Bobcat
The elusive feline of North America
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) presents one of predator hunting's greatest challenges. These adaptable wildcats require patience, stealth, and precise calling techniques to successfully harvest.
Continuous Calling
Unlike coyotes, bobcats require constant, busy sounds. Run calls continuously for 30-40 minutes—cats lose interest during silence.
Stealth Approach
Bobcats freeze to avoid detection. Rise slowly after sets—many cats observe you the entire time without being spotted.
Motion Decoys
Bobcats respond strongly to movement. Use remote-controlled motion decoys paired with electronic calls to keep cats committed.
Overview
Understanding North America's most elusive predator
Species Profile
- Scientific Name:Lynx rufus
- Male Weight:18-40 lbs
- Female Weight:14-25 lbs
- Body Length:32-40 inches
- Tail Length:4-6 inches
- Lifespan:10-12 years (wild)
Physical Characteristics
- • Tawny to grayish-brown fur with dark spots
- • White belly with black spots
- • Short "bobbed" tail with black tip on top only
- • Distinctive facial ruffs and ear tufts
- • Long whiskers for detecting prey
- • Shorter hind legs than Canada lynx
Distribution
- • Found in 47 US states
- • Most adaptable wildcat in North America
- • Southern Canada to central Mexico
- • Highest densities in Southwest, Southeast
- • Absent from Delaware (extirpated)
- • Expanding range in Midwest and Northeast
Habitat Preferences
- • Dense brush and heavy cover
- • Rocky outcrops and canyon edges
- • Creek bottoms and riparian areas
- • Edge habitats between forest and open
- • Brushy draws and thick understory
- • Surprisingly adaptable to suburban areas
Primary Prey
- • Cottontail and jackrabbits (primary)
- • Small rodents (mice, squirrels)
- • Birds (quail, pheasants, songbirds)
- • Small deer fawns (opportunistic)
- • Reptiles and amphibians
- • Occasional poultry when available
Bobcat vs Canada Lynx
- • Bobcat smaller on average
- • Bobcat has shorter ear tufts
- • Bobcat has smaller feet
- • Bobcat: black only on TOP of tail tip
- • Lynx: black all around tail tip
- • Different habitat preferences (verify ID!)
Seasons & Regulations
State-specific seasons and licensing requirements
Texas
- Season:Year-round
- Bag Limit:No limit
- License:Small Game
- Nonresident:Allowed
- Night Hunting:Permitted
- Fur Dealer:License required to sell
Colorado
- Season:Dec 1 - Feb 28
- Bag Limit:Unlimited
- License:Furbearer
- Nonresident:Allowed
- Pelt Sealing:Required within 5 days
- Note:Must present in person
California
- Season:Mid Oct - Feb
- Bag Limit:5 tags per year
- License:Hunting + Tags
- E-Calls:Check restrictions
- Night Hunting:Restricted areas
- Note:Verify current regs
Montana
- Season:Dec 1 - Feb 15
- Bag Limit:Varies by district
- License:Furbearer
- Nonresident:NOT Allowed
- Pelt Sealing:Required
- Note:Residents only
Nevada
- Season:Nov 1 - Feb 28
- Bag Limit:Unlimited
- License:Furbearer
- Nonresident:NOT Allowed
- Pelt Tagging:Required
- Note:Residents only
Washington/Oregon
- Classification:Furbearer
- Seasons:Liberal
- License:Furbearer required
- Nonresident:Allowed
- Note:Healthy populations
- Reporting:Check requirements
Important Regulatory Notes
- • Pelt Sealing: Many states require bobcat pelts to be sealed/tagged before sale or transport
- • CITES Compliance: Bobcats are CITES-listed; interstate/international transport requires documentation
- • Nonresident Restrictions: Montana and Nevada prohibit nonresident bobcat hunting
- • Verify Current Regulations: Always check state wildlife agency for current season dates and requirements
Hunting Techniques
Proven methods for calling and harvesting bobcats
Continuous Calling
- • Run calls continuously for 30-40 minutes
- • Cats lose interest during silent intervals
- • Switch sounds every 5 minutes to maintain interest
- • Use "busy" sounds that keep cats moving
- • Bird distress sounds work exceptionally well
- • Rabbit distress is a proven backup
Setup Selection
- • Set up IN brush, not overlooking it
- • Cover your back—cats approach from below
- • Hide your body outline completely
- • Near water sources and creek bottoms
- • Edge habitat between cover and open
- • Rocky outcrops and canyon rims
Motion Decoys
- • Bobcats are highly attracted to movement
- • Remote-controlled decoys essential
- • Place caller away from your position
- • Run decoy continuously with calling
- • If cat hangs up, try stopping decoy
- • Feather or fur spinners work well
Partner Hunting
- • One partner operates call/decoy
- • Shooter stays constantly ready
- • Reduces movement at critical moments
- • Extra eyes catch approaching cats
- • Communicate with subtle signals
- • Position partner to cover escape routes
Night Hunting (Where Legal)
- • Red lights don't alert cats
- • Light bars illuminate large areas
- • Thermal optics increasingly popular
- • Cats can be spotted 800+ yards
- • Cooler temperatures mean more activity
- • Check state regulations carefully
Tracking & Scouting
- • Scout after fresh snowfall for tracks
- • Drive logging roads slowly looking for sign
- • Look for claw marks on trees/stumps
- • 25-35 mile home range—cats move slowly
- • Trail cameras reveal travel patterns
- • When tracking, move with stealth
Equipment
Essential gear for successful bobcat hunting
Firearms
- • Rifle: .223, .22-250, .220 Swift
- • Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge for brush
- • Dual Carry: Rifle on sticks, shotgun handy
- • Fast-handling rifles for quick shots
- • Variable scopes 3-9x or 4-12x
- • Fur-friendly loads minimize pelt damage
Electronic Calls
- • Remote placement away from shooter
- • Quality speakers for realistic sound
- • Multiple sound libraries essential
- • Bird distress sounds (primary)
- • Rabbit distress (secondary)
- • Disguise caller in brush/grass
Motion Decoys
- • Remote-controlled critical for cats
- • Spinning feather/fur attractors
- • Mojo-style motion decoys
- • Place near caller for visual focus
- • Battery-powered for extended sets
- • Backup batteries essential
Optics
- • Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)
- • Scan continuously while calling
- • Thermal for night hunting (where legal)
- • Red hunting lights for night
- • Spotting scope for long-range scouting
- • Scope with illuminated reticle for low light
Camouflage & Concealment
- • Full camo head to toe
- • Face mask essential—cats see detail
- • Gloves prevent hand movement detection
- • Natural brush blinds or portable
- • Break up silhouette completely
- • Scent control (cats have keen noses)
Support Gear
- • Shooting sticks for rifle support
- • Comfortable seat pad for long sits
- • Insulated clothing for winter
- • GPS for marking productive spots
- • Game bags for transport
- • Sharp knife for field dressing
Preparation
Pre-hunt planning for success
Pre-Season Scouting
- • Identify suitable habitat in your area
- • Look for dense brush near water
- • Note rabbit populations (primary prey)
- • Check game camera footage
- • Mark potential setup locations
- • Plan multiple setups per hunt
Weather & Timing
- • Best after fresh snowfall for tracking
- • Cold, calm mornings productive
- • Overcast days extend activity
- • Cats more active in cooler temps
- • Late winter (breeding season) is prime
- • Avoid high winds—reduces calling effectiveness
Licensing Requirements
- • Furbearer license typically required
- • Some states require bobcat tags
- • Check nonresident restrictions
- • Understand pelt sealing requirements
- • CITES tags for interstate transport
- • Fur dealer license to sell pelts
Physical Preparation
- • Patience—sits last 30-40 minutes
- • Ability to remain motionless
- • Dress for extended cold exposure
- • Practice quick, quiet movements
- • Shooting practice from seated position
- • Know your equipment blindfolded
Land Access
- • Public land: BLM, National Forest, State
- • Private land permission essential
- • Ranchers often appreciate predator control
- • Know property boundaries
- • Carry proof of permission
- • Build relationships for long-term access
Equipment Prep
- • Test all electronic calls before season
- • Fresh batteries in all devices
- • Zero rifle for predator distances
- • Pattern shotgun with chosen loads
- • Test decoy operation
- • Organize pack for quick deployment
Pro Tips
Expert advice for consistent success
The Slow Exit
When ending a set, ALWAYS rise slowly and ready to shoot. Bobcats freeze to avoid detection—many hunters don't know a cat watched them the entire time. Stand up prepared for a quick shot at a darting target.
No Silent Intervals
Coyote hunters sequence calls with pauses. Bobcats require the opposite—continuous, busy sounds. Silence causes cats to stop, lose interest, or figure out the ruse. Keep sounds playing constantly throughout the 30-40 minute set.
Setup Differences
Coyote setups: open terrain with long sight lines. Bobcat setups: IN the brush with back covered. Cats approach from below through dense cover. You need to be hidden, not overlooking—a fundamentally different setup philosophy.
Dual Firearm Approach
Western hunters often carry rifle AND shotgun. Rifle goes on shooting sticks for distance shots; shotgun stays within reach for cats appearing suddenly in brush. This dual approach handles both scenarios without compromise.
Post-Snow Tracking
Fresh snowfall is gold for bobcat hunters. Drive logging roads and trails slowly, looking for fresh tracks. When you find sign, you know a cat is in the area—set up nearby. Cats have 25-35 mile home ranges but move with stealth.
Decoy Manipulation
If a cat approaches but hangs up, try shutting down the decoy. Sometimes the constant motion keeps them at distance. Killing the movement while maintaining calling can break a cat loose and bring them in that final distance.
The Bobcat Mindset
"Bobcats are not difficult to call IF you can find one." This wisdom from experienced predator hunters captures the essence of bobcat hunting. The challenge isn't making them respond—it's locating cats in your area and setting up properly. Scout thoroughly, find the sign, set up IN cover (not overlooking it), run continuous sounds with motion, and commit to full 30-40 minute sets. Patience and location trump technique with this elusive feline.
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