Missouri Bobcat populations had plummeted to very low levels in the 1970's..........Several years of no trapping had the Cats on the rebound in the 1980's..............Two years ago in 2012-13, over 5000 Bobcats were trapped by hunters.............It appears that the cat has reached an equilibrium status based on hunting pressure.................There would likely be an even larger population if trapping regulations were lightened

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201401090257/LIFE06/301090037

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

6:24 PM, Jan. 8, 2014

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Missouri Department
of Conservation

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The statewide harvest of bobcats during 2012-13 was an all-time record, with 5,059 bobcats harvested. This is an increase of 20.48% from 2011-12, and 30.12% from 2010-11 (Figure 11) and surpasses the previous record set during the 2006-07 season by 606 individuals. Pelt prices during 2012-13 season, the all-time high, averaged $115.50. 

Bobcats have continued to expand across north Missouri and have now established in all suitable habitats. 

BOBCAT POPULATION AND HARVEST TRENDS

Archer Index data suggested an increase in bobcat sightings while sign station data suggest bobcat populations may have dipped some over the last couple years – the overall trend appears to be stable to slightly increasing