Wildlife Illinois

Hunt Planner

Announcements

Public Duck and Goose Hunting Area Permit First Lottery Begins August 16!

Furbearers

Season Dates & Limits

Hunting Dates & Limits

SPECIESDATESHOURSLIMITADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
CoyoteYear round; Closed 17-19 Nov and 30 Nov-3 Dec 2023 in counties open for firearm deer hunting1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. No time restriction 10 Nov 2023 - 15 Mar 2024No limitHunters with unfilled firearm deer permits may take coyotes during firearm deer season by shotgun with slugs, muzzleloader or handgun from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Striped SkunkYear round; Closed 17-19 Nov and 30 Nov-3 Dec 2023 in counties open for firearm deer hunting1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. No time restriction 10 Nov 2023 - 15 Mar 2024No limit
Raccoon10 Nov 2023 - 15 Feb 2024; Closed 17-19 Nov and 30 Nov-3 Dec 2023 in counties open for firearm deer huntingOpen 24 hours a day, but during Archery Deer Season bow hunting hours for raccoon, opossum and fox will be 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunsetNo limit
OpossumNo limit
Fox
(Red and Gray)
No limit
Bobcat10 Nov 2023 - 15 Feb 2024; Closed 17-19 Nov and 30 Nov-3 Dec 2023 in counties open for firearm deer huntingOpen 24 hours a day1 by permit onlyMust possess a Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit BEFORE attempting to take a bobcat. Must purchase Bobcat Registration Permit within 48 hours of taking a bobcat. Taking bobcats in closed zone is prohibited
Woodchuck
(aka, Groundhog)
1 Jun 2023 - 31 Mar 2024; Closed 17-19 Nov and 30 Nov-3 Dec 2023 in counties open for firearm deer hunting1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunsetNo limit

Trapping Dates & Limits

SPECIESDATESLIMITADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
Coyote10 Nov 2023 - 15 Feb 2024No limit
Raccoon
Opossum
Striped Skunk
Weasels
Mink
Muskrat
Fox
(Red and Gray)
Badger10 Nov 2023 - 15 Feb 2024North Zone: 2 per person per seasonSee zone map for boundary
10 Nov 2023 - 15 Feb 2024South Zone: 1 per person per seasonSee zone map for boundary
Bobcat10 Nov 2023 - 15 Feb 20241 by permit onlyMust possess a Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit BEFORE attempting to harvest a bobcat. Must purchase Bobcat Registration Permit within 48 hours of taking a bobcat. Taking bobcats in closed zone is prohibited
Beaver10 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 2024No limit
River Otter10 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 20245 per person per seasonMust purchase Otter Registration Permit within 48 hours after each otter is trapped. Must affix official CITES tag to each pelt
Woodchuck1 Jun - 30 Sep 2023No limit

Species Regulations

Badger

  • Method: Trapping only
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations
  • Zones: Badger trapping limit is split into 2 zones as shown on the map below. Refer to the trapping limits table above for details

Beaver

  • Method: Trapping only
  • Can use: Leghold traps on land or in water that have jaw spread between 5.5-7.5 inches. Body-gripping traps that have jaw spread between 7-10 inches on a side if square, or maximum of 12 inches if round. Trap size regulations defer to statewide size regulations during the open season for trapping raccoons

Bobcat

  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: legal traps, archery, 0.22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm or shotgun (no slugs), centerfire rifles (allowed only on private property)
  • Limit: Successful applicants may harvest one bobcat by hunting or trapping during the season. A bobcat taken as a road-kill counts toward the permit limit.
  • Applying for a permit: Bobcat permit applications are available online only between September 1 – 30. Applicants must submit a $5 non-refundable fee. Available permits will be allocated during a lottery and mailed to successful applicants.
  • Note: Must possess a Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit before attempting to harvest a bobcat. Must purchase Bobcat Registration Permit within 48 hours of taking a bobcat. A federal CITES tag mailed to you by the IDNR within 2-3 weeks. The CITES tag must be permanently affixed to each bobcat pelt before it is exported from the United States or transferred to a fur buyer, taxidermist, fur tanner, or garment manufacturer. 

Coyote

  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations, archery, any type and caliber of handgun, any type of legal rifle including large capacity semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with any type of shell. Additional regulations apply, see the Furbearer section of the the Statewide Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Foxes

  • Red fox and gray fox
  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: legal traps, archery, 0.22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm or shotgun (no slugs), centerfire rifles (allowed only on private property)

Mink

  • Method: Trapping only
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations

Muskrat

  • Method: Trapping only
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations

Opossum

  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations, archery, 0.22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm or shotgun (no slugs), centerfire rifles (allowed only on private property)

Raccoon

  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations, archery, 0.22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm or shotgun (no slugs), centerfire rifles (allowed only on private property)
  • Note: calling, stalking or treeing with dogs is allowed

River Otter

  • Method: Trapping only
  • Can use: Leghold traps on land or in water that have jaw spread between 5.5-7.5 inches. Body-gripping traps that have jaw spread between 7-10 inches on a side if square, or maximum of 12 inches if round. Trap size regulations defer to statewide size regulations during the open season for trapping raccoons
  • Note:
    • Must purchase an Otter Registration Permit within 48 hours after each otter is trapped. A federal CITES tag mailed to you by the IDNR within 2-3 weeks after purchasing a permit. The cost is $5 plus a vendor’s fee.
    • The CITES tag must be permanently affixed to the green hide of each otter (including a whole, un-skinned carcass) before it is exported outside the U.S. or transferred to a fur buyer, fur tanner, taxidermist or manufacturer (a manufacturer is an individual who dresses and fabricates green hides into fur garments or products).
    • The otter pelt permit will be available from license and permit vendors, by phone at 1-866-716-6550, or online​.
    • A river otter taken as a road-kill counts toward the season limit

Below are just a few Illinois Department of Natural Resources River Otter Trapping Videos. There are many more IDNR informational videos available on Youtube.

Striped Skunk

  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations, archery, 0.22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm or shotgun (no slugs), centerfire rifles (allowed only on private property)

Weasels

  • Long-tailed weasel and least weasel only
  • Method: Trapping only
  • Can use: Legal traps

Woodchuck

  • Method: Hunting and trapping
  • Can use: Legal traps within statewide regulations, archery, 0.22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm or shotgun (no slugs), centerfire rifles (allowed only on private property)
  • Note: woodchuck is classified as a state game mammal, but is included in the furbearer section because it may be hunted or trapped

Licenses & Permits

Licenses & Stamps

Permits & Lotteries

  • Use the License Finder to determine what permits you qualify for
  • Use the Directory or Hunt Planner to determine what type of permit you need for a given hunting site
  • Species-specific permits are generally not required for most species, except bobcat and river otter. Check site-specific info to verify if a permit is needed to hunt and/or trap furbearers
  • River Otters
  • Bobcats
    • Require a lottery permit (apply online)
    • Application dates: 1-30 September
    • Available to: residents and non-residents
    • Check the status of your bobcat permit application
      • If the link is down, the lottery for the current hunt/trap year has not yet run. Please try again 2–3 weeks after the close of the application period.
    • Note: Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permits cannot be transferred to another person
  • More details on permits can be found in the Statewide Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Furbearer Specific Regulations

  • Be sure to check regulations for the IDNR site(s) you intend to hunt and/or trap, as some sites have more restrictive regulations on equipment, harvest reporting, etc. You can find site-specific regulations using the Directory or Hunt Planner

Hunting bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum, raccoon, striped skunk and woodchuck

  • Statewide regulations (excludes IDNR sites)
    • Centerfire or rimfire rifle of any caliber (single shot through semi-automatic, no magazine/capacity restrictions). Hunters are responsible for the projectiles they fire. Follow the rules of Hunter Safety – be sure of your target and what is beyond
    • Shotgun of gauge 10 or greater (e.g., 12 gauge), slugs allowed
    • Single shot through semi-automatic handgun of any caliber
    • Archery (see Deer info for equipment specifications)
  • IDNR site restrictions
    • Only .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms allowed from sunset to sunrise unless otherwise stated in site-specific regulations
    • Slugs are not allowed (but see exception for coyote hunting in Species Regulations above)
    • Cannot use or possess any tree climbing or cutting device (e.g., axe or saw) when hunting furbearers
    • Some IDNR sites require an annual Hound Running Area Permit. Contact the IDNR Springfield Office to apply for a permit

Trapping badger, beaver bobcat, coyote, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, river otter, striped skunk and woodchuck

  • Statewide Trap specifications (diameter measured from inside edge of jaws or cable)
    • Leghold set on land must have jaw spread of 6.5 inches or less
    • Leghold set in water must have jaw spread of 7.5 inches or less
    • Body-gripping trap on land must have jaw spread of 7 inches or less on a side if square or 8 inches if round
    • Body-gripping trap in water must have jaw spread of 10 inches or less on a side if square or 12 inches if round. Traps greater than 10 inches must be completely submerged in water when set on IDNR sites
    • Snares must be 15 inches or less in diameter when set and be constructed of cable between 5/64 to 1/8 inch diameter and equipped with a mechanical lock, anchor swivel and stop device that prevents the snare loop from closing less than 2.5 inches in diameter. At least half the snare be must submerged in water at all times
  • If trapping beaver or river otter, see those sections above for specific trap sizes for those species
  • Must mark or tag all traps with the name and address or IDNR customer number of the trap owner
  • Traps must be checked and animals removed at least once per day
  • Saw-toothed, spiked or toothed jaw traps are illegal
  • Can use a .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm to dispatch animals from traps on IDNR sites, unless site-specific regulations state otherwise
  • No trapping is permitted in IDNR site subimpoundments or designated waterfowl management units during duck season
  • Other regulations apply. See the Furbearer section of the Statewide Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Management & Ecology

Furbearer hunting and trapping seasons allow for the harvest and use of 14 species of furbearers (and one game mammal – the woodchuck) in Illinois. Eight species can be hunted or trapped and 7 species may only be taken by trappers during their respective seasons. More than 75 state, federal and international laws apply to the hunting and trapping of furbearers in Illinois. Such laws set standards for animal welfare and place limits on hunting and trapping so that animals are not endangered by these activities. Please review the furbearer sections for specifics on each of the species, legal methods and seasons.

IDNR Division of Wildlife recognizes that regulated trapping is a versatile, safe, effective and ecologically sound means of capturing individual animals without impairing the survival of furbearer populations or damaging the environment. Trapping provides income, recreation and an outdoor lifestyle for many citizens through use of a renewable natural resource and provides an effective means of harvesting, managing and/or studying furbearers; controlling damage caused by furbearers; and at times, reduces the spread of harmful disease.

Bobcat Harvest Data

 2016-17 Season     2017-18 Season    
CountyArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotalArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotal
ADAMS11103043310
ALEXANDER0020201203
BOND1031501102
BROWN01203145010
BUREAU0000000000
CALHOUN0210303317
CARROLL0150611406
CASS021301506
CHRISTIAN0000000505
CLARK0000006006
CLAY1210400000
CLINTON0210301629
COLES0001100000
CRAWFORD0010101214
CUMBERLAND0200201102
EDGAR0010101304
EDWARDS0010101001
EFFINGHAM0200201427
FAYETTE023050711018
FRANKLIN0101223005
FULTON1100201124
GALLATIN0011200112
GREENE0200203429
HAMILTON0120311013
HANCOCK0200200213
HARDIN0200222105
HENDERSON0000000101
HENRY0000000000
JACKSON081110360413
JASPER0220402529
JEFFERSON15107231511
JERSEY0000012508
JODAVIESS1000123106
JOHNSON0100121104
KNOX0000000000
LAWRENCE0000000101
LOGAN0000000000
MACOUPIN0000004004
MADISON0000000224
MARION0210313318
MARSHALL0000000000
MASON0000000101
MASSAC1000102103
MCDONOUGH0000001102
MENARD0000000000
MERCER0000000000
MONROE03205039214
MONTGOMERY0000012216
MORGAN00000154010
MOULTRIE0000000000
OGLE0000000000
PEORIA0000000000
PERRY0200206309
PIKE2450114615227
POPE2200402013
PULASKI0000004004
PUTNAM0000000000
RANDOLPH00336096116
RICHLAND0000001012
SALINE0110213004
SANGAMON0000000000
SCHUYLER0211405308
SCOTT0210300101
SHELBY0000002305
ST CLAIR1120410528
STEPHENSON0000000000
TAZEWELL0000010102
UNION0200203306
WABASH0300300000
WARREN0000000000
WASHINGTON0000022105
WAYNE01102049013
WHITE0111302103
WHITESIDE0000000101
WILLIAMSON0300300505
WINNEBAGO0000000000
WOODFORD0000000000
Season Total126949111412913015940358
Harvest (Total less salvage)130318
Applications (approx)65004500
Permits5001000
Harvest (Total less salvage)130318
% Permits Filled28.20%35.80%
% Salvage7.80%11.17%
% Hunted57.45%44.41%
% Trapped34.75%44.41%
Hunter/trapper success rate26.00%31.80%
 2018-19 Season     2019-20 Season    
CountyArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotalArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotal
ADAMS03126025310
ALEXANDER0110200101
BOND0001104206
BROWN0541100312116
BUREAU0000000000
CALHOUN0210304206
CARROLL0410501506
CASS0120300101
CHRISTIAN0030300101
CLARK0360901304
CLAY18211205117
CLINTON0052710203
COLES0000000000
CRAWFORD1141703306
CUMBERLAND0100100000
EDGAR0020200404
EDWARDS0111300101
EFFINGHAM1110301203
FAYETTE09201106219
FRANKLIN0001112014
FULTON0131511204
GALLATIN0000001102
GREENE053081120013
HAMILTON0120301012
HANCOCK0100102608
HARDIN0220401203
HENDERSON1110300202
HENRY0000000000
JACKSON1530923117
JASPER0431802316
JEFFERSON02439168116
JERSEY1322803104
JODAVIESS07401101629
JOHNSON1210400101
KNOX0000000000
LAWRENCE0131501001
LOGAN0000000000
MACOUPIN05319263314
MADISON1201402305
MARION25031012025
MARSHALL0000000000
MASON0010100303
MASSAC1000101102
MCDONOUGH0101201102
MENARD0000011103
MERCER0000000000
MONROE0220403508
MONTGOMERY143210263011
MORGAN02316035210
MOULTRIE0000000101
OGLE0000000101
PEORIA0000000101
PERRY0620803003
PIKE26152250616022
POPE0110214005
PULASKI0100101001
PUTNAM0000000000
RANDOLPH0810220036110
RICHLAND0400402002
SALINE0412705005
SANGAMON0000000000
SCHUYLER05308054110
SCOTT0110201102
SHELBY0120301102
ST CLAIR0350802327
STEPHENSON0000000022
TAZEWELL0000000000
UNION0530800606
WABASH0101200000
WARREN0000000000
WASHINGTON17311222116
WAYNE02114044210
WHITE3410802103
WHITESIDE0000001001
WILLIAMSON0421702305
WINNEBAGO0000000000
WOODFORD0000000101
Season Total18159129373431613515529335
Harvest (Total less salvage)306306
Applications (approx)51005800
Permits10001000
Harvest (Total less salvage)306306
% Permits Filled34.30%33.50%
% Salvage10.79%8.66%
% Hunted51.60%45.07%
% Trapped37.61%46.27%
Hunter/trapper success rate30.60%30.60%
 2020-21 Season     2021-22 Season    
CountyArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotalArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotal
ADAMS24711413206
ALEXANDER0000000101
BOND1521901304
BROWN03508126110
BUREAU0100100000
CALHOUN1521901405
CARROLL0110211215
CASS2340904105
CHRISTIAN0011201214
CLARK0320500112
CLAY0421703115
CLINTON0030302507
COLES0010100000
CRAWFORD0510612104
CUMBERLAND0020200101
EDGAR0032510506
EDWARDS0310410012
EFFINGHAM1400503104
FAYETTE2108020163010
FRANKLIN0300303014
FULTON04601001506
GALLATIN0000010001
GREENE0621916209
HAMILTON0210301001
HANCOCK1021403306
HARDIN0200201102
HENDERSON0010101001
HENRY0000000000
JACKSON0340711215
JASPER0441902406
JEFFERSON0840122112217
JERSEY0440803328
JODAVIESS0111315309
JOHNSON1330700000
KNOX0020200101
LAWRENCE1021401102
LOGAN0021301001
MACOUPIN11150171104015
MADISON0220400011
MARION06511207119
MARSHALL0010100000
MASON0020200101
MASSAC1000100112
MCDONOUGH0100110012
MENARD1010200202
MERCER0000001001
MONROE03205036110
MONTGOMERY0340711103
MORGAN12407292114
MOULTRIE0010100011
OGLE0110211204
PEORIA0010101214
PERRY0501603003
PIKE16611404307
POPE0300300112
PULASKI0020200000
PUTNAM0000000000
RANDOLPH2511903508
RICHLAND0210303003
SALINE0210301001
SANGAMON0000010102
SCHUYLER05207092011
SCOTT0130400101
SHELBY0311504206
ST CLAIR0121412205
STEPHENSON0131502002
TAZEWELL0000000000
UNION0200223409
WABASH0010102002
WARREN0000001001
WASHINGTON1321701001
WAYNE0720914319
WHITE0321601113
WHITESIDE0000001001
WILLIAMSON1620904105
WINNEBAGO0000000202
WOODFORD0000000000
Season Total21175143223612415011623313
Harvest (Total less salvage)339290
Applications (approx)65006300
Permits10001000
Harvest (Total less salvage)339290
% Permits Filled36.10%31.30%
% Salvage6.09%7.35%
% Hunted54.29%55.59%
% Trapped39.61%37.06%
Hunter/trapper success rate33.90%29.00%
 2022-23 Season    
CountyArcheryGunTrapSalvageTotal
ADAMS04408
ALEXANDER00000
BOND00404
BROWN0312015
BUREAU10102
CALHOUN06118
CARROLL03205
CASS04307
CHRISTIAN00314
CLARK00415
CLAY13004
CLINTON12104
COLES00101
CRAWFORD21104
CUMBERLAND00000
EDGAR00202
EDWARDS01102
EFFINGHAM11125
FAYETTE154010
FRANKLIN00101
FULTON048012
GALLATIN00000
GREENE35109
HAMILTON02103
HANCOCK01708
HARDIN01203
HENDERSON00000
HENRY00101
JACKSON01203
JASPER02518
JEFFERSON0115117
JERSEY06107
JODAVIESS171110
JOHNSON10113
KNOX02103
LAWRENCE01203
LOGAN00101
MACOUPIN15006
MADISON13206
MARION065011
MARSHALL00000
MASON00000
MASSAC10001
MCDONOUGH02204
MENARD01203
MERCER00000
MONROE066012
MONTGOMERY02204
MORGAN03508
MOULTRIE02103
OGLE04206
PEORIA03003
PERRY05218
PIKE0420024
POPE03003
PULASKI16108
PUTNAM10001
RANDOLPH193215
RICHLAND03014
SALINE12003
SANGAMON00000
SCHUYLER0104014
SCOTT02002
SHELBY01719
ST CLAIR02204
STEPHENSON00101
TAZEWELL00000
UNION047011
WABASH01012
WARREN00000
WASHINGTON06309
WAYNE04307
WHITE12407
WHITESIDE00000
WILLIAMSON01001
WINNEBAGO00000
WOODFORD00000
Season Total2017816915382
Harvest (Total less salvage)367
Applications (approx)6200
Permits1000
Harvest (Total less salvage)367
% Permits Filled38.20%
% Salvage3.93%
% Hunted51.83%
% Trapped44.24%
Hunter/trapper success rate36.70%

History of Bobcat Hunting and Trapping

Bobcat

In 2016, the bobcat became the 14th species of furbearer that has a regulated hunting or trapping season. It is one of many examples of a recovered wildlife species that highlights the work of biologists, researchers and landowners across the state. Learn more about Bobcats in Illinois here.

  • Season Dates: 10 November – 15 February, except closed during firearm deer seasons.
2018-Bobcat-Zone-Lines.jpg
  • Applying for a Permit: Hunters and trappers must possess a Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit before taking or attempting to harvest a bobcat. Bobcat permit applications are available online only between September 1 – 30. Applicants must submit a $5 non-refundable fee. Available permits will be allocated during a lottery and mailed to successful applicants.
  • Limit: Successful applicants may harvest one bobcat by hunting or trapping during the season. They can also fill their permit by salvaging a road-kill (during open seasons).
  • Bobcat Registration Permit: If you harvest a bobcat, you must purchase a $5 bobcat registration permit online only within 48 hours. The Department will mail you a federal CITES tag within 2-3 weeks. 
  • Bobcat Tagging Requirement: A federal CITES tag must be permanently affixed to each bobcat pelt before it is exported from the United States or transferred to a fur buyer, taxidermist, fur tanner, or garment manufacturer. 

The science of wildlife management has come a long way since the early 1900s when many populations of wildlife species, including bobcats, were low and mostly restricted to isolated pockets of high-quality habitat. As wildlife populations declined across the country, conservationists including hunters and trappers supported legislative changes for better management and protection of wildlife and wild places. As time and legislation (notably the Pittman Robertson Act in 1937 and the Endangered Species Act in 1973) passed, modern wildlife management concepts took shape and even predators such as bobcats and wolves were afforded some protections (this reversed decades, perhaps centuries, of persecution of predators). Before 1972, there were no limits or closed season on bobcats in Illinois. They were formally protected by the Wildlife Code in 1972 and listed as a state threatened species in 1977.

These protections combined with changes in land use, enforcement of game laws by Conservation Police and incentives for habitat restoration have turned things around for bobcats and many wildlife species in Illinois and across the United States. White-tailed deer, river otter, American badger and wild turkey are all species that were nearly extirpated from the state at the turn of the 20th century and made successful recoveries. Managers monitor the populations and allow a regulated hunting and/or trapping season that allows for limited harvest and utilization of some animals—without endangering the populations.

In cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration (Illinois Federal Aid Project W-126-R), for several decades the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory (CWRL) at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale conducted research that focused on bobcats. Since 1995, they have radio-collared more than 120 bobcats and followed them around during their daily lives. They learned about preferred habitats, den locations, interactions with other species, survival, seasonal movements and home range size. They also collected and analyzed over 250 road-killed bobcats to learn about their diet, parasites, genetics, body condition, age, reproductive history, etc. More than 20 scholarly articles were published that investigated most aspects of bobcat ecology.

This research and various surveys have documented population growth, range expansion and increased observations of bobcats in every county. Researchers helped the IDNR get a better understanding of bobcat ecology in Illinois.  By 1999, bobcats had been reported in 99 of 102 counties and they were removed from Illinois’ list of state threatened species. In 2016, Illinois joined 40 other states in the U.S. with a managed bobcat hunting and trapping season. The bobcat is one of 14 species of furbearers that have regulated hunting or trapping seasons in Illinois. It is one of many examples of a recovered wildlife species that highlights the work of biologists, researchers and landowners across the state.

IDNR asks every successful deer hunter throughout the state several questions when they harvest and check in a deer. Among these questions about the deer are a few questions on other species which include ‘How many bobcats did you see while hunting this location?’. In 2005, 4 percent of the hunters who checked in a deer saw at least one bobcat across the state. In 2021, 18.7 percent of the successful hunters reported seeing at least one bobcat, documenting a big increase in the percent of successful deer hunters who saw bobcats from 2005 to 2021 across the state.

Successful Deer Hunters Who Observed Bobcats
Percent of successful Deer Hunters who reported seeing at least one bobcat while deer hunting by Region from 2005 – 2021:
Region 1

Region 1 Northwestern Illinois. 

Region 2

Region 2 Northeastern Illinois.

Region 3

Region 3 East-Central Illinois. 

Region 4

Region 4 West-Central Illinois

Region 5

Region 5 Southern Illinois.  

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Regions 

The biggest increase was in west-central Illinois (Region 4). Four percent of the deer hunters who checked in deer in Region 4 observed at least one bobcat in 2005. In 2021, 25.4 percent of successful deer hunters in Region 4 reported seeing a bobcat. Compare that to the traditional bobcat stronghold of southern Illinois (Region 5) where 7.8 percent of successful deer hunters reported seeing at least one bobcat in 2005 with the percentage growing to 24.3 percent by 2021.

IDNR also conducts several other annual surveys that provide indices of bobcat abundance across the state. A random sample of all resident archery deer hunters are surveyed annually by the Illinois Natural History Survey (using funds allocated from IDNR and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act) to provide an index of the abundance and distribution of various wildlife species across the state. This survey asks hunters to report the time and location of all archery deer hunts and record observations of bobcat, coyote, deer, red and gray fox, squirrel and wild turkey. The value of these data are in the trends of the observations over time. In 1992 hunters across the state saw an average of 0.5 bobcats per 1,000 hours of observation. In 2020, hunters observed 7.7 bobcats per 1,000 hours of observation. For comparison, the same hunters saw an average of 957 deer, 37.3 coyotes and 2.1 red fox per 1,000 hours of observation in 2020.

Archery Deer Hunter Survey Data, 2000 – 2021

With several decades of research and multiple surveys indicating a healthy and growing population, the decision was made to start a limited, closely managed hunting and trapping season for bobcats. Applications from hunters and trappers ranged from 4500 to over 6500 over the last 7 years. 

Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit Applications 2016 – 2022

During the first bobcat season in 2016, 26 percent of 500 permit holders filled their permits by hunting or trapping. The next six seasons, 1,000 permits were issued per year and the success rate was 29 to 34 percent. 

Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permits Issued 2016 – 2022

In 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 the number of bobcats harvested was 318, 306, 306, 339 and 290 respectively (not counting salvage).

Annual Bobcat Harvest 2016 – 2022

The percentage of bobcats taken by hunters compared to trappers has been a little more variable. The percent of bobcats taken by trapping ranged from 35 to 46 percent per year and those taken by hunting ranged from 44 to 57 percent.

The bobcat season coincides with the regular trapping season, starting November 10 and ending February 15. Based on harvest data, many permit holders fill their tags after Christmas. Most of the deer and waterfowl seasons have passed, temperatures have dropped and pelts are prime. In 52 days of the season in November and December 2019, 36 percent of the bobcats were harvested for the season. In January and February (46 days), 64 percent of the bobcats were harvested. This suggests that either effort or the likelihood of success is greater in the second half of the season. A contributing factor could be increased daily movement of bobcats during the breeding season, especially among males. 

What does the future hold for the bobcat season in Illinois? IDNR will continue to monitor bobcats and work with researchers to increase our understanding of bobcat population dynamics, survival, occupancy and distribution across Illinois. The Department will continue to work with researchers to build on decades of bobcat research in southern and western Illinois. This work will increase our understanding of bobcats throughout Illinois and lead to better management of the species. We will continue to learn, and make adjustments as needed, to improve the management of this species and ensure that a healthy bobcat population is a part of Illinois for future generations. 

History of River Otters in Illinois

River otters were almost extirpated from Illinois in the early 1900s due to overharvesting and degradation of vital habitat by early settlers. Despite making it illegal to trap river otter in 1929, the continual decline of habitat and water quality contributed to the diminishing river otter population in Illinois. Degradation of riparian habitat was widespread in Illinois in a relatively short period of time. From 1818, the year of Illinois’ statehood, through the mid-20th century, once pristine rivers became convenient sinks for waste products of all kinds. Dams transformed free-flowing rivers to silt-laden lakes and ponds. Meandering streams were straightened to become drainage ditches. Thus, the river otter was hard-pressed to find decent habitat in Illinois. Although the Clean Water Act of 1972 led to improvement of riparian habitat, the river otter population did not immediately rebound. In 1977 the river otter was declared a state threatened species and in 1989 the river otter was listed as a state endangered species.

IDNR wildlife biologists put together a recovery plan for the river otter. The plan involved jump-starting the Illinois otter population by introducing otters from states that had healthy populations. Between 1994 and 1997, 346 otters were trapped in Louisiana and released in central and southern Illinois. With well-wishes from on-lookers and cautious optimism on the part of wildlife biologists, these otters took to the Illinois waters to start a new life. In the years following the releases, biologists carefully monitored the movement of the otters. Tracking data showed that river otters were indeed liking their new digs throughout the state. In 2004 the otter was removed from the Illinois state endangered species list (or, de-listed). Using population modeling, biologists suggested that the river otter could sustain a regulated harvest, and 2012 marked the first Illinois trapping season for river otters since 1929. This success story was made possible by restoration efforts in Illinois and other states in the lower Midwest.

Additional Resources