DEC Proposes New Hunting, Trapping Regulations For Bobcats

Only four months after releasing its bobcat management plan, the Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing changes to the state's hunting regulations.

Officials with the agency are toying with the idea of increasing hunting and trapping opportunities for bobcats, while adding hunting dates in the Southern Tier. The changes are part of Governor Andrew Cuomo's recently announced NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative outlined in his Executive Budget.

Public comments regarding the regulation changes will be accepted through April 8.

The DEC estimates that there are about 5,000 bobcats in New York, and the population is growing, even in areas where hunting seasons take place.

A link to the proposed plan can be found here.