Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation
Chapter NR 10 - Game And Hunting
Subchapter I - General Provisions
Section NR 10.145 - Bobcat, fisher, and otter

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 10.145

Current through August 26, 2024

Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may hunt or trap, or attempt to hunt or trap, any bobcat unless he or she possesses a current and valid permit from the department and any associated pelt tags for the area or unit in which he or she is hunting or trapping, or for fisher and otter, unless he or she possesses a current and valid harvest authorization issued by the department.

(1) HARVEST QUOTAS. The number of bobcat permits and fisher and otter harvest authorizations issued annually shall be determined by the department. The department shall base its determination upon:

(a) Population estimates and trends.

(b) The population goal established in sub. (2) if a goal has been established.

(c) Trends in hunter or trapper success rates.

(2) POPULATION GOALS.

(a) Fisher. The preharvest population goal for the north and south fisher management zones described under s. NR 10.38 is one fisher per 2 square miles of fisher range.

(b) Bobcat. The preharvest population goal north of the state highway 64 is 2,500 bobcat plus-or-minus 20%.

(3) APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE PROCEDURES.

(a) Forms. Applications for permits shall be made on forms provided by the department.

(b) Deadlines. All permit applications shall be postmarked no later than the deadline dates indicated on the form or received by a department service center location on those dates to be considered for selection. The annual application deadlines may not be sooner than July 1.

Note: The department conducts extensive publicity on the application deadlines beginning several months prior to any deadline. Application deadline dates are published in news releases, the department web site at http://dnr.wi.gov, license outlet handouts, and pertinent regulation pamphlets. Department service center hours may vary by location.

(c) Application limit. No person may apply for more than 1 permit for each species.

(d) Random selection. If the number of applications for permits exceeds the number of permits available, successful applicants shall be randomly selected.

(e) Pelt tag issuance. The department shall issue pelt tags to successful permit applicants as follows:
1. 'Oversubscribed zones.' If the number of applications for permits is equal to or more than the number of permits available, each successful applicant shall be issued a pelt tag.

2. 'Undersubscribed zones.' If the number of applications for permits is less than the number of permits available, the department may:
a. Randomly issue successful applicants additional pelt tags; or

b. Make available to any person the remaining permits on a first-come, first-served basis; or

c. Use both procedures described in subd. 2. a. and b.

(f) Validity. All permits are valid only in the area and for the time period specified on the permit during the open season established for bobcat.

(4) TRAPPING ASSISTANCE. A person that holds a current class A, B, C or D hunting permit under s. 29.193 (2), Stats., may be accompanied, as defined in s. 29.193 (2) (a) 1, Stats., by and receive assistance from a person who possesses a valid trapping authorization. The assistance rendered by an accompanying person who possess a valid trapping authorization may include assisting with trap setting, trap tending, tagging and registration of these species if the disabled person has been issued the appropriate approval to do so. The accompanying person shall comply with all trapping rules and laws.

(5) SEASON CLOSURE. The secretary of the department may close a portion or all of any bobcat, otter or fisher season established in s. NR 10.01, upon a finding by the department that the harvest for that season will exceed the level authorized by the department under sub. (1). Closure shall become effective upon issuance of an order and publication in the official state newspaper.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.