Springfield, IL – Illinois’ 2024-2025 bobcat hunting and trapping season concluded on Feb. 15, with hunters and trappers harvesting 649 bobcats, marking the highest total since the season reopened in 2016.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), hunters accounted for 415 bobcats (61.6%), while trappers took 234 (34.7%). An additional 25 were salvaged from roadkill or other incidents.
IDNR issued 2,000 bobcat permits for the season, drawing from 9,200 applicants. Fulton County recorded the highest harvest with 26 bobcats, followed by Pike County with 25. The overall success rate for permit holders was 32.5%, slightly above the long-term average but lower than last year’s 37%.
Southern Illinois University research suggests the state’s bobcat population can sustain increased harvest levels without long-term decline. IDNR will continue monitoring the species and assessing future regulations.
For more information on bobcat hunting and trapping in Illinois, visit IDNR’s website.
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