Sunday, February 23, 2014

Bobcat Hunting in Illinois - (HB4226) Updated* (3/27/14 7:00pm)

Date Filed: 1/16/14
By: Representative Phelps
Status: In Senate Assignments
HB-Passed the House 91yes 20no
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

Summary: 
Amends the Wildlife Code. Removes the prohibition on taking bobcats in the State. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to trap or to hunt bobcats with gun, dog, dog and gun, or bow and arrow, except during the open season which will be set annually by the Director of Natural Resources between 12:01 a.m., November 1 to 12:00 midnight, February 15, both inclusive. Provides that the season limit for bobcat shall not exceed one bobcat per person per season. Provides that the pelts of bobcats shall be tagged in accordance with federal regulations and the Department of Natural Resources may require harvest registration and set forth procedures, fees for registration, and the process of tagging pelts in administrative rules. Provides that bobcats may be taken during the open season by use of a small light which is worn on the body or hand-held by a person on foot and not in any vehicle.
View more information and the entire Bill here.

House Amendment #1
Summary:
Amend House Bill 4226 as follows:
on page 3, line 2, by replacing "person per season" with "permit".

View amendment here