A bobcat in Grant County, Wisconsin.

A bobcat crosses a snowy path

A bobcat in Grant County, Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsin trappers that Aug. 1 is the deadline for bobcat and fisher permit applications.

You can submit your application in the way that’s most convenient for you:

  1. Online through Go Wild
  2. In person at a DNR service center or
  3. In person at an authorized license agent.

How The Bobcat And Fisher Permitting System Works

The DNR regulates bobcat and fisher harvest through a permitting system. The department runs a preference point lottery to award bobcat and fisher permits.

To be eligible to receive a harvest permit, you must submit an application by the Aug. 1 deadline.

The fisher permit application fee is $3 and the bobcat permit application fee is $6. The applicant may choose to apply only for preference points or for entry into the permit drawing.

Successful applicants who intend to trap must also buy a trapping license to harvest a bobcat or fisher. Fisher may only be harvested by trapping. Drawing results are posted annually on the DNR website.

Successful applicants will receive their permit(s) by mail.

We encourage everyone applying for a harvest permit to take trapper education prior to submitting their application to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements for the coming harvest season.

For more details, visit the DNR website.