(a) Upon appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of this section, commencing January 1, 2025, the commission may open a bobcat hunting season in any area determined by the commission to require a hunt.

(b) Before opening a bobcat hunting season in any area, the commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Consider the potential impacts of a bobcat hunting season, including the effects on all of the following:

(A) Bobcat populations.

(B) Bobcats’ wild prey.

(C) Disease abatement, including, but not limited to, hantavirus.

(D) The control of invasive species, especially nutria.

(2) Require the implementation of effective nonlethal management strategies to address public safety and livestock conflicts related to bobcats.

(3) Adopt the bobcat management plan developed by the department pursuant to Section 4158.

(4) Consider state residents’ values with regard to the trophy hunting of bobcats.

(5) Assess the costs to the department and the commission associated with bobcat hunting, including the administrative, implementation, and enforcement costs.

(c) Consistent with the requirements of Section 3031 and pursuant to Sections 713 and 1050, the commission shall set hunting license fees and associated fees for any subsequent seasons in which bobcat hunting is allowed, at the levels necessary to fully recover all the reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the department and the commission associated with the hunting of bobcats in the state.

(d) This section does not limit the ability of the department or the commission to impose additional requirements, restrictions, or prohibitions related to the take of bobcats.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 766, Sec. 5. (AB 1254) Effective January 1, 2020.)