Calling bobcats is a challenging and rewarding pursuit for experienced wildlife enthusiasts. It requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of bobcat behavior and ecology. This is not a beginner's activity, and attempting to call bobcats without proper knowledge and preparation can be dangerous and unethical. Always prioritize safety and respect for the animal.
Understanding Bobcat Behavior
Before attempting to call a bobcat, you need to understand their behavior. Bobcats are primarily solitary, crepuscular hunters, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Their vocalizations are varied, and understanding these calls is crucial to effective calling. They use a range of sounds, including meows, hisses, growls, and screams, depending on the situation. A female with kittens will have a different vocalization than a lone male defending its territory.
Key Factors Influencing Bobcat Response:
- Season: Calling success varies throughout the year. Breeding season (typically winter and early spring) may yield better results, as bobcats are more vocal and mobile during this time.
- Location: Choose areas with known bobcat activity, such as areas with abundant prey like rabbits and rodents. Avoid areas with human disturbance.
- Time of Day: Focus on dawn and dusk, as mentioned before.
- Wind: Wind direction is crucial. You need the wind to carry your calls towards the bobcat, not away from it.
- Scent: Bobcats rely heavily on scent. Avoid using strong perfumes or colognes that could mask or deter them.
Choosing the Right Calls
Several commercially available bobcat calls mimic various vocalizations, including distress calls of rabbits and other prey animals, as well as mating calls and territorial calls. Experimenting with different calls is key to finding what works best in your specific area. However, don't rely solely on electronic calls. Many experienced bobcat hunters utilize a combination of electronic calls and hand-made calls to simulate natural bobcat sounds more effectively.
Types of Bobcat Calls:
- Rabbit distress calls: These are often the most effective, as they simulate a potential food source.
- Kitten distress calls: This can elicit a response from a protective mother, but exercise extreme caution if you hear a response. Approaching a mother with kittens is exceptionally dangerous.
- Mating calls: These can attract a male bobcat during breeding season, but may also attract other males, leading to increased risks.
Ethical Considerations and Safety Precautions
Ethical hunting practices are paramount. Calling bobcats requires a deep respect for the animal and its environment. Only experienced hunters with appropriate licenses and permits should attempt to call bobcats. Always follow all relevant regulations and laws in your area.
Safety First:
- Never approach a bobcat directly. Maintain a safe distance at all times.
- Carry appropriate safety gear, including sturdy boots, camouflage clothing, and bear spray (although not specifically for bobcats, it is a useful deterrent for any wildlife encounter).
- Be aware of your surroundings. Bobcats can be elusive and unpredictable.
- Have a buddy system. Never go bobcat calling alone.
- Consider having a firearm for self-defense (only if legally permitted and you are a skilled and responsible firearm user). Use it only as a last resort if faced with an aggressive bobcat.
Conclusion
Calling bobcats is a challenging endeavor that demands considerable skill, knowledge, and respect for wildlife. Only experienced hunters with appropriate licensing and a deep understanding of bobcat behavior should attempt this activity. Always prioritize safety and ethical considerations. Remember, success is not guaranteed, and the primary goal should be responsible wildlife observation rather than necessarily encountering a bobcat. Approach this activity with caution and preparedness.
