Governor Bruce Rauner has signed legislation making it legal to hunt bobcats in Illinois.
Regulatory officials say the first hunting season won't open until late 2016 because the state must get federal and other permits.
Supportive lawmakers say the once-endangered cat now numbers as many as 5,000 in the Prairie State and poses a nuisance and potential danger.
The Humane Society of the United States does not support the legislation.
Rauner says regulators will closely monitor the population and suspend hunting if necessary.