Tracking Bobcats

The rugged terrain and varied habitats of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico have long attracted bobcat hunters, especially among ranchers who considered bobcats a threat to their livestock. In certain parts of the United States, bobcat hunts are not only fun but necessary as part of larger predator control measures that also target coyotes and mountain lions.

Bobcats are solitary and secretive, often making tracking a challenge. Their preferred range includes thick cover—think dense underbrush, swamps, and rocky terrain. For Kopfjäger users, a tripod-mounted spotting scope or binocular setup is invaluable in scouting these challenging landscapes. Here are some tips for better tracking:

- Focus on Edges: Bobcats prefer “edge” habitats where two ecosystems meet, such as the transition between a forest and an open field. These locations are prime hunting grounds for bobcats, who prey on rabbits, small mammals, and birds.

- Follow Water Sources: Bobcats will often prowl around streams, ponds, and other water sources. Use your tripod setup at high points overlooking water to spot bobcats moving along trails.

- Look for Claw Marks and Prints: Bobcat tracks are smaller than those of other predators, with retractable claws often leaving no nail marks. Their prints are round with four distinct toes, so look for them on soft ground near trails and water bodies.

Habitat Preferences

Bobcats occupy varied environments across the U.S., from Southern swamps to Northern mountains. They prefer dense underbrush for hiding and stalking, especially where food is abundant.

- Ideal Setups: Set up a Kopfjäger tripod in a location that provides a wide field of view over likely pathways. The stability of a tripod allows for quick adjustments as bobcats can change direction unexpectedly.

- High Points with Cover: Bobcats are ambush predators and prefer to stay hidden. Position yourself behind brush or cover, and use the tripod to keep your setup steady for long periods as you wait for movement.

Reading Bobcat Sign

Understanding how to read the signs left behind by bobcats can significantly boost your success rate. Here’s how to interpret the most common indicators:

- Scat and Scent Marking: Bobcats are territorial, and they leave scat in visible locations, often near a pile of leaves or on raised ground. The scat is tubular and often contains hair and bones. Use binoculars on a Kopfjäger tripod to scan for these from a distance.

- Scratches on Trees: Bobcats often scratch trees to mark territory, especially around the base. Look for fresh, vertical scratches and nearby prints, as this may indicate a regularly patrolled territory.

- Beds and Fur Remains: Bobcats make resting beds by flattening brush or tall grass. If you find a disturbed patch with some fur, it could indicate a recent bed.

Shooting Stability

Like many large, quick moving animals, shooting bobcats requires precision. The combination of a Kopfjäger tripod and quality optics improves accuracy. Bobcats are prized for their hides, and poorly placed shots on their small, compact bodies can lead to damaging the pelt. The best places to shoot a bobcat are in the head (which will not affect the pelt in the least bit) in the chest, where the heart or lungs are located. Aim just behind the shoulder, slightly below the midline of the body. This shot placement leads to rapid blood loss, generally causing the bobcat to drop quickly.

- Stable Rest for Long Shots: Bobcats are sensitive to movement, so the more stable your position, the better. With a tripod like the K700, you can lock in your aim on a particular location while remaining hands-free, helping you avoid spooking your target.

- Ideal Caliber: Aim for smaller calibers, such as .223 or .22-250, to avoid excessive damage if you’re looking to preserve the pelt. Having your rifle secure in a Reaper Grip allows you to focus on shot placement rather than stability, which can be tricky with smaller targets.

- Low Light Advantage: Bobcats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. A thermal or night-vision attachment mounted on a tripod with a reliable shooting rest can make all the difference in identifying and shooting with clarity in low-light conditions.

Calling Techniques

Calls can be highly effective when done correctly, though patience is critical. Bobcats are drawn to high-pitched, distress sounds but take time to approach.

- Start with Small Game Calls: High-pitched rabbit or bird distress calls often work well. Begin with low volume, gradually increasing to mimic the sound of struggling prey.

- Use a Combination of Calls: Some hunters alternate between a prey call and the sound of a bobcat itself. This simulates a territorial intruder, drawing in curious or defensive cats. Position your caller about 20-30 yards away from you, and use the tripod to maintain a steady aim.

- Stay Still and Patient: Bobcats are known to circle calls, approaching cautiously. Avoid moving and maintain your aim on likely approaches, such as game trails or open edges.

Bobcat hunting demands patience, skill, and the right equipment. Using a Kopfjäger tripod improves your success rate, from tracking and observing signs to holding a steady aim on an unpredictable quarry. With these tips, you’ll have a better chance of sighting and bagging this elusive predator. Good luck, and happy hunting!

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