Bobcat

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


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


2024 License Year

Season Dates: Nov 16 2024 - Feb 28 2025
Location: Statewide
Either Sex


2025 License Year

Season Dates: Nov 15 2025 - Feb 28 2026
Location: Statewide


Notes:
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


2024 License Year

Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
Location: Statewide
Either Sex


2025 License Year

Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026
Location: Statewide


Notes:
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.