Bobcat Jaw Submission Now Required for Pelt Sealing

A bobcat in WashingtonPhoto byDaniel McBride

Small game hunters and trappers must submit the lower jaw of bobcats they kill as part of the mandatory pelt sealing process, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced on Friday.

This is due to a rule update finalized through the WDFW's latest season setting process, according to the department.

“WDFW will now collect the lower jaw from bobcats harvested in Washington so we can use the canine teeth to determine the age structure of harvested bobcats and track changes over time,” said Stephanie Landry, WDFW carnivore, furbearer, and small game section manager. “Bobcat canine teeth cannot be removed as easily as the teeth of other species, which is why the bobcat’s entire lower jaw must be submitted.”

Pelt sealing is intended to provide data the department needs to manage Washington State's bobcat population, according to the WDFW.

Pelts must be sealed by April 20, the department reports further. Hunters and trappers should refer to the latest season and regulation information for more information.

Hunters and trappers can learn more about how to remove the lower jaw of a bobcat on the WDFW’s website.