Indiana is once again at the center of a growing fight over bobcat hunting rules, as state officials consider expanding how many animals can be slain each season.

The proposal could raise the cap to 400 bobcats and allow more hunting methods, including firearms during deer season.

Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for the advocacy group Humane World for Animals, said last season already raised concerns after trappers quickly hit the quota.

"They killed 253 bobcats starting last November," Chapman reported. "It just means there's a lot of trappers that are very excited to get out there and kill a trophy."

Chapman argued the state lacks firm population data and warned a higher quota could threaten a species which only recently recovered in Indiana.

Supporters of an increased quota, including wildlife and hunting advocates, said regulated seasons help manage populations, protect livestock and give hunters opportunities while keeping numbers sustainable. State officials have said the rules rely on modeling and field observations.

Chapman contended the models raise red flags about long-term effects.

"If we kill 400, we don't know if that will completely eliminate the amount of bobcats in the state," Chapman pointed out. "Really, a 400 quota within 10 years with the current kitten survival rate estimate could completely decimate the population and we could go back to seeing no bobcats in the state of Indiana."

The debate now heads into a public comment period, with a hearing set in Indianapolis later this month. Final approval could come later this year.

Source: Public News Service