In early March I am going to Texas with a friend and some of his family to hog hunt. I will be about an hour south of San Antonio on private land. I am hopeful that I could put in a few sets when I arrive and pull them when we leave a few days later. My target would be bobcat and coyote, but mainly bobcat because I really like the looks of the animal and they don’t have a season in my part of Michigan.

I have 2 main questions.

1. From my current interpretation of information on the TPWD website, coyote and bobcat are non-game species that can be hunted/trapped year around on private property by any legal means. A bobcat pelt would just require a seal prior to leaving the state. With this in mind, does anyone know if I would require a non-resident trappers license, or just a non-resident hunting license since they both are considered non-game and non-fur-bearers?

2. I have trapped a few seasons in Michigan, and there aren’t any bobcats in my area and they’re not legal so I’m not familiar with them at all. Is there a significant drop off in fur quality for bobcats like there is a potential for with coyotes in the late season? Also, any specific suggestions on sets for the San Antonio area of Texas? - I plan to only use foot holds.

Thank you for any help and insight anyone might have.

Unless it's changed you have to have a hunting license and a trapping license for bcat trapping in Texas.

Since they are not a furbearer you don't need a trappers license for coyote or bobcat, but you will need a hunting license. I assume you will already be getting one since you will be hunting already so that should be fine. If you were to trap and want to keep any fox, coons, or ringtails then you will need the trappers license. You will need to get the cats tagged before you leave the state, I can issue you tags if you can't find anyone close to you, I'm probably about an hour or so away from where you will be, send me a pm or give me a phone call anytime and I'd be happy to talk about the land and what to expect and all that other stuff.

Wow - thanks A LOT Txcoonman, I was starting to doubt that trapping that trip would be realistic.

MI Dirthole,
Spot on information from Greg. I live in La Vernia, Texas.... 20 miles southeast of San Antonio and am also a CITIES agent. We don't have a store front but if I'm available I can tag your cats.
You'll need a non-resident hunting license only.

Mark

Thanks Mark

Really nice to see people be so willing to help. If I need to bug either of you for a tag it would be during the first full week of March.

I’m excited to be able to trap. This trip is about a once every other year thing, and we’re only on the property for 3-4 days. Trapping in such a different environment should be a great experience and maximize the trip.