Report Nr. 3427 Bobcat Hunter and Trapper Opinion Survey

This study was done to investigate characteristics of bobcat hunters and trappers, to determine their hunting and trapping practices, and to determine how these furtakers view the impacts of harvest on bobcat. In addition, hunters and trappers were asked whether they planned to trap bobcats next year in the Northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) and whether they would apply for a Wisconsin bobcat license if allowed. An estimated 2,379 furtakers hunted bobcats and 1,031 furtakers trapped bobcats during the 2003-2004 season in Michigan. Hunters spent about 24,400 days afield hunting bobcats and harvested an estimated 416 bobcats. About 15% of bobcat hunters harvested at least one bobcat. Hunter success was similar in both the Upper Peninsula and NLP. Trappers spent about 26,500 days afield trapping bobcats and harvested an estimated 782 bobcats. About 40% of bobcat trappers harvested at least one bobcat. Hunters most frequently used calls (57%) or dogs (45%) to hunt bobcats. About 31% of the bobcat hunters chose not to harvest the bobcat when they had an opportunity. Most trappers used foothold traps (79%), while 55% of the trappers used conibears (i.e., body gripping traps). Nearly 66% of the furtakers searched most frequently for bobcats in lowland forest habitat. About 42% of bobcat hunters and trappers reported that the bobcat population was stable. About 39% of bobcat hunters and trappers reported that the harvest was at an acceptable level. An estimated 19% of the bobcat hunters and trappers (579 furtakers) that were active in 2003 would be very likely or somewhat likely to trap bobcats in the NLP next year. About 9% of bobcat hunters and trappers (280 furtakers) that were active in 2003 reported that they would be very likely or somewhat likely to apply for a license to hunt or trap bobcats in Wisconsin if permitted.