Ways to Catch a Bobcat
The bobcat is a shy and elusive animal. Bobcats primarily hunt at night with a focus on small game animals. You must first locate game rich areas and prepare traps to catch the cat. Bobcats may also be tracked and chased with dogs until they are isolated in a tree but they are difficult to catch in this manner. Bobcats are illegal to hunt in some areas but in many regions the animals have an open season with the right permit.
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Live Traps
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Live traps are effective for catching and relocating bobcats. The cage style traps use a spring loaded door that slams shut when the bobcat engages the floor plate inside of the trap. The live trap is most commonly used around the home to catch and relocate pests but it is also successfully used by fur trappers. Live traps may be placed in the open but they are more effective when concealed by natural materials. Baits also must be added to draw the bobcat into the trap.
Foothold Traps
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The foothold trap is a traditional tool used to capture a variety of fur-bearing animals. The trap is set in a small hole dug in the ground and covered with natural materials to conceal the presence. Bait is added and the trap springs shut on the leg of the animal when the bait is inspected. The foothold trap requires identification of regular trails used by predators. The trap is effective but the bobcat will suffer in the trap until you check the trap and kill the animal.
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Snares
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Snares are effective for catching bobcats and a properly set snare will quickly kill the animal. The snare does require expert skills in order to identify bobcat tracks, dens and trails. The snare is a thin wire or rope loop that captures the animal around the neck in a forced path of travel. Set the snare at choke points where the cat must travel through a narrow opening. Dens are ideal for snare traps but the trails leading into and away from the den is equally effective.
Baits
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Bobcat traps are baited with food sources and scent from other bobcats. Urine from another bobcat is effective for attracting a cat to your trap. The dominant cat will attempt to cover the urine scent and will subsequently enter the danger zone of your trap. Bobcats prey on small game animals like rodents, squirrels and rabbits. Bait your traps with a dead rabbit or squirrel to attract a bobcat.
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References
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