It had been 8 years between bobcat tags for late season, not sure recently but early ones are easier to get. Hunters flood the applications for late ones.

Is there a quota number that would shut down the fisher season if the dates were extended to match raccoon? How close have trappers come in the last few years to meeting that number (if it exists)?

If there's no fear of an early shutdown, just extending the season is the simple answer.

It is not nearly as bad right now. I think it took 3-4 points to draw a tag in the north. South was 2.

Bobcat Points Needed

Is the quota divided up portioned to applicants for the period?

Would it make sense to run both seasons together for a few months with dogs being allowed for fisher? I never could wrap my head around splits and limiting fisher to trap only. What does it matter if they run 1 with a couple hounds?

Agreed. I never could figure that law out either..i.e. fisher season ending early into the 2nd cat season.

How bout this angle.

What would be the disadvantage(s) to aligning the fisher and bobcat seasons?

Worst case is we go over quota with the longer season and it puts them in panic mode like they are with otter. If you look at the meeting minutes from the last meeting, they reduced number of permits to lessen the chance of going over for fisher already. I really miss having a science guy in the room and everyone in WI should be scared of what is coming if we don’t get some better representation in that room.


2024 Furbearer Advisory Meeting Minutes

I miss Nathan.