Montana’s bobcat season west of the divide is closed after quotas filled quickly in regions 1, 2 and 3. According to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks harvest data a total of 701 bobcats out of a quota of 705 were hunted or trapped in those regions as of January 2, 2015.

While the season runs from December 1, 2014 – February 15 in western Montana, each district has a quota that, once filled, closes the season. Each bobcat hunted or trapped must be reported within 24 hours of harvest.

Quotas are established to ensure the bobcat populations remain high in these regions. Each licensed trapper or hunter may take up to 7 bobcats per season in regions 1, 2 and 3 which provides trapper opportunity for this challenging and beautiful furbearer.

The rest of Montana remains open for bobcat hunting and trapping.

For more information on hunting and trapping regulations visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/trapping/