NY Bobcat?

YetiHunter

YetiHunter

New member
Anyone know what counties have the highest populations of cats in NY? I have always wanted to call in and shoot one, and figured I might as well start my quest now. Any info would be great...
Thanks,
-Nick
 
Well that's easy to figure out. First check the state game laws because you can't shoot bobcats in 1/2 of the state. Just parts of the northern zone and south east parts of the southern zone. You can't hunt them in the western half of the state at all. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/29475.html I hear that dutchess and putnam counties have good populations of them. They love cliffy areas so I would start in those areas first my self as that's how I shot my first one.
 
While Dutchess and Putnam counties may have a better population, it's going to be harder to find public hunting grounds - not impossible, but harder.

Might want to focus on Ulster, Greene, Schoharie or Delaware counties, which are all or partially in the open areas for bobcat and have a fair amount of state land.
 
The Taconic region has the highest populations, supposedly.

It also has a higher population of people too.

You think that would effect the numbers, but, it does not seem to be so.

I and others have argued this DEC info before elsewhere.

I have yet to call one in, or, even see one.

I have talked to deer hunters who have seen them in their outdoor excursions though.
 
Two years ago while turkey hunting on public land in Columbia County I heard a turkey "puck" a bunch of times.I closed the distance and eventually saw a small bobcat evidently stalking the turkey. I got withing 50 yards of the cat and watched it for 10 minutes before it walked off. Hint to myself: Try turkey sounds while predator hunting.
 
Originally Posted By: LittleTony Where ya located at Yeti??? Albany county has a good bunch. The population is definitely on the rise.
I am just east of Rochester...
 
Northern Dutchess and southern Columbia county have a good population. Seen and killed my first about 12 years ago during deer season with muzzleloader. Have seen 7 others since then all within 4 miles of where NY, Mass, and CT all meet. That is just while deer hunting or driving in the area. Missed one with bow. I'm new to callin so haven't called a cat yet. Very heavy yote population too. Called several but haven't connected yet.
 
What gets me is the DEC findings state there are more Bobcats in the Taconic region (which is from here and north up to about Albany) than in the Adirondacks.

I just really find that hard to believe..

The Dacks are prime cat territory and so much sparsely populated than here.

I would really think there would be more cats up that way away from humans.




 
Originally Posted By: nyhunter73Northern Dutchess and southern Columbia county have a good population. Seen and killed my first about 12 years ago during deer season with muzzleloader. Have seen 7 others since then all within 4 miles of where NY, Mass, and CT all meet. That is just while deer hunting or driving in the area. Missed one with bow. I'm new to callin so haven't called a cat yet. Very heavy yote population too. Called several but haven't connected yet.
Taconic State Park? I thought there is no small game hunting there...
 
Not on the state land. I used to live across boston corner rd on a farm just north of White House crossing and the landlord owned part of the property on the state land side. She has now sold it to the state. Moved to a farm down at the dutchess/columbia line on 22 and hunted that area until 2 years ago. Also hunted some propertys west of rt 22. That is where I seen and killed my first cat. Wish small game was allowed on Taconic State Park. Would be a predator hot spot. Wish I could still hunt most of those properties because they could be called off the state land.
 


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