While out this past weekend looking for the ever elusive bunny, got almost back to my pickup and a pickup rolls over the hill. I am back in the middle of nowhere. Gamewarden stopping by to say howdy. Shot the bull with him for probably 45 minutes. He said the area I was looking at was loaded with Bobcats. Do I just yelp on the dying rabbit distres call or is there a particular way to at least get to see one of these Bobcats? Never did ask to see my license either just drove off.First time that has happened.
bobcats take longer than yotes to respond. i move after 15-20 min for yotes (bow/rifle). Though they are illegal to take in IL, i have called in bobcats while hunting. Usually takes at least a full 30 min for them to respond. a decoy helps, nothing facny just a few feathers on a string and stick. keeps his attention of you. but with a gun you are always ready, bow you have to draw and wait for your shot. they are very skiddish lil critters and will spook easily.
i have called in 3 bobcats this year while deer hunting. 1 walked right under my treestand, but i had to let keep on going.
I like to use a squeeker for cats. I get the squeeze kind and take the reed assembly out and stick it in my mouth. I agree with a decoy any thing to keep there eyes off of you. If you want to learn to steel hunt watch a bob cat they are the masters, next to there big cousins...
good luck with them
Paul
High pitched sounds, rabbit, woodpecker distress, etc. I've had them come in before I've got the first sequence out, and had them take awhile. Just depends on the cat and how hungry they are.
Burnham Brothers B-1 Coon Call. The best bobcat call going. Makes the sounds of a crippled shore bird. You have to thrill your tongue against the roof of your mouth when you blow on it. Never called a coon in with it but have called dozens of bobcats in. Like P-drake said..they are slow to come in. Cautious, curious. I've had them stop 10 yards behind me and just sit there for 20 minutes watching me.
patience,patience and patience
I like the Haydel Government Hunter Cottontail. It has the rabbit in distress call on one end, and a squeeker on the other end. With bobcats I usually start out blowing pretty softly, gradually getting louder after a couple of minutes. After a couple of minutes of calling I shut it down and just wait. It can take quite a while for them to come in, so be patient. They WILL find you.
Went on my first Bobcat hunt, last month. It takes 4 yrs or so to get a tag here in WI. But anyway, we used a few hounds and what a thrill it was. I never did get my Cat, but heard the dogs in my head for days after.