The bobcat (Lynx rufus), also known as the red lynx, is a medium-sized wild cat native to North America. Ranging from southern Canada through most of the contiguous United States to Oaxaca, Mexico, it is one of four existing species in the Lynx genus. With a wide distribution and large population, it has been classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2002, despite being extensively hunted and trapped. Populations have remained stable through wildlife management and sustainable hunting.

Distinctive black bars mark its forelegs and a stubby, black-tipped tail gives rise to its name. Adaptable predators, bobcats inhabit wooded areas, semideserts, urban edges, forest edges, and swamps, reaching up to 125 cm (50 in) in total length. Preferring rabbits and hares, bobcats also hunt insects, birds, small rodents, and deer, with prey selection dependent on location, habitat, season, and availability. Like most cats, they are largely solitary and territorial, using urine, feces, and claw marks to define boundaries. Breeding from winter into spring after a two-month gestation period, two bobcat subspecies are recognized, one east and one west of the Great Plains. Bobcats feature in indigenous peoples’ stories and folklore across the Americas.

Hunting

Hunting bobcats poses a thrilling challenge for hunters seeking clever, evasive prey. Renowned for stealth and adaptability, bobcats make formidable targets in the wild. Successfully pursuing these felines demands knowledge of their habitats, patience, and refined skills. For novice hunters, success lies in diligent scouting of known bobcat locations, thoroughly researching their behaviors, and mastering calls that draw bobcats within shooting range.

Using an electronic caller that intermittently mimics the distress calls of a bobcat’s prey is an effective way to attract them for predator hunting. When calling bobcats, it is crucial to use a variety of prey sounds, like rabbits or small rodents, and randomize the calling sequences. This maintains realism, as bobcats are intelligent and can detect unnatural patterns, causing them to become wary or lose interest. Experienced hunters suggest alternating electronic calls with periods of silence to increase the chances of luring in a bobcat while stalking during daylight hours.

To lure in bobcats, hunters can use decoys that mimic the movements of prey. Motion decoys that resemble coyotes or smaller animals attract the bobcat’s attention and draw it nearer by triggering its predatory instincts. For best results, set up the decoy where it is clearly visible and use prey sounds to enhance the realism of the decoy as tempting prey for the bobcat to pursue.

However, one of the most thrilling and successful ways to hunt these crafty critters is with hounds. Training dogs to catch bobcats is a time consuming effort. But participating in the pusuit with highly trained hounds is one of the funnest chases you’ll ever experience. It’s an endeavor as old as time itself but something every hunter needs to experience at least once in their life.

Check out what hunts are available below in our hunting directory