How Do I Call Up a Bobcat?

Bobcats are like the ultimate wildlife ninjas: silent, elusive, and often just out of sight. As much as they’re a coveted prize for hunters, they’re also an intriguing challenge to track down and call up.

Unlike other predators, bobcats don’t just roam around casually; they move with purpose and caution, making them a tough target for even the most seasoned hunters. But that’s where this guide comes in.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lure a bobcat out of hiding or attract its attention, you’re in the right place. This article will show you the ropes on how to successfully call up a bobcat, whether you’re preparing for a hunt or just curious about these elusive creatures. Ready to learn the tricks of the trade? Let’s dive into the art of bobcat calling.

Understanding Bobcat Behavior

Before you start calling a bobcat, it’s crucial to understand their behavior. Bobcats are solitary hunters, unlike coyotes or wolves that hunt in packs. This solitary nature means they are more cautious and deliberate when it comes to their movements. They tend to stay hidden in dense brush or elevated spots, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Bobcats are also incredibly territorial, if they feel threatened or invaded, they’ll avoid the area altogether. Another key aspect of bobcat behavior is their curiosity. While they may be skittish, they are also known to investigate unfamiliar sounds or disturbances.

This natural curiosity can be used to your advantage when calling them. The trick is to mimic prey distress calls or sounds that would naturally draw them in. Understanding their need to protect their territory while satisfying their curiosity will give you the edge when trying to call them out.

Effective Calling Techniques

Now that you understand bobcat behavior, let’s dive into the most effective techniques for calling them. Bobcats rely heavily on their keen sense of hearing and vision, so using sounds that mimic distressed prey is one of the most reliable methods.

Prey distress calls, such as the screams of a rabbit or the chirps of a bird in pain, are known to attract bobcats, as they sound like a potential meal. These high-pitched, frantic noises trigger the bobcat’s instinct to hunt.

However, it’s not just about what you call, but how you call. Bobcats are more likely to respond to continuous calls rather than short bursts. This means you’ll need to maintain a steady sequence of distress sounds, with minimal pauses, to keep their attention. It’s essential to avoid over-calling, though, if you make too much noise or too often, the bobcat may become suspicious and back off.

Start at a low volume and gradually increase it as you see or hear signs of the bobcat getting closer. This gradual escalation helps avoid overwhelming or scaring the animal off prematurely. By mastering these calling techniques, you’ll create a situation that mimics a real predator-prey encounter, leading the bobcat to your location.

Essential Gear for Calling Bobcats

To maximize your chances of calling in a bobcat, the right gear is key. Here’s a quick breakdown of the tools that can make all the difference:

• Electronic Callers
  • Devices like the FoxPro X-Wave or Primos Alpha Dog mimic realistic distress calls, drawing bobcats in from a distance.
  • Useful for skittish bobcats or when hunting in open areas.
• Motion Decoys
  • Simulate struggling prey to catch the bobcat’s attention.
  • Enhances the realism of your setup when paired with a distress call.
• Thermal Optics
  • Great for low-light conditions, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
  • Detect heat signatures, helping you spot bobcats without revealing your position.

With the right tools, you’ll create the ideal conditions to call in a bobcat successfully.

Day vs. Night Calling Strategies

When it comes to calling bobcats, timing can make all the difference. Bobcats are primarily crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk. However, they also hunt at night, so knowing when to call can significantly impact your success rate.

• Daytime Calling
  • Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch bobcats when they are actively hunting.
  • Bobcats tend to stay hidden during the full light of day, so the early and late hours provide an opportunity to catch them when they’re moving between hunting grounds.
• Nighttime Calling
  • Bobcats are more likely to be active at night, especially in low-light conditions.
  • When hunting after dark, it’s best to use red or green lights, which won’t disturb the bobcat’s night vision.
  • Stay motionless and be mindful of your wind direction to avoid spooking them.

Pro Tip: Whether you’re calling at dawn or night, always position yourself downwind to prevent your scent from giving you away. Bobcats have an exceptional sense of smell and will avoid areas they detect human odor.

By understanding the bobcat’s natural activity patterns and using the right approach for day or night, you’ll greatly improve your chances of attracting one.

Advanced Tactics for Seasoned Hunters

If you’re looking to take your bobcat calling to the next level, it’s time to dive into some advanced strategies that only seasoned hunters would know. These tactics require patience and precision, but with the right approach, you can seriously up your game.

• Mimicking Bobcat Sounds
  • During mating season, bobcats are more vocal. Try using bobcat vocalizations like growls or yowls, especially if you’re hunting during the spring.
  • Bobcats are naturally territorial, and these vocalizations can lure them in by triggering their instinct to defend their territory.
• Scouting for Active Areas
  • Successful bobcat hunting begins before you even start calling. Look for fresh tracks, scat, or signs of prey kills, these indicate an area where bobcats are active.
  • Pay close attention to rubbing posts, these are areas where bobcats mark their territory, signaling the presence of local predators.
• Patience is Key
  • Bobcats are cautious creatures and may take time to approach. Keep calling and remain still. Don’t move or make noise until you spot the bobcat within range.
  • Staying still for long periods can feel like a test of patience, but it’s crucial for staying undetected. Bobcats may take their time, but they’ll be more likely to approach if they don’t feel threatened.

Pro Tip: If you’ve called for a while without a response, don’t pack up and leave too early. Bobcats may be circling around, waiting for the perfect moment to approach. Patience will pay off. These advanced strategies, combined with your basic knowledge and gear, will give you the edge when calling bobcats into your area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned hunters can make a few missteps when calling bobcats. To help ensure your hunt goes smoothly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcalling
  • While it’s tempting to crank up the volume or keep calling repeatedly, overcalling can make a bobcat suspicious.
  • Bobcats are very cautious and can recognize when something’s not right. Keep your calls spaced out and maintain a steady rhythm, rather than calling too often.
• Poor Positioning
  • One of the biggest mistakes hunters make is being downwind or in the open. Bobcats have an excellent sense of smell, and they’ll quickly pick up on your scent if you’re not careful.
  • Make sure to position yourself upwind from where you expect the bobcat to approach, and use natural cover like trees or rocks to stay hidden.
• Premature Movement
  • When you finally spot a bobcat, the urge to move or adjust your position is strong, but premature movement can spook them before you get a shot.
  • Stay perfectly still and let the bobcat get closer. Even small movements can catch their attention, so be patient and let them approach.

Pro Tip: Keep your gear quiet and make sure your body movements are slow and deliberate. Bobcats are incredibly sensitive to sudden changes in their environment. Avoiding these mistakes will keep you in the game and give you the best chance of a successful call.

Mastering the Art of Calling Bobcats

In the world of predator calling, bobcats are one of the most challenging yet rewarding animals to attract. By understanding their behavior, using the right calling techniques, and investing in the proper gear, you’re already steps ahead.

With the knowledge of when and how to call, paired with patience and precision, you can increase your odds of drawing a bobcat into your sight. Remember, bobcat hunting is as much about skill as it is about strategy.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-timer, patience and persistence are your best friends. So, take the time to hone your calling techniques, use the right tools, and avoid the common mistakes that can derail your hunt. With practice, you’ll be ready to lure in these elusive creatures and truly master the art of bobcat calling.

Need Help with Bobcats?

If you’re dealing with bobcats on your property, our team at AAAC Wildlife Removal is here to help. We specialize in safe, humane bobcat removal and relocation. Contact us today! to get expert advice or schedule a wildlife inspection. Let’s take care of your bobcat concerns with professionalism and care.