Here are a few of the significant laws for hunting bobcats in Oregon. Since federal, state, and local laws are constantly changing, you should check for updates at least once a year. This article is for informational purposes only. You are solely responsible for hunting bobcats in Oregon both legally and safely.
In Oregon, bobcat hunting season runs from December 1 through February 28. In Western Oregon, there is no bag limit. In Eastern Oregon, there is a season bag limit of 5 bobcats. A license is required.
Purchase an Oregon hunting license here.
Check out all the Oregon hunting seasons.
Interested in hunting coyotes in Oregon? Read the coyote hunting rules for Oregon here.
Related: Learn the rules for hunting fox in Oregon.
Related: Learn the top three vital tips for hunting bobcats here.
General rules for hunting bobcats in Oregon.
Can you use decoys and electronic callers while bobcat hunting in Oregon?
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 Oregon legal with a suppressor?
Silencers are legal in Oregon. Hunting? Silencers are legal for hunting both game and non-game animals in Oklahoma.
Can you hunt bobcats at night in Oregon?
Yes.
The state law regarding artificial lights allows for use when hunting bobcats:
“It is unlawful to use an artificial light for hunting any wildlife, except raccoon, bobcat, and opossum provided the light is not cast from or attached to a motor vehicle. This includes laser sights or any other sights which project a beam to the target, including scopes with electronic rangefinders and scopes that receive information from a rangefinder or any electronic device. This does not include battery operated sights which only light the reticle.”
The same regulation says this about infrared or night vision riflescopes. “It is unlawful to hunt or locate or scout for the purpose of hunting any wildlife with infrared or any other “night vision” sight or equipment except trail cameras.”
You need a special license to hunt bobcats in Oregon.
Furtakers need either a Furtaker’s License or a Hunting License for Furbearers. Licenses are available for sale on June 1.
A Furtakers License allows the holder to trap, hunt, and pursue.
A Hunting License for Furbearers allows the holder only to hunt and
pursue.
Eastern vs. Western Oregon.
WESTERN OREGON: No bag limit. All counties west of the summit of the Cascades, except Klamath and Hood River Counties.
EASTERN OREGON: Bag Limit: Five (5) bobcats. All counties east of the summit of the Cascades, including all of Klamath and Hood River Counties.
Bobcat record card must be purchased prior to hunting.
Before hunting, trapping, or roadkill salvage, each person desiring to take bobcat or river otter must secure a bobcat or river otter record card.
See instructions here.
You need to fill out a harvest report if you go hunting bobcats in Oregon.
A person possessing a valid furtaker’s license or hunting license for furbearers is required to complete and return the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Furtaker Harvest Report form, postmarked by April 15, 2021, for the 2020-2021 season and April 15, 2022, for the 2021-2022 season.
Failure to do so will deny the license holder the opportunity to purchase a hunting license for furbearers or furtakers license for the following furbearer season unless the late Harvest Report form and application is submitted with a $50.00 fee at the time of renewal.
Can you kill a bobcat destroying property on your land in Oregon?
According to Oregon State Ed:
“If people, livestock, or pets are in imminent danger from a predator, the predator can be shot without a permit at any time. If a bobcat, fox, cougar, or bear is taken under these circumstances, the incident must be reported to ODFW or the Oregon State Police immediately. If you do not have the required tag/permit, or the incident occurs outside the legal hunting season for the species, you cannot take the animal into your possession.”
As always, your best legal move is to contact your local game warden or animal control officer before taking any action.
Related: Learn how to tell if it is a bobcat bothering your livestock by reading its sign here.
How much does it cost to go hunting bobcats in Oregon?
While prices for a guided bobcat hunt will vary due to a variety of circumstances, the average price run between $350 to $500 per day.
Please note: There is no relationship between the companies listed below and Thepredatorhunter.com.
You must get your bobcat pelt tagged!
Tagging Deadlines: Each person must have an ownership tag affixed to their bobcat or river otter pelt by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife within five (5) business days after the season ends. Tagging is by appointment only.