An Illinois House committee has approved a Quad City area lawmaker's legislation legalizing bobcat hunting.

House Bill 352 would establish an annual open season from November 1st through February 15th says State Representative Patrick Verschoore of Taylor Ridge.

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Under the bill, individuals who possess a bobcat hunting permit would be able to trap or hunt bobcats with a gun, dog or bow and arrow.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources would be responsible for the issuance of hunting permits and each permitted hunter would be allowed to collect one bobcat per year.

The legislation has been approved by the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration by the full House.