Indiana’s Inhumane Bobcat Hunting Law: Public Urged to Speak Out

A public hearing is planned for November to allow Hoosiers the opportunity to speak out about proposed changes to the newly signed, and controversial, bobcat hunting law in Indiana. In the meantime, public comment can be left online. Keep reading to learn how to let your voice be heard.

Bill 241 Was Signed Into Law in March 2024

In March of 2024, we learned that both the Indiana Senate and House passed Senate Bill 241. From there, the bill went to the desk of Governor Eric Holcomb's desk, where he signed it into law.

The New Law Creates a Bobcat Season for Hunters in 40 Indiana Counties

What exactly did Governor Holcomb sign into law? By signing Bill 241, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is now expected to establish a hunting season for bobcats in 40 of the 92 counties across the state. The deadline for the organization to establish a hunting season, and all of the rules that will go with it, is July 1, 2025.

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Previously a Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit Was Required for Bobcats

Previously, and up until the new law goes into effect, a nuisance wildlife control permit is required to remove a bobcat in the state of Indiana. There is a Wildlife Complaint Form, as well as an option to report sightings of bobcats, and other animals including black bears, mountain lions, gray foxes, and gray wolves, just to name a few, to the Indiana DNR.

Bobcats Were Considered an Endangered Species in Indiana as Recently as 2005

Prior to 2005, bobcats were considered an endangered species in Indiana. Those in opposition of the new law say that Indiana does not have reliable data to estimate the number of bobcats in the state to justify the random killing of these animals.

Rule Proposals Would Allow Various Trapping Methods - Most Inhumane

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission, has recently adopted a rule proposal that would allow an initial quota of 250 bobcats as part of a proposed trapping season. Additionally, the law would allow various methods of trapping to be used - most of which can only be described as inhumane, according to a press release from the Humane Society of the United States.

Indiana State Director for the Humane Society of the United States Speaks Out

The organization points out that the Indiana Natural Resources Commission had previously rejected a proposed bobcat season in 2018 after significant public outcry. Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for the Humane Society of the United States, released a statement following the news of the rule proposal: 

We are deeply disappointed by the Natural Resources Commission’s decision to initially approve a proposal that would allow so many of Indiana’s bobcats to be cruelly trapped and killed. While the Commission was given no choice on proposing such an unpopular season, we urge them to recognize Hoosier’s overwhelming opposition to this inhumane and scientifically unjustifiable treatment of Indiana’s only remaining native wildcat, whose population is still recovering.  As the legislation’s sponsor has noted numerous times, the DNR and the Commission have the discretion to set a quota of zero bobcats, which we believe is the only responsible course of action. -  Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for the Humane Society of the United States

Concerns Over Inhumane Trapping Practices and "Trophy" Hunting

The Humane Society of the United States says the proposal would only benefit a small number of recreation trappers who would kill bobcats for trophies or to sell to oversea fur buyers. They also reiterate that the trapping methods are inhumane and cause "injury, dehydration, and psychological distress," while also pointing out that the traps pose a risk to other wildlife, as well as domestic animals.

Proposed Changes Would Legalize the Sale of Any and All Parts of a Bobcat

A portion of the proposed changes to the law can be seen below, including making it legal to sell any and all parts of the animal.

• Proposed changes include allowing bobcats and their parts that are legally acquired to be able to be sold under 312 IAC 9-2-3. This would include their hides as well as other parts.
• The proposed changes in 312 IAC 9-3-9 would allow bobcats that are found dead to be kept by people with a permit.
• The proposed changes to 312 IAC 9-3-18.4 remove the additional requirements for documentation for bobcats since they would be able to be legally harvested in Indiana under the proposal in 312 IAC 9-3-18.1.

Public Comments Accepted Online Through November 14, 2024

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is currently accepting public comment regarding the law and the proposed changes. The deadline to share public comments with the Commission is November 14, 2024. You can leave your comment online through the Indiana Natural Resource Commission's rulemaking docket website - scroll down the page until you see the section labeled, "Rule Name: Bobcat Amendments," then click where it says "Submit Comment Here."

An In-Person Public Hearing Will Be Held November 14, 2024

In addition, there will be a public hearing held on November 14, 2024, between the hours of 5 - 7 pm Eastern Time. That hearing will take place in Butlerville, Indiana at the Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center located at 4425 East 350 North. Members of the community are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions and concerns.

The Public Hearing Will Also Be Available to Attend Virtually

For those interested in attending virtually, the public hearing will be webcast in real-time on November 14, 2024 from 5 - 7 pm ET utilizing the same rulemaking docket website. Comments can be made through the online webcast according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Learn more by visiting Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

[SOURCE: Indiana DNR; Indiana NRC; Humane Society of the United States]