Very upset with Michigan DNR over bobcat

[Uncle Lou]

Well, as the deer season winds down, I start thinking about a trip to chase bobcats in Michigan. Now granted I am not a bobcat killing machine by any stretch, but I enjoy the recreational opportunity that many of us just had taken away. I cant imagine a good reason for this, as I have read nowhere that our population is in decline.

I was reading the guide last night and it said bobcat kill tags will be available through Nov 30th. They used to be free of charge in season, all season, for residents with a furbearer tag. I will be on the phone with MI DNR to see what I can find out and why this crazy change to the rule book.

I cant remember being this upset over a rule change, but I find it very unnecessary.

[cedarsavage]

Yeah that's a kinda stupid law. I think you have to get kill tags for otter, badger etc by then too. I went and got them just on the off chance I run into one this winter. I think they sent out an email about it

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[magicman54494]

Wis is way worse. I have 4 points and am being told I need at least 10. So I'll be waiting another 6 years I guess. :(

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[Findian]

Wis is way worse. I have 4 points and am being told I need at least 10. So I'll be waiting another 6 years I guess. :(

[ Post made via Android ]

What do you mean I trapped 4 cats in Wisconsin last year. I know what you mean though, my father has 9 points on cats and still has not got drawing. He did last year get his first otter tag.
I believe that up around the Lake Superior that their is more cats and bear then the DNR cares to admit.

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[Uncle Lou]

I do have an update.

I was contacted back by a couple people at MDNR . Adam Bump returned my call and actually had a very good explanation. He said I was out of luck, but I felt better with his response. First, I was totally unaware of all the outreach they did on this. It is on the cover of the Michigan Hunting & Trapping Guide, I still cant believe I missed it, OR that no body brought this to my attention. I was almost considering changing the title to upset with myself.

But, he did admit that they are expecting some backlash in the first year. The email I received from the Director of Wildlife's assistant, I found a bit condensending, and I am not done pushing back on this yet.

The bottom line is that the trappers and hound hunters lobbied for this change, because they felt too many people would inadvertantly get a bobcat and then go get a kill tag, or worse, that someone would overharvest and then have a friend or family member go get the tag. So basically, casual (or non-diehard) cat hunters like myself that just enjoy the opportunity, got caught in the crossfire. Or worse, got punished for something that we didn't do, or cause.

I am not done with this. I get it, buying the tag before the season, but my season didn't start, and I told them that. I even said they should do something this first year, like a waiver, or something, or extend the deadline a little since it is brand new. And this is cat hunting, not deer hunting. All those major changes would have been discussed due to the large following of deer hunters in Michigan.

I just wanted to give an update on what I found.

[Blackhorn]

Cat tags are still free, they still come with your fur harvester tag. I remember getting an email from the DNR long before November 30th. Hopefully this new rule will prevent what Adam told you.

[Jonny]

Sounds like a lot of DNR rules. Punish the honest guy because they think you will do something wrong. Could make a list of rules in wisconsin that fell under this.

[Uncle Lou]

I get the emails from them, but never recall seeing one on this topic. I get like 2 a day from them since I started begging them to issue this tag since I found out on December 19. I am not a basher of the MDNR, as anyone who has been on this site for a while knows I have been very pro Michigan and pro MDNR. They could have made an easy fix for those like me that just found out.

I have accepted it, but I am not happy and I will not forget about this. I understand the outreach that occurred - NOW. Despite it I did not know until the date I listed above. I did, however, receive three surveys over bobcat hunting last year, but a postcard to bobcat hunters was ruled out for financial reasons, per their explanation.

[Blackhorn]

Well be prepared for next year then, most likely the cat tag will be separated from fur harvester tag. It won't be free and it won't come with the fur harvester.

[Blackhorn]

I went back and checked. I received an email on November 2nd. I usually no very early any dog related changes that will be coming since I'm apart of MBHA and MHDF.

Nov. 2, 2016

Contact: Adam Bump, 517-284-9453

Important changes for fur harvesters during 2016 seasons

For those who hunt or trap furbearing animals in Michigan, there are some changes to 2016-2017 licenses and regulations that are important to be aware of. Changes were made to simplify and clarify regulations as well as increase opportunities for fur harvesters.

Important License Changes:

2016 fur harvester licenses are valid until April 30, 2017. However, those who have not yet purchased a 2016 license MUST first buy a 2016 BASE license prior to March 1, 2017, in order to purchase a 2016 fur harvester license in the months of March and April 2017. Fur harvesters do not need to buy a 2017 base license to continue to use the 2016 fur harvester license in April.

Those planning to harvest bobcats MUST acquire bobcat kill tags by Nov. 30, 2016, in order to trap or hunt bobcats during any 2016 bobcat harvest seasons. Bobcat kill tags – along with otter, fisher, and marten kill tags – are issued to 2016 fur harvester license holders, free of charge, at license agents or DNR Customer Service Centers.

The 2017 fur harvester license will not be available until May 1, 2017. At that time, fur harvesters also may acquire kill tags for the 2017 bobcat, fisher, marten and otter seasons.
Dates to remember:

Nov. 30, 2016 – last day to obtain bobcat kill tags. (Bobcat kill tags cannot be obtained after the first season starts.)

Feb. 28, 2017 – last day to purchase 2016 base license. (Note: 2016 base license is required to purchase a 2016 fur harvester license.)

April 30, 2017 – 2016 fur harvester license expires.

May 1, 2017 – First day to purchase 2017 fur harvester license and obtain kill tags.
Regulation changes to be aware of:

Coyote hunting season is now open year-round (both day and night), and residents must have a valid base or fur harvester license. Nonresidents can hunt for coyote with a valid fur harvester license. As a reminder, dogs may NOT be used from April 16 through July 7 for coyote hunting.

Raccoon trapping season is now open from Oct. 15, 2016, to March 31, 2017, in all three zones. In addition, raccoon hunting season is from Oct. 1, 2016, through Jan. 31, 2017, for both residents and nonresidents.

Bobcat trapping has been opened on public lands in Bobcat Management Units (BMUs) C and D in addition to the current private-land trapping opportunities.

Nighttime raccoon, opossum, fox and coyote hunting regulations now allow for use of #3 and #4 buckshot. Artificial lights now may be used throughout the open nighttime season for all four species. Nighttime hunters must use the aid of a game or predator call and/or use the aid of dogs. (Note: For those hunting with dogs – firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow loaded at the point of kill only.) Nighttime coyote hunting has the same license requirements as daytime coyote hunting.

[Uncle Lou]

Blackhorn,

Had you posted that back in November, that could have been very helpful. I am telling you I didn't get it before it was too late.

Any more updates you hear will be much appreciated for next season.