What are the laws for bobcat hunting in Missouri? This article contains many of the regulations for bobcat hunting, but rules frequently change. It is your responsibility to check for updates before you hunt bobcats in Missouri.
Historically, the state ranks in the top 5 best states for bobcat hunting.
bobcat hunting in Missouri.” class=”wp-image-3231″/>In Missouri, the next bobcat season opens from November 15, 2022, to January 31, 2023. A small game license is required. There is no bag limit.
See the entire Missouri hunting and trapping season.
Related: Learn the three vital tip to bobcat hunting success here.
Interested in hunting coyotes in Missouri? Read the regulations here.
Related: Read the laws for hunting fox in Missouri.
The laws for hunting bobcats in Missouri.
Can you use decoys and electronic callers while bobcat hunting in Missouri?
Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may be used.
Check prices for electronic callers on Amazon here.
Amazon sells a variety of predator hunting decoys here.
Is hunting bobcats in Missouri legal with a suppressor?
Silencers are legal in Missouri. Hunting? Silencers are legal for hunting both game and non-game animals in Missouri. Relevant laws: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.020 makes it illegal to possess a silencer “in violation of federal law.” However, the law is silent with regard to hunting.
Is night hunting bobcats legal in Missouri?
No. In addition, you may not possess night vision or thermal imagery equipment while carrying a firearm, bow, or other implements used to take wildlife. (See special allowed methods for the coyote.)
However: MDC notes that property owners and their representatives can still use night vision, infrared, thermal imaging equipment, or artificial light to kill coyotes or other wildlife causing property damage at any time of the year with written authorization from a conservation agent.
Can you kill a bobcat destroying livestock in Missouri.
Outside of the legal bobcat hunting season, the answer is foggy.
Wildlife Code under 3 CSR 10-4.130, states:
“Subject to federal regulations governing the protection of property from migratory birds, any wildlife except deer, turkey, black bears and endangered species which beyond a reasonable doubt is damaging property may be captured or killed by the owner of the property being damaged, or by his/her representative at any time and without permit, but only by shooting or trapping… Wildlife may be so controlled only on the owner’s property to prevent further damage.
Wildlife so killed or captured must be reported to an agent of the department within twenty-four hours and disposed of according to his/her instructions. Deer, turkey, black bears and endangered species that are causing damage may be killed only with the permission of an agent of the department and by methods authorized by him/her.” See MDC here for more information.
Your should always contact your local game warden or animal control officer before proceeding.
Related: Learn how to tell if a bobcat is the animal damaging your property by reading its sign here.
Pelt sealing is required.
Bobcat pelts sold, purchased, traded, transported, or shipped out of state must have a pelt tag (CITES) attached. A pelt tag must be attached before being transported or shipped out of this state.
Notification Requirement
Bobcats or their pelts must be delivered to an agent of the Conservation Department for registration or tagging before selling, transferring, tanning or mounting by April 10. Tagged bobcats or their pelts may be possessed by the taker throughout the year and may be sold only to licensed taxidermists, tanners or fur dealers. It is illegal to purchase or sell untagged bobcats or their pelts.
Legal methods when bobcat hunting in Missouri.
Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single projectile at one discharge.
Firearms powered by spring, air, or compressed gas.
Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge with magazine cut off or plugged to reduce the capacity to not more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
Bows, including longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows.
Crossbows
Atlatls
Slingshots
Dogs may be used (Dogs may not be used during daylight hours from November 1 through the end of November portion statewide and the antlerless portion in open areas.)
Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may be used.
How much does it cost to go bobcat hunting in Missouri?
While prices for a guided bobcat hunt will vary due to a variety of circumstances, the average price run between $100 (unguided) to $350 per day.
Please note: The companies below are listed because they offer online pricing. There is no relationship between them and Thepredatorhunter.com.