Bobcats have been considered a threatened species in Illinois since the 1970's, but not now.
Sen. John Sullivan, a Democrat from Rushville, explained it when legislators debated lifting the bobcat hunting ban.
"I used to never see a bobcat, now it's uncommon to go to the woods and not see bobcats. And not one or two, but three or four of five or six of 'em," Sullivan said.
The hunting and trapping season begins in November. For the rare hunter who gets a permit, that is.
Applicants have until the end of the month to apply for one. As of mid-week, more than 4,000 people had applied.
The Department of Natural Resources will hold a lottery to award 500 permits.
