The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) released proposed regulations prohibiting bobcat trapping in areas that are adjacent to the boundaries of any state or national park, national monument, or wildlife refuge in which bobcat trapping is prohibited.  The proposed regulations would also create new bobcat trapping fees, as well as increase certain existing fees. 

The regulations are being proposed in response to provisions set in the Bobcat Protection Act of 2013, which contains language requiring the Commission to develop regulations to prohibit trapping in the specified areas.  The regulations would also increase the bobcat pelt shipping fee, and create the Bobcat Trapping Validation Fee, both of which will be subject to annual adjustment, in order to pay the administrative and implementation costs to the State for implementing the new regulations.

The proposed regulations are set for hearing on August 5, 2015 at the Commission’s meeting at the River Lodge Conference Center located at 1800 Riverwalk Drive in Fortuna.  Written comments may be submitted via e-mail to FGC@fgc.ca.gov, and must be received before noon on July 31, 2015.  Full text of the proposed regulations can be accessed here.