Predator Call

Rarely a day goes by that I do not hear, “I can call fox and an occasional coyote but I can’t seem to call a bobcat, what am I doing wrong?”  My usual response is, “I have never hunted with you, so how can I tell you what you are doing wrong?”  It is when I start questioning the hunter, that I generally find the answer. 

Bobcats are generally slow to respond to calls so you will have to call for a longer period of time. When bobcat hunting, I will call for a minimum of 30 minutes.  If I feel that it is a very good area, I may call for an hour.  Bobcats are slower to respond to calls for a couple of reasons.  One, cats tend to sneak up on their prey rather than rush it as a canine would.  Sneaking obviously requires more time to cover ground than does running.  Another reason that felines take longer to respond to calls is that they are easily distracted.  I have had the opportunity to observe bobcats responding to my distress sound in fairly open terrain.  If a rabbit, rat or other prey animal flushes in front of the bobcat, it will generally quit coming to me and it’s attention will be directed to the “new” prey.  For this reason, I feel it is a good idea to use busier sounds for bobcats.  The constant calling will help keep the cat’s attention directed to you.