so you hunt randolph co? cats are on a comeback here in 'ol IL. there have been many big cat and bobcat sightings. i hate that it's happening, nobody likes it. a friend of mine has tons of bobcat pics on his trail cameras. he shot a buck and retreived it a half hour later and it was aready eaten on by a bobcat. he took pics. it has claw/tear makes on the belly and the genitals were eaten off. he has pics of a cat brurying a deer (covering it up with leaves). his property is down south farther.
I hunt washington co. and there was a notice in the local paper about reporting big cat sightings.
I have never really thought of carrying a pistol with me (extra weight and scent) cause of the laws. but now that i think about it, honestly what would a judge say if your on trial for killing a cat with your pistol that had you pinned on the ground? if he would convict you then he should have a cat turned loose on him while you stand there watching saying "sorrywe can'tkill that cat for it's protected by law, i'm afraid you're just gonna have to take it like a man and be the kitty cats lunch."
i do know of a few CPO's that would wright you for having a pistol with you even if you did have to use it for defence.
there's also the rumer of cats being radio chipped. so if you shoot one and it's found dead on you land your screwed, or at least have some explaining to do.
it's also like when you're trailing a deer after hours. what if you happen to walk up to it and it's still alive? there's nothing you can do, it's after shooting time. you supposed to let the deer suffer? can't really shoot a bow in the dark, then if you use a light to see your pins then you're shinning game and shooting after hours. can't use a gun. Knife? is that legal? i have used a log and I've also stood there and watched one walk away that was only a few feet in front of me. ethics, morels and laws don't mix.