I've hunted coyotes for a few years with some success, but have never harvested a bobcat. They are becoming more numerous here in western Iowa and I saw a fairly decent one while deer hunting a couple of weeks ago. The rut is starting to wind down and I'm about ready to try for the cat. I hunt a rugged creek bottom with plenty of timber. The north side is cut corn with a bench terrace about 50 yards away. The south is a cut bean field with a bench terrace about 200 yards away. I've shot a lot of coyotes out of that creek but I don't worry about them crossing an open field. I think 50 yards is too close, and 200 is far enough away that I might not see him if he comes to the edge and sits down. If I opt for the bean field I'll camouflage the call with some weeds or something. Opinions?
Bucket list bobcat.
- Thread starter kam2
- Start date
Get close to where you think the cat is. Some knowledgeable cat dudes on this forum figure that if you're not within about 400 yards of the cat, it isn't coming. Stuff the caller down in a small bush where you can see it and use rodent and bird sounds. Keep a close eye on it, they're crafty buggers. 
Conventional wisdom says to be prepared for a long sit, but all of my (few) cats have come in less than 25 minutes.
Sniff around in this very forum (use the search function) for bobcat posts by GC, Snowman Mo, and a few others with way more cat experience than me.
Conventional wisdom says to be prepared for a long sit, but all of my (few) cats have come in less than 25 minutes.Sniff around in this very forum (use the search function) for bobcat posts by GC, Snowman Mo, and a few others with way more cat experience than me.
Spurchaser
Well-known member
If you have cats, hunt close to wherever the prey is. Down here next to creeks/drains or small planted pines that you can see through and under are cat hotspots. Heck, get out in the daylight and walk those areas looking for scat or tracks and come back and call those spots. Cats are easy to catch and call down here. In fact, they were so easy that e-callers weren’t allowed until last year, it was hand call only, lol.
I'd call along the creek bottom in the thick stuff. Cats like to use cover to come to the call if they can. I try to make them feel comfortable where they can feel hidden. Find a clear spot where you'll at least have some visibility and call from there. That's what I like to do.