Bobcat

Tennessee Big John · #1 11-01-2009, 02:53 PM

I would like some help on trapping a bobcat. First is what size trap do I need. What do I need to use for bait. I have had 2 different ones come to my trail cam. Where should I put the trap. How do I conceal it. I have never tried to trap anything before. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

erwin1 · #2 11-01-2009, 10:40 PM

Bobcats are pretty easy to catch If you know anyone who traps around you have them show you a basic dirt hole set If you dont know anyone check out swamptalk the address is on here in another post They are really creatures of habit if your pics are on the same camera thats probably a good spot Any roads thru the woods or connecting roads in between fields or especially old logging roads The main difference between cats and canines is they mostly hunt by sight instead of scent so you need to use something to catch their eye We use chicken feathers but any feathers will work You can take a wing and hang it up over the set and put a few on the ground around the set I caught 4 last year (had to release 2 because trapping them went out end of jan) Dont remember exactly what they were all caught on but we generally use sardines chicken parts rabbit guts and peices and almost always add an egg for eye appeal and crack the egg on the top so some of the inside runs down into the dirt so if for some reason(frozen trap etc) the trap doesnt go off imediately they will dig after the egg in the dirt and make them stay around longer I am sure there are a lot of other ways to catch cats this is just what works for us Good luck hope i helped Oh yeah i forgot we use #2 coilsprings for traps

BGTURKEYHUNTER · #3 11-02-2009, 05:34 AM

How do you release a bobcat from a trap??

RutNBuck · #4 11-02-2009, 08:45 AM

thats a good question
my guess is you pet it really gently and make it turn over on its back while your rubbing its tummy you gently slip the trap off its foot then rub it over and over to sooth the kitty pains then rub its head and feed it some kitty food ...HAHA no such chance

my guess is you have to have one of them poles with a cable loop to hopefully pin him down while someone else removes the trap

i guess that where theres where that phrase started U let the cat out of the bag

GSPonGrouse · #5 11-02-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erwin1

Bobcats are pretty easy to catch If you know anyone who traps around you have them show you a basic dirt hole set If you dont know anyone check out swamptalk the address is on here in another post They are really creatures of habit if your pics are on the same camera thats probably a good spot Any roads thru the woods or connecting roads in between fields or especially old logging roads The main difference between cats and canines is they mostly hunt by sight instead of scent so you need to use something to catch their eye We use chicken feathers but any feathers will work You can take a wing and hang it up over the set and put a few on the ground around the set I caught 4 last year (had to release 2 because trapping them went out end of jan) Dont remember exactly what they were all caught on but we generally use sardines chicken parts rabbit guts and peices and almost always add an egg for eye appeal and crack the egg on the top so some of the inside runs down into the dirt so if for some reason(frozen trap etc) the trap doesnt go off imediately they will dig after the egg in the dirt and make them stay around longer I am sure there are a lot of other ways to catch cats this is just what works for us Good luck hope i helped Oh yeah i forgot we use #2 coilsprings for traps

Erwin I didn't know that you trapped we need to talk I caught 3 myself last year. I pulled all my sets on the last day of cat trapping season because I didn't want to have to let 1 out.LOL
As far as catching them. I use single dirt whole sets for the most part. I did catch 1 in a custom made box trap. I use a Turkey feather on fishing line w/ a swivel as a visual attractant. I use traps ranging in size from #1.5 to #2 coil springs. I use lures made and sold through trapping supply companies for the most part. I did catch 1 using a old goose carcass in a Cubby set.
I agree with Erwin it is hard to tell someone how to make a good set. If you can find some one who can show you some of the basics it will go along way. Or look at the sites set up specifically for that subject. Depending on your location I would be glad to help out sometime but last year was my first real effort into running a line,before that it was just a trap or 2 for no more than a weekend.
It is the most addictive thing I have done, its like christmas morning everymorning going to check the line.

erwin1 · #6 11-02-2009, 09:41 PM

I definitely agree with you on it being like christmas Once it gets in your blood it will be your number 1 hobby Get in touch gsp and we will talk some As far as letting one go you put a release pole on them choke them down step on trap and let him go once he gets his air back he will be more than glad to go the other way