There Are Two Seasons To Hunt Bobcat in Michigan and Here’s How

If you have ever wanted to hunt or trap a bobcat, Michigan has two seasons, and here are a few tips on how to harvest one.

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Seeing Bobcats

I've been seeing a bobcat regularly on my property and some of my hunting buddy's asked if I was going to hunt or trap it, and my first response was no. I think the bobcat looks really cool for one reason and the other is you don't eat them. I don't hunt or fish for anything I don't eat.

Are Bobcats a Nuisance Animal?

I like to hunt rabbits and grouse and I know bobcats will eat them. They mainly eat squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and mice. I wondered if a bobcat or two could wipe out a rabbit and grouse population.

I do know bobcats are part of the ecosystem so there is a purpose for them. Even though the number of bobcats is growing they are still not an overpopulated animal in the state of Michigan, unlike coyotes where there are way too many (did you hear that DNR?). From what I have learned, bobcats do a pretty good job managing the rodent population and helping keep other small game animal numbers in check.

When Can You Hunt or Trap Bobcat in Michigan?

Below are the hunting and trapping dates for Michigan and the different management units:

• Management Unit A and B - Hunting Season is January 1 - March 1. Trapping Season is October 25 - December 26.
• Management Unit C - Hunting Season is January 1 - March 1. Trapping Season is December 10 - 29.
• Management Unit D - Hunting Season is January 1 - February 1. Trapping Season is December 10 - 29.
• Management Unit G - Hunting Season is Janu 1 - 20. Trapping Season is December 10 - 29.
• Management Unit H - Hunting Season is January 1 - 11. Trapping Season is December 10 - 20.

You can check the Michigan Fur Harvester Digest here for the rules, licenses, and basically everything you need to know here.

You are allowed to bag two bobcats but only one can be taken from public lands and the other has to be taken from private land.

Hunting and Trapping Bobcats

To hunt or trap a bobcat in Michigan you have to have a fur harvester license. You can use a firearm, crossbow, or bob and arrow. You can even use a dog if you like. As far as hunting a bobcat, if you are not using a dog, it's best to still hunt in an area you know a bobcat frequents.

As far as trapping a bobcat, the video above will really be helpful. To find out what traps are legal and what the rules are for Michigan click here.