing held at the PGC’s Harrisburg Headquarters, Sept. 12, 2008. Permit recipients will receive their bobcat harvest permit by U.S. mail in early October. IF YOU HARVEST A BOBCAT: 1) Immediately fill out required information on bobcat harvest permit (date, time, sex, county, township, Wildlife Management Unit and harvest method). 2) Immediately sign carcass tag and attach tag to the bobcat. 3) Call nearest PGC region office within 48 hours to report the harvest. You will receive a legal possession tag soon thereafter. 4) You may skin the bobcat or take it to a taxidermist immediately after harvest. The carcass tag should remain with the pelt. PGC staff may contact you to request biological samples from your bobcat carcass. Please retain the carcass in a cool dry place for three days after harvest. If you are not contacted within this period, discard the carcass in an appropriate manner.
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.