Bobcat sealing questions.

[253CritterGetter]

Hey there guys I just passed the trappers education test and plan to purchased my first trappers license. The main goal being to trap a bobcat and get it mounted for my dads cabin. In a perfect world say I get a bobcat,  now I’m a little confused on the procedure to follow after, Do i take the cat to get sealed first before taking to the taxidermy?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

The whole “sealing” of the animal is still confusing to me. I would like to make sure I’m doing everything right before I head out.

Thanks in advance.

[Buckmark]

Its been a few years since ive done it but i don't think anything had changed, you have to get it sealed before taking it to the taxi.
Pretty simple (well used to be before covid) take the pelt to WDFW office and they put a plastic tag on it (thats the seal) and take some info from you about unit, date etc. Then the taxi takes the seal off when you take it to them.

[253CritterGetter]

Its been a few years since ive done it but i don't think anything had changed, you have to get it sealed before taking it to the taxi.
Pretty simple (well used to be before covid) take the pelt to WDFW office and they put a plastic tag on it (thats the seal) and take some info from you about unit, date etc. Then the taxi takes the seal off when you take it to them.

Thank you very much! Is it possible to receive a seal if I bring the cat whole and frozen or must it be skinned? Not sure I’m comfortable enough skinning the cat to taxidermy quality.

[Buckmark]

Don't see why not, ive never done it but im sure others have.
Not too hard to skin, just have to tube them, i leave the paws and head for the taxi to do though.
*
Good luck, and when you get one remember HW loves pics

[Humptulips]

Call ahead to a regional office for an appointment  after you catch your bobcat. When you get there go in and tell them you are there to get the cat sealed. Leave the cat outside. Typically they seal in the parking lot or sometimes a lab room  but they don't want it coming in the front door.
They will want to know Date of catch, county of capture, sex, maturity and of course want to see your license. They usually attach through an eye hole but if for taxidermy you probably should request they cut a small hole through a leg. Maybe best if you asked your taxidermist where he prefers. They will not accept a frozen hide for sealing unless you allowed for a hole to attach the seal. For instance you can make a hole where you want the seal to go and put a dowel in the hole to hold it open for the seal and they will seal it then.
The trapper has to be the one bringing the cat in for sealing. No one else can take it in for you and it cannot be processed without the seal.
Good luck on the trapline.

[Skyvalhunter]

Having to tag a bobby still irks me

[JakeLand]

Get to know your local warden and get him to meet you and tag it

[Jingles]

Cause some real excitement leave it in the cage alive then go to get it sealed and walk in the door with it at the regional office Cage and cat

[Humptulips]

Cause some real excitement leave it in the cage alive then go to get it sealed and walk in the door with it at the regional office Cage and cat

And they will write you a ticket for that. A trapper can either release an animal on site or dispatch on site. No transport of live animals without a permit is not allowed and yes I know you said that with levity in mind. I appreciate it but you never know when someone takes you seriously so I felt compelled to state the law.