INDIANAPOLIS (WTHI) - The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is seeking public feedback about a bobcat trapping season.

Earlier this year, the governor signed legislation that directed the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to establish rules for a bobcat season by July 1, 2025.

Tuesday morning, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) approved a motion for the preliminary adoption of amendments related to a limited, regulated bobcat season.

The season would be from November 8 through January 31 of the following year. The proposed rule changes include a bag limit of one bobcat per trapper and a statewide season quota of 250 bobcats.

The trapping season would be open in 40 counties in southern Indiana including most of the Wabash Valley. The 40 counties include Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dearborn, Dubois, Floyd, Franklin, Gibson, Greene, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Ripley, Scott, Spencer, Sullivan, Switzerland, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo County, Warrick, and Washington.

According to research presented through the DNR and Purdue University, bobcats have well-established populations in the 40 proposed counties, and analysis shows high-quality habitat can continue to support a healthy, sustainable bobcat population. Research indicates that the bobcat population can withstand a regulated harvest in these counties.

The proposed rules would also allow bobcats and their parts, that are legally acquired, to be sold. People with permits could keep bobcats that are found dead. Bobcats would be added to the list of species for which a game breeder’s license is required.

The deadline for public comments has not yet been scheduled. Both virtual and in-person public hearings will be scheduled. Public comments can be submitted here by clicking on “Comment on this rule.”

More information about bobcats in Indiana can be found here .