Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "The other day while hunting chukar partridge, my bird dogs momentarily cornered a bobcat in the rocks. By the time I got close to where the bobcat was, he had outsmarted the dogs and escaped. What rules apply and what permits are required to harvest the bobcat?" Answer: Bobcats and mountain lions are frequently observed in chukar hunting areas. Bobcats are a furbearer species that can be lawfully taken by hunting as well as trapping. Mountain lions are classified as a big game animal and may only be harvested by hunting. As a big game animal, mountain lions taken with shotguns are restricted to 00 Buckshot or shotgun slugs; bird shot is not allowed. Here are a few rules that would apply to taking either bobcats or mountain lions. First, the season must be open and overlap with the chukar hunting season. The current bobcat season runs from Dec 14, 2006 to February 16, 2007. The mountain lion season in our area runs from August 30, 2006 through March 31, 2007. Additionally, to take a mountain lion, hunters must first purchase a mountain lion tag before harvesting a lion. All bobcats and mountain lions harvested must be taken to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional office so the mandatory harvest report can be completed and a metal tag attached to the hide. All bobcats must be reported and tagged within 10 days of the close of the bobcat season. Mountain lions must be reported within 10 days of the date of harvest. Bobcats are a listed species with the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). It doesn't mean they are endangered, it means there are special rules about possessing green hides and exporting their pelts to other countries. This special bobcat pelt tag called a "Cites tag" costs the trapper $2.00 for each tag. It allows bobcat pelts to be sold and shipped to international fur markets. Pelt tags are attached to mountain lion hides at no charge. Hunters are required to validate and attach their mountain lion tags to the carcass or hide immediately after the lion is killed. If you intentionally use your hunting dogs or trailing hounds to locate and catch bobcats or mountain lions you would be required to purchase a hound hunting permit. However, as an incidental harvest while hunting chukar partridge you need not purchase a hound hunting permit. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.