Going to Try For a Bobcat Need Advice

S

Stealth1959

New member
I'm going up to Moutain Home Texas next week on an axis doe hunt and the rancher says they have bobcats. I've been reading PM and collecting gear. I got a Savage 204 just for hunting bobcats and yotes. I also made a feather decoy on a dowel rod that looks pretty cool.

I see most of the pics are at night. Do I need hunt at night or early morning and late evening? Sorry if this is a stoopid question.

Ant tips would be appreciated! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowingsmilie.gif
 
Bobcats can be called anytime of day, though I think the first and last hour of sunlight are preferred.

Try some high pitched sounds, like bird or some rabbit in distress, be patient.

I've have way more coyotes come in to the call than cats. So, that's what I would expect. Being in a cat rich envionment will deffinately help.

Mine tended to sneak in, but most people I know say they just sort of show up.
 
Last edited:
There is no such thing as a stupid question. You see alot of night hunting pictures of cats, as your call ratio goes way up on predators at night, usually. But...that being said, you can call cats day or night. Mornings and evenings always seem best for calling, but don't let that stop you from calling all day. If there is a decent cat population, good chances you'll call some up. The trick is picking a stand that allows you to actually see the cat, yet giving them enough cover to feel comfortable coming in. I think guys call in alot more cats than they know...just never see them, as they don't usually come in with guns blazing like coyotes do. Their stealth, patience, and camoflauge makes them very hard to detect...even at mere yards away. That's another reason that night hunting is so effective...it's hard to hide those blazing eyes.

Good luck and keep us posted on your hunt.

Tony
 
Usually cats will take longer to come to a call. Where I rarely stay on a set more than 20 to 30 minutes for coyotes I'll call for 45 minutes or longer for bobcats. I usually won't call for them unless I've seen one or their tracks in the area. Not near as many cats as their are coyotes.
 
Stealth1959 - Don't let the smaller number of bobcats called in make you think they are smart.

Simply way less cats to call in.

I've called lots of cats here in Massachusetts, and they respond to the same calls coyotes do. No need for high pitched sounds, etc. As mentioned above early or late with nightime ranking #1.

I actually caution fellas not to over harvest, they are so easy to call-in.

The trick to hunting bobcats is simply having some around.

They do love a decoy also. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I hunt them at night 99% of the time, but if I couldn't call them at night, this is what I'd try to do:

1. Hunt morning and late afternoon.
2. Be as quiet as possible when getting set up, just like you would for deer, etc.
3. Call close (within 100-150 yards or so) to stock tanks, windmills, brush piles, brushy creeks or draws, etc.
4. Camo up as much as possible.
5. Call with the sun at your back.
6. Break up your outline against a bush, etc.
7. Keep your movement to an absolute minimum.
8. Don't worry about the wind direction.
9. Make high pitched busy sounds like a bird or rodent.
10. Call often. It's hard to call too much for a cat.
11. Stay on stand for 30 minutes.
12. If a cat comes in, try to coax him with lip squeaks.
13. If you have a shot, take it.
14. Last but not least, use a decoy and place it in an open area if possible.
15. Most important......HAVE FUN!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Take care and God Bless,

Rusty
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top