Understanding Bobcats: The Elusive Hunter
Bobcat Characteristics
Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats, generally weighing between 15 and 40 pounds. Their appearance is distinctive: a mottled coat of brown, tan, and black spots provides excellent camouflage. Their name comes from their short, “bobbed” tail, a key identifying feature. They possess powerful legs for leaping and climbing, sharp claws for gripping, and keen senses of sight and hearing. They are primarily nocturnal, though they can be active during the day, especially in areas with less human activity.
Bobcat Vocalizations
Bobcat vocalizations are an important part of their communication. They don’t vocalize often, but when they do, those sounds are critical to calling them in. While not always obvious, listening to recorded bobcat sounds is essential. You’ll hear a variety of sounds, including caterwauling, which is a harsh, piercing wail, often used during the mating season. His-sing and growling indicate aggression or territorial defense. The young ones meow to seek attention. By learning to recognize these sounds, you can interpret the situation and select the appropriate calls.
Bobcat Habitat and Distribution
Knowing where bobcats live and the kinds of habitats they prefer is also vital. Bobcats are adaptable creatures, found across a wide range of environments, from dense forests and swamps to scrublands, deserts, and even suburban areas. They thrive in areas with cover, where they can ambush their prey. Look for areas with a diverse ecosystem, with a good population of prey animals. Consider scouting a day or two before calling to identify possible bobcat hotspots and areas that contain sign such as tracks and scat.
Essential Equipment and Gear: Setting the Stage
Call Selection
The choice of call is perhaps the most critical equipment decision. There are three main types: electronic calls, mouth-blown calls, and diaphragm calls. Electronic calls offer a wide range of pre-programmed sounds and are the easiest to use, but they require batteries and can be bulkier. Mouth-blown calls, like those used by experienced hunters, require practice but offer more control over the sound and volume. Diaphragm calls fit in the mouth and are very portable, allowing you to keep your hands free.
Camouflage and Concealment
Remaining concealed is crucial. Bobcats have excellent senses of sight, smell, and hearing. Good camouflage is essential, especially if you plan to hunt. Choose a pattern that matches your surroundings. Consider factors such as the terrain, vegetation, and time of year. Face paint, gloves, and a head covering are important to break up your silhouette.
Other Necessary Gear
Other essential gear includes a weapon (if you are hunting), a comfortable seat or blind, binoculars or a spotting scope, and safety equipment. A good pair of binoculars will help you spot movement, especially in dense cover. If you intend to hunt, choose a rifle, shotgun, or bow suitable for the bobcat. Always prioritize safety and practice safe firearm handling.
The Art of Calling: Strategies for Success
Scouting and Location
The first step is scouting. Look for areas with signs of bobcat activity, such as tracks, scat, and prey remains. Focus on areas with dense cover and a good population of small mammals, which makes the area appealing. Understand the wind direction. Position yourself downwind from where you expect the bobcat to approach. Wind is key to success because a bobcat can smell you coming from a mile away.
Calling Sequences and Sound Strategies
Calling sequences and sound strategies are critical. A typical sequence might start with a series of short, high-pitched distress calls, gradually increasing the volume and intensity. Then, allow for longer periods of silence between calling intervals. Use a range of different sounds and volume levels to simulate the authentic sounds of an animal in distress.
Stand Placement and Tactics
Consider your stand placement. Look for locations that offer good visibility but also provide cover. Setting up near a field edge, logging road, or forest clearing can improve your odds of seeing a bobcat. Never set up in an open area, without any cover nearby. Use natural features like brush piles, fallen logs, or thickets to help you remain hidden.
Patience and Persistence
Patience is the ultimate virtue when calling. Bobcats can be elusive. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on stand. It’s important to be patient. Don’t expect a bobcat to appear immediately. Typically, most bobcats will arrive within the first hour or two of calling. However, some might take longer. If you’re patient and persistent, you’ll improve your chances.
Safety and Ethical Considerations: Hunting Responsibly
Firearm Safety
If hunting, always practice safe gun handling. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you know your target and what’s beyond it. Always comply with all local and state hunting regulations. This includes obtaining the proper permits and licenses. Learn and adhere to all the regulations that govern hunting bobcats in your region.
Hunting Regulations
Always comply with all local and state hunting regulations. This includes obtaining the proper permits and licenses. Learn and adhere to all the regulations that govern hunting bobcats in your region.
Ethical Hunting Practices
As a hunter, strive for a quick and humane kill. Be respectful of the animal and its habitat. Practice good field care. Never hunt an animal that you are not willing to eat. If you are simply observing wildlife, keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Be mindful of your impact on the environment.
Wildlife Observation Ethics
If you are simply observing wildlife, keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Be mindful of your impact on the environment.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Success: Refining Your Technique
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is using the wrong sound or volume. Always start with a medium volume, and adjust as needed. A different type of call will work better in some locations. It’s also a mistake to give up too soon. It can take time for a bobcat to respond. Be patient.
Adapting to Different Conditions
Adaptability is key. Wind, weather, and time of day all affect bobcat behavior. Adjust your calling strategy accordingly. Call louder on a windy day. On a cold day, a bobcat may be less active, so you might need to call for longer. Try different sounds.
Advanced Techniques and Strategies
Consider advanced techniques like using decoys to create a more realistic scenario. A decoy, like a rabbit or bird, can attract a bobcat’s attention and hold it in the open, giving you a better chance of a shot.
Success Stories and Experiences
Don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes. Keep a log of your calling attempts, noting the date, location, time of day, weather, calling sequence, and any results. This will help you identify patterns and refine your technique.
Conclusion: The Thrill of the Call
Learning *how to call in a bobcat* is a rewarding endeavor, whether you’re a hunter seeking a challenging hunt or a wildlife enthusiast hoping to witness the beauty of these creatures in their natural habitat. The process demands respect for the animal, knowledge of its habits, and a mastery of the subtle art of calling.
By understanding bobcat behavior, choosing the right equipment, practicing effective calling techniques, and always prioritizing safety and ethics, you can significantly increase your chances of success. The patience required to call these creatures is always matched with the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of seeing a bobcat in person.
Remember, the journey of learning is an endless one. The more you practice and hone your skills, the more you will improve your effectiveness. Each experience will teach you something new about the bobcat, its behavior, and the art of attracting it. Happy calling!
