bobcat trapping?

[coloradoultramag]

I have never traped bobcats but thought I might try it. I have read some of the post and learned a lot, but I have a few questions? I have to use live traps by the way. I was thinking I would try the feather on a string to help attract them, and I will put brush against the trap to hide the trap. Any tips would be appreciated.
1. What should I cover the metal bottom of the traps with besides dirt since everythings froze or is it necessary?
2.What lure should I use for bobcats?
3.We can not use wild bait in Colorado so I was thinking of trying cheap canned tuna, got any better Ideas?
4.Does the size of live trap matter that much as long as the cat can fit in it?

Thanks a bunch
Gabe

 

[Cyanide]

Coloradoultramag,

I am new here(first post), but I have lerked a lot. I have called for years, but am new to the trapping game. I am sure there are many others that are way more experieced than me, but I will tell you what I have done. I have trapped a dozen or so cats over the last 5 years in live traps and have learned the hard way on how NOT to trap Bobcats. I think that not having success can lead you to success and I think I am on the right track, at least it has worked for me!

The bottom of the trap is not all that big a deal compared to other things you can do. You can cover it with any dirt, snow, or anything that is native to the area. Really it is not that big a deal since 3 of the cats I have caught were with bare wire bottoms and no covering what so ever. It wont hurt, so if you can cover it as best you can.

There are several Cat lures out there, I have used several and with my minimal experience I cant tell much difference in any of em. Any cat lure should work fine, as far as I can tell?

Tuna will work, but you will catch allot of "trash" with it. Everything is attracted to tuna. I think your best bet is with a cat lure.

Most traps are 12" by 12" and they will work fine. There are bigger ones that may be better, but it is amazing at how tight a place a cat can fit. I have a couple of both and have caought in both, but I tend to like the bigger ones the most.

One thing that is important is to "brush" the trap in. Put any available native branches on the top and the sides. Also make a wedge type opening in from with branches as to steer the cats into the trap. A little flashy piece of pie pan, or any other shinny metal will also act as an attractor as well. Again it wont hurt.

Hope I helped a little, and that some more experieced guys will chime in to maybe give me some tips as well.

 

[ksboy2]

you'll need some sort of visual attractor......hang a feather or some fur or even some poly fill on a piece of string in the back of your trap... hang something about 4' off the ground that will swing in the breeze in above the setup... this will up your odds for cats as they are site hunters by nature.... ps... if you're in an area that has theft, visuals can be a drawback...