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Record Illinois bobcat harvest suggests strong population across the state

Illinois DNR reported a harvest of 649 bobcats – far exceeding the previous record of 389 in the 2023-24 season. (USFWS photo)

When the Illinois bobcat season ended Feb. 15, no trapper or hunter would have been surprised to learn of a record harvest.
It was already a season of records. In September, a record 9,200 bobcat lottery applicants vied for the record 2,000 permits issued by DNR. Still, the final tally is turning heads. DNR reported a harvest of 649 bobcats – far exceeding the previous record of 389 in the 2023-24 season. Much of the increase was due to hunters, who were responsible for 415 (61.6%) of the harvest.

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