Panel Considers Quota for Bobcat Harvest

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is deciding whether to impose a limit on the number of bobcats that could be killed in the western part of the state.

The panel meets Monday to consider proposed rules for next winter's bobcat hunting and trapping season. The commission was scheduled to set the season last month, but delayed a decision for a month after proposing a season that would be much different than state wildlife officials had originally suggested.

Because of uncertainty on how many bobcats live in South Dakota, the panel is proposing that no more than 600 bobcats could be shot or trapped in a western South Dakota season that would run from Dec. 26 to March 1. The season would end early if that quota is reached.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.