Bobcat Hunting Tips

Bobcats populate almost all the contiguous states, but bobcat hunting can be hard unless done properly. It can also be one of the most exciting species to hunt, especially if you call bobcats in the dark. I’ll give you some tips for hunting bobcats, and hopefully you hunting this year will be successful after my bobcat hunting tips.

Hunt in a tree stand:
This is usually overlooked in bobcat hunting, but like deer hunting it provides several benefits. One is that you can see farther in a stand. This allows you to see the bobcat before it is too late and you spook him. This technique is even better when you use predator calling. The dying or injured rabbit call is arguably the most successful predator call. When properly used, any bobcats in hearing range should start sneaking up on you. Then the fun starts as predator faces predator. This is when the tree stand comes in handy. When the cover is thick you wouldn't be able to see the bobcat unless you’re in a tree stand.

Walk the Canyon:
If you have a canyon or large ravine where you hunt this tip is for you. Walk along the side of the canyon and watch the opposite side for movement. If you see something move, sit down and look at it through your binoculars or spotting scope. If it’s a bobcat you shoot or if needed use a predator call or stalk into closer range. Otherwise, you can keep walking along the canyon. This can be repeated on the other side of the canyon also.

Find the Den:
This is one of the best ways to hunt bobcats. Especially if you are trying to keep the population down. It's also good technique to use with bow hunting since it allows close access to the bobcat. First you need to find a bobcat den. Which can usually be done by scouting for bobcat activity. They usually create dens in caves, rock over hangings, or brush piles. Once you find a den that is currently being used, the hard work is over. All you need to do is set up outside of the den and either sit there quietly or provoke the bobcat out with a call. When the bobcat walks out, you can shoot it.

The Electronic Call:
This is one of the new techniques that in recent years have been growing in popularity. You can find a good electronic predator call (If it has a wireless controller, it will make life a little easier.) at Dick’s, Gander Mountain, Cabela’s, or any other hunting store. Once you have one, you set it up about 50-100 yards away in or behind a bush. You then find a spot to sit (this can be in a tree stand or outside a den). Every now and then you press the call and wait for a bobcat to show itself and you shoot. This technique usually requires a large bobcat population to be successful quickly, unless proper scouting is done.

Walk and Call:
This is one of the more common ways to hunt bobcats. You get yourself a predator call at one of the previously mentioned stores. Then you head out to bobcat area and set up in a spot where you can see clearly but it is hard to be seen. Then blow through the call every 10 minutes. If no bobcat shows itself in about 30 minutes of calling move about a quarter mile away and do the same thing. This is a good technique if the bobcat population is sparse as it gives you the ability to cover a large amount of land.

All of these techniques can be duplicated in the dark, except the canyon one. For the dark you should bring a strong headlamp and when you see the bobcat shine the light in its eyes. This should freeze the bobcat for long enough to get a shot off. (Check your state’s regulations to see if hunting at night and using a headlamp is legal.)

Bobcat hunting can be very rewarding and there is nothing dull about it especially when done at night. Hopefully this year can be a success with these tips. Happy Hunting!

For coyote hunting tips check out: Coyote Hunting Tips
For coyote calling tips check out: How to Call Coyotes