Bobcat

Bag Limit is 5; no more than 3 of which shall be taken with a gun.


Hunting License needed:


Younger than 12:

  • License exempt

Youth 12-15:

  • Annual youth hunting license*

*Included in Youth Sportsman's License


Ages 16 and older:

  • Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**

**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License



Trapping License needed:


Younger than 12:

  • License exempt

Youth 12-15:

  • Youth trapping license

Ages 16 and older:

  • Trapping license

For more information, click exemptions and requirements or check our current Hunting Guide. Buy or renew your license here.




Hunting

Location: Statewide
Season Dates:
either sex
Bobcat hunters must carry a valid hunting license (unless license exempt) and a valid bobcat hunting permit while hunting. Bobcat permits are free. Permits are available online at fw.ky.gov in the license purchase section. Hunters and trappers are asked to submit the jaws of all harvested bobcats for population studies. Bobcat age will be provided to the harvester. A hunter or trapper who submits lower jaws from all their harvested bobcats in a single season to the department may receive one (1) additional bobcat to the bag limit for every two animals harvested the following season. The department must receive jaw samples from all harvested bobcats by March 15 per the instructions to qualify for the increased bag limit. Increased bag limits are non-transferable. Hunters and trappers must confirm an increased bag limit for the following season online through MyProfile at fw.ky.gov.

Trapping

Location: Statewide
Season Dates:
either sex
Bobcat hunters must carry a valid hunting license (unless license exempt) and a valid bobcat hunting permit while hunting. Bobcat permits are free. Permits are available online at fw.ky.gov in the license purchase section. Hunters and trappers are asked to submit the jaws of all harvested bobcats for population studies. Bobcat age will be provided to the harvester. A hunter or trapper who submits lower jaws from all their harvested bobcats in a single season to the department may receive one (1) additional bobcat to the bag limit for every two animals harvested the following season. The department must receive jaw samples from all harvested bobcats by March 15 per the instructions to qualify for the increased bag limit. Increased bag limits are non-transferable. Hunters and trappers must confirm an increased bag limit for the following season online through MyProfile at fw.ky.gov.