Introduction to Bobcat Hunting
Bobcat hunting is a popular form of predator hunting that requires skill, strategy, and the right equipment, including a reliable shotgun. Understanding the behavior, habitat, and patterns of bobcats is crucial for increasing your chances of a successful hunt. These elusive predators are known for their cautious nature, making it essential to use decoys and calls to lure them in.
A 20-gauge shotgun is a popular choice for bobcat hunting, offering a good balance between power and maneuverability, especially in thick cover. The effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun for bobcat hunting is typically up to 60 yards, making it ideal for close-range shots. When selecting ammunition, lead BBs or steel shot can be used, but it’s crucial to choose the right shot size and load to minimize pelt damage.
Patterning your shotgun with different shot loads and chokes is essential to ensure that the BBs hit the target effectively at 30 yards. This preparation can make a significant difference in your success rate. Additionally, using fiber optic sights or a full choke can improve accuracy and effectiveness when hunting bobcats at close range.
Considering the terrain and vegetation is also important, as bobcats often inhabit areas with dense thickets and underbrush. In such environments, a shotgun with a shorter barrel can be more practical, allowing for quicker handling and better maneuverability. By understanding the habits and habitats of bobcats and using the right equipment and techniques, hunters can increase their chances of a successful and humane hunt.
Choosing the Right Gauge for Predator Control
Bobcat hunting with a shotgun is a fast-paced, close-range pursuit that requires a gun capable of quick handling and delivering tight patterns. BB loads in 3-inch heavy magnum shotshells are particularly effective for predator hunting, providing excellent performance and impact for targeting coyotes.
Whether you’re calling them into thick cover or catching one crossing through brush, your choice of gauge can make a real difference in success. The effectiveness of BB size shot for hunting bobcats cannot be overstated, as it provides the necessary impact for a clean kill. Shotguns offer the advantage of spreading shot to compensate for sudden movement and tight shooting lanes, but pattern density and range vary with gauge and load selection. Choosing the right shotgun shells is crucial for quick shots in dense terrain during predator calling scenarios. Matching the right shotgun gauge to your terrain and calling setup is essential for effective predator hunting, and selecting the appropriate size shot can significantly impact your success in different hunting scenarios.
Shotgun Performance
The performance of a shotgun is critical when hunting predators, as it can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. A shotgun’s effectiveness is determined by its ability to deliver a consistent and accurate pattern of shot, making it essential to choose the right choke and shot size.
The 12-gauge shotgun is a popular choice for predator hunting, offering a wide range of shot loads and chokes to suit different hunting situations. Its versatility and stopping power make it a reliable option for various terrains and ranges. On the other hand, the 20-gauge shotgun is also favored, particularly for hunting smaller predators like bobcats, due to its lighter recoil and easier handling.
When choosing a shotgun for predator hunting, it’s essential to consider factors such as recoil, accuracy, and reliability, as well as the type of terrain and vegetation you’ll be hunting in. A shotgun with a ported barrel or a recoil-reducing system can help minimize recoil and improve accuracy, making it easier to take quick follow-up shots.
The use of turkey loads or dead coyote loads can be effective for hunting predators, as they offer a dense pattern of shot and a high velocity, making them ideal for close-range shots. It’s essential to test different shot loads and chokes to find the one that works best for your shotgun and hunting style, taking into account factors such as range, shot size, and pelt damage.
A shotgun’s performance can also be affected by the type of ammunition used, with steel shot or lead shot offering different advantages and disadvantages, such as penetration and expansion. By understanding the performance characteristics of your shotgun and choosing the right ammunition and choke, you can improve your chances of a successful hunt and make the most of your time in the field.
The 12 Gauge: Reliable and Hard-Hitting
The 12 gauge remains the top choice for bobcat hunting due to its flexibility and stopping power. Certain shot sizes can lead to quicker drops of predators, making the selection of the right ammunition crucial for a successful hunt. It offers a wide range of shell and shot options, allowing hunters to fine-tune their setup depending on the terrain and range. Common loads for bobcats include copper-plated BBs, #1, or #4 buckshot. These provide the pellet count and energy necessary to bring down a bobcat cleanly, especially in brushy or broken terrain. The 12 gauge is especially useful when calling in areas where visibility is limited, and fast, accurate shots are critical. The importance of the trigger mechanism in quick handling and effective shooting cannot be overstated, as it can lead to immediate outcomes in high-pressure situations.
The 20 Gauge: Lightweight and Efficient
For hunters who prefer a lighter shotgun or anticipate long walks between calling stands, the 20 gauge offers a capable alternative. Aiming accurately at a predator's head is crucial, especially when using a shotgun, as proper alignment with optics can make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. With modern loads, the 20 gauge can still deliver tight patterns and solid penetration at typical bobcat hunting ranges. Paired with a modified or full choke and quality buckshot, the 20 gauge performs well in areas where quick handling and less recoil are a priority. It’s a smart choice for younger hunters or those hunting smaller terrain patches where ranges are consistently close. While smaller shot may effectively take down smaller predators like coyotes, it would not be sufficient to slow down larger animals such as bears, which require more powerful ammunition to ensure a successful hunt.
The .410 and 28 Gauge: More Challenge, Less Forgiveness
While not typically recommended for bobcat hunting, the .410 and 28 gauge can be used by experienced hunters under very controlled circumstances, especially when targeting a cat like a bobcat. Tracking and shooting various predators, including bobcats, present significant challenges due to their elusive nature and the need for precise shot placement.
The limited pellet count and lighter payload mean shot placement must be perfect, and range must be kept very close. These gauges are not ideal for general bobcat hunting, especially in unpredictable setups or brushy terrain where quick, accurate follow-up shots might be needed. They may have a place for those looking for an added challenge or in situations where only a very lightweight firearm can be carried.
Matching Gauge to Terrain and Hunting Style
If you’re calling bobcats in open fields with long shooting lanes, a 12 gauge with a tight choke and heavy load will help reach out and maintain pattern density. Optimizing your shotgun, ammo, and choke tube is crucial for effectiveness in the field. In tighter areas like creek bottoms, thickets, or pine stands, a 20 gauge offers quicker handling and reduced weight without giving up too much performance. Dense terrain with poor visibility puts a premium on maneuverability and speed, which makes the lighter gauges more appealing but also more limiting. Your terrain and how you hunt should guide your gauge choice, as wary predators often circle decoys to assess their situation, requiring hunters to remain downwind and concealed.
Effective Hunting Strategies for Predator Hunting
Effective hunting strategies for predator hunting involve a combination of skill, knowledge, and the right equipment, including a reliable shotgun and a good understanding of the terrain and vegetation. One of the most critical factors in predator hunting is understanding the behavior and patterns of your target species, such as coyotes or bobcats, and using this knowledge to your advantage.
The use of decoys and calls can be an effective way to lure predators into range, making it essential to choose the right type of decoy and call for the species you’re hunting. Hunting in areas with thick cover or dense vegetation can be effective, as predators often feel more secure in these areas. In such environments, a shotgun with a shorter barrel and a wider choke can be more practical, allowing for quicker handling and better maneuverability.
It’s essential to be patient and stealthy when hunting predators, as they are often cautious and elusive. Using concealment and camouflage can help you get close to your target without being detected. The use of fiber optic sights or a scope can improve accuracy and effectiveness when hunting predators, particularly at longer ranges, making it essential to choose the right type of sight for your shotgun and hunting style.
A well-planned hunt can make all the difference in success. Consider factors such as wind direction, terrain, and the time of day, as well as the type of ammunition and choke to use. It’s also essential to consider the ethical implications of predator hunting and to ensure that you’re hunting in a responsible and sustainable way, making sure to follow all local regulations and guidelines.
By combining the right equipment, knowledge, and strategies, hunters can increase their chances of a successful and humane hunt, while also helping to manage predator populations and maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem. Effective hunting strategies for predator hunting require a combination of skill, knowledge, and experience, as well as a deep respect for the animals being hunted and the environment in which they live.
Making Every Shot Count
Shot placement is always critical with bobcats. Hunters might encounter various types of game such as coyotes, bears, and boars, requiring appropriate ammunition to effectively take down these animals. These animals are tough and quick, and a poorly placed shot can lead to a long track or a lost predator, especially considering the challenges hunters face with different types of animal fur that can absorb a significant amount of blood. Blood from wounded animals can often be absorbed by fur before reaching the ground, making it difficult to see blood trails after a shot. Pattern your shotgun with your chosen load and choke combination well before the season starts. Understand your effective range and stay disciplined about taking only ethical shots. Whether you go with a 12 gauge for maximum coverage or a 20 gauge for lightweight ease, the best shotgun for bobcat hunting is the one you shoot confidently and consistently.
FAQs
What is the best shotgun gauge for bobcat hunting?
The 12 gauge is the most popular choice due to its power, pellet count, and versatility in various terrain types. Specific shotguns and ammunition types are also highly effective for capturing more coyotes, as they offer the necessary power and precision for these intelligent and adaptable predators.
Can a 20 gauge be used for bobcats?
Yes, a 20 gauge with proper buckshot loads and choke selection is effective at close to moderate ranges. Shotguns are particularly effective in hunting predators such as coyotes, often referred to as 'dogs' in hunting contexts, due to their shooting capabilities in dense brush and the quick responses needed when dealing with these smart and cautious animals.
Are .410 or 28 gauge shotguns good for bobcat hunting?
They can work at very close ranges, but they are not ideal due to their limited pellet count and energy. In a hunting scenario, a bobcat staring a hole through me creates a moment of intense focus and tension. They require precise shooting and close encounters.
What shot size is recommended for bobcats?
Shot sizes like BB, #1, or #4 buckshot are commonly used for their balance of penetration and pattern density. The importance of specific shell types, such as 3" Dead Coyote T-Shot shells and 2-¾" #4 Buckshot, cannot be overstated for effective coyote and bobcat hunting, especially in challenging environments.
Should I use a full choke for bobcat hunting?
Yes, a full choke helps maintain a tighter pattern at range, increasing your odds of a clean hit in unpredictable terrain.