The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board voted this week to consider a petition seeking a two-week extension to the state’s bobcat trapping season, WCAX reported. If advanced through the multi-step regulatory process, the change would align Vermont’s bobcat trapping timeline with neighboring Maine, New York, and Massachusetts.
Vermont Considers Lengthening Bobcat Trapping Season
The controversial bobcat petition was among several rules evaluated by the board earlier this month. While neighboring states like Maine, New York, and Massachusetts permit bobcat trapping seasons of extended duration, New Hampshire currently does not allow the practice at all.
Any adjustment to the current season length remains years away from implementation. The proposal faces an extensive review pipeline before reaching final approval.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department evaluates the petition before public comment
Before any rule takes effect, the petition must move through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, which operates separately from the governing board. Following departmental review, the proposal will open for public comment from all interested residents alongside evaluation by legislative bodies.
It’s super rewarding for us to be engaged in this sort of citizen legislature, which is the board, and I’m really glad people are involved and interested,
said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Commissioner Jason Batchelder regarding the public engagement surrounding the wildlife petitions.
Did you know about Vermont’s wildlife petitions?
The bobcat proposal is just one of several pending adjustments. Three additional petitions addressing state hunting and trapping regulations await formal votes by the board.
Upcoming Department Reviews for Pending Petitions
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department must complete its professional evaluations of the three remaining hunting and trapping petitions. Department staff will provide formal professional opinions on each proposal to the board.
Once the board votes on whether to consider those remaining items, public comment meetings will open for all petitions that successfully advance past the initial screening phase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Bobcat Regulations
Which neighboring states currently allow bobcat trapping?
Maine, New York, and Massachusetts permit bobcat trapping under their respective state regulations. New Hampshire maintains a ban on the practice.
What is the next step for the bobcat trapping petition?
The petition must complete the review process through the separate Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department before opening to public comment and legislative evaluation.
How many total petitions are currently before the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board?
The board considered the bobcat petition alongside three other separate petitions proposing various changes to state hunting and trapping rules.
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