The first time I heard this sound was from a caged bobcat. It would not shut up. It just continually paced back and forth in her cage making this awful sound. I asked her owner what was wrong with her. He said "awe she is in heat, and when she is like that she will go for hours". He also told me a story about chasing a bobcat around in his yard the morning before trying to catch it. At the time he had lots of bobcats and assumed it was one of his. After chasing it a while he realized it wasn't his, checked his pens and sure enough it was a wild bobcat that he duduced had responded to her cries. A little light went off in my head and I attempted to try and mimic this sound. I did a pretty good job I guess as he commented that it sounded exactly like her. I filed this away in my head and had almost forgot about it. Then one night while calling we had a cat hang up and would not budge. It was back in some brush that wouldn't allow for a clean shot. On a whim I gave it a squall and low and behold he came. I thought this was pretty cool. Since that time I've used this sound quiet a bit using only my mouth. About three year ago I recorded the sound, put it on my FOXPRO and even sent it to them. I've called in lots of cats using this recording. I usually start out with a rabbit and then go to it after a few minutes if nothing shows up to the rabbit. Most of the cats that have responded have come within a couple of minutes of playing this sound but I did have one cat come in at about the ten minute mark. I have also recieved lots of other feedback from others that have had good success with my sound. Just ask Randy Watson or Curt Barrett what they think about it. This sound attracts both female and male bobcats and seems to do well all year but suspect it is at it's best during late January through March when most bobcats are bred. I have been using this sound (by mouth) for about 15 years or so and it has made the difference on stands many times. Just about a month ago Rod Haydel and I were hunting together and he watched through the view finder of my video camera as I squalled one to about 25-30 yards. I was alternating the squalling with lip squeeks. I would love to be able to show the video of this but Rod somehow forgot to hit the record button. So to answer your question. I would not hesitate to use it constantly or even mixed with a prey distress sound. The reason I say this is because the only real "bobcat in heat" I ever saw would not shut up. I've also seen and heard barn cats in heat though and they did much the same until they found a suiter. The sound that FOXPRO has is a good recording and has called in many cats for people, but the one I put on my CD is of a little better quality as I've learned a little more about recording sounds since then. Also you asked how they respond. Most have come at a fast walk but a couple have came sneaking in, in typical bobcat fashion. Hope this helps.
Byron
