Got a few great questions private message. I'll answer here.
Bobcats ..... my bobcats are shot by chance when callin coyotes. If I noticed a common trait to areas I kill cats, its thick, usually around ponds with the brush holding pheasant, grouse, and rabbits. I have seen most cats night callin.
I don't sit in the woods when I call. Just stand at the base of a big Oak or Hemlock tree. I use a facemask, and gloves. I don't kneel, as it cuts my vision down and causes too much movement. I shoot offhand, either left or right. Do yourself a favor, practice shooting offhand, or semi offhand, maybe braced by your tree you lean against.
Yes, I prefer handcalls. Tweety is my favorite, but primos makes some good calls. Open reeds don't freeze in cold weather. The only custom calls I have are Tony Tebbee "furball", Cronk "Killer" and a super sweet closed reed made by Deathcard calls. All are great calls.
I do a good bit of Howling (Cronk) to start stands after Xmas. I know it works on occassion, as on of the best coyotes I ever killed came to a Howl only.
Howling doesn't seem to bother Bobcats and foxes around here, as I have killed both after howling.
Wind ... yup, I know you can have a coyote run right in with the wind, and if you read one of my first replies here, I state coyotes will give up the wind on occasion. Depending how hungry they are, and how well they are fooled? who knows? Doesn't happen too much to me though ..........
October/November are my most productive months.
