Introduction to Maine Bobcat Hunting
Maine bobcat hunting is a thrilling and rewarding experience for hunters. The state’s vast wilderness, dense forests, and rugged terrain provide a perfect habitat for bobcats. To hunt bobcats in Maine, one needs to understand the behavior and habits of these solitary animals. Bobcat tracks, also known as cat tracks, can be identified by their four toes and lack of claw marks. Hunters can use hounds, such as Redbone hounds or English Big Game hounds, to track and tree bobcats. A good dog is essential for a successful hunt, and hunters should be prepared to invest time and effort into training and breeding dogs for cat hunting.
Northern Wilderness and Bobcat Habitat
Maine’s vast forests, snow-covered hillsides, and rugged terrain offer one of the most authentic bobcat hunting experiences in the Northeast. From the northern hardwoods to the spruce-fir ridges and cedar swamps, bobcats thrive in the thick cover that blankets much of the state. These solitary predators follow snowshoe hare and small game trails through clearcuts, beaver bogs, and overgrown logging roads, leaving subtle signs in their wake for hunters to follow. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the bobcat population, resulting in more cats available for hunting and creating a more dynamic hunting experience.
Understanding Bobcat Behavior
Bobcats are solitary animals that prefer undisturbed areas with thick brush and abundant prey, such as snowshoe hare and rabbits. They are skilled hunters and can climb trees to catch birds, such as turkeys. Bobcats are also known to feed on deer and other small mammals. To hunt bobcats, one needs to understand their behavior and habits, including their preferred habitats, hunting patterns, and breeding seasons. Paul Laney, a renowned cat hunter, emphasizes the importance of respecting the resource and not depleting the bobcat population. Hunters should be aware of the coyote population, as coyotes can compete with bobcats for food and habitat.
Snow Tracking in the Big Woods
Fresh snow is a bobcat hunter’s greatest ally in Maine. Tracks made overnight reveal where cats are moving, hunting, or bedding. Bobcat tracks are round, usually smaller than a housecat’s, and often show up along skid roads, stream edges, and alder-choked swales. Bobcats have relatively small feet, which can affect their mobility in deep snow. Tracks that zigzag through thick cover or double back suggest hunting behavior, while long, straight lines may indicate travel. Following these tracks quietly and patiently gives hunters the best chance at catching up with a cat within shooting range.
Bobcats often jump forward to leave distinct tracks, which can be crucial for hunters when using dogs to follow their trails.
Calling Setups in Dense Cover
Electronic calls are key tools for coaxing bobcats into view in Maine’s heavy timber. High-pitched rabbit or bird distress calls work well in the cold, quiet air. Stands should be set near fresh tracks or areas where cover opens slightly—cut edges, ridge saddles, or frozen creek crossings. Allow each calling session to last at least thirty minutes, as bobcats often approach cautiously, using every bit of cover to remain unseen. It is crucial to ensure that hounds do not make sounds until they are sure they've jumped a cat, as bobcats have keen senses and can easily hear any noise. During the breeding season, bobcat vocalizations can also help provoke a response.
Particular hound breeds are highly effective in tracking and treeing bobcats, thanks to their distinct characteristics and skills required for cat hunting.
Timing and Weather Considerations
January through February is prime time for bobcat hunting in Maine. Snow depth, temperature, and wind direction all influence success. Mornings after a night of light snow are ideal for finding fresh sign and setting up with confidence. Having good snow conditions significantly enhances the hunting experience, as it allows hunters to effectively track bobcats. On bitter cold days, cats may delay movement until late morning or midday when the sun warms southern slopes or sheltered hollows. Wind should always be in your favor when setting up, as bobcats often circle downwind of a call before committing.
Bobcats are primarily active during dawn and dusk, times when their prey is also likely to be active. This makes these periods particularly significant for hunting, as bobcats utilize their enhanced night vision to effectively hunt in low light conditions.
Preparing for a Hunt
To prepare for a Maine bobcat hunt, hunters should invest in good snowshoes, warm clothing, and a reliable dog. They should also study the terrain, learn to identify bobcat tracks, and understand the habits of these elusive animals. Hunters can use bait, such as rabbit or deer meat, to lure bobcats into an area. However, baiting can be ineffective if not done correctly, and hunters should be aware of the regulations regarding baiting in Maine. A good understanding of the terrain, including the location of thick brush, rocky outcroppings, and water sources, is essential for a successful hunt.
Gear for Snow Hunts
A scoped rifle chambered in .223 or .243 is ideal for clear shots across open hardwoods or clearcuts, while a shotgun with buckshot is better suited for the brushy thickets common in Maine’s lowlands. Snow camo, insulated waterproof boots, and quiet outerwear are essential for comfort and stealth. Protecting your feet in harsh conditions is crucial, so ensure your gear includes proper foot protection. A shooting rest, binoculars, electronic caller, and hand warmers round out a typical setup. Snowshoes may be necessary in deeper snow, especially in remote areas.
When it comes to hunting dogs, the dynamics and effectiveness of using either a single dog or a larger pack can significantly impact success.
Legal Regulations and Ethical Considerations
Bobcat hunting in Maine requires a valid hunting license and a bobcat permit. The season generally runs from mid-December through the end of February. Hunters must follow all tagging and reporting requirements and are encouraged to make ethical decisions when taking a shot. Ethical hunting practices are crucial to ensure that bobcats are killed humanely. Proper identification, minimizing pressure on localized populations, and respecting landowner rights are all part of maintaining healthy wildlife and hunting access.
Hunting bobcats can be challenging and potentially dangerous, especially during encounters between bobcats and hunting dogs, which can sometimes result in a kill.
Conservation and Management
The Maine bobcat population is managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). The department regulates the hunting and trapping of bobcats, and hunters are required to register their harvest and submit a tooth and tissue sample to determine the age and sex of the animal. Conservation efforts, such as habitat preservation and protection of prey species, are essential to maintaining a healthy bobcat population. Hunters can play a crucial role in conservation by reporting their sightings and harvests, and by supporting organizations that work to protect and preserve bobcat habitats. By working together, hunters, conservationists, and wildlife managers can ensure the long-term sustainability of Maine’s bobcat population.
Conclusion
Maine’s snowy forests provide a challenging and rewarding backdrop for bobcat hunting. With patience, tracking skill, and a good understanding of terrain and behavior, hunters can find success in some of the most beautiful and remote ground in the East. Whether tracking a lone set of prints or calling into a quiet glade, bobcat hunting in Maine is a test of grit and woodsmanship that’s hard to match. The exhilarating chase, involving the physical and skillful pursuit of these elusive animals, adds an unmatched thrill to the experience.
FAQs
Where should I look for bobcats in Maine?
Search for fresh tracks along logging roads, swamps, clearcut edges, and small drainages in thick timber.
What calls work best for bobcats in Maine?
Rabbit and bird distress calls are most effective, with bobcat vocalizations offering an edge during the breeding season. Observers should notice specific patterns in bobcat behavior, such as their tendency to hop onto logs, which can provide insights into their hunting strategies.
When is the best time to hunt bobcats in Maine?
Mid-January through February, especially mornings after a fresh snowfall and during warmer daytime hours. The hound's acute hearing plays a crucial role in locating and engaging bobcats during the hunt, making the experience even more thrilling.
What gear do I need for snow tracking bobcats?
A scoped rifle or shotgun, snow camo, snowshoes, electronic call, insulated gear, and quiet outerwear suited for deep winter conditions.
Are permits required to hunt bobcats in Maine?
Yes, a valid hunting license and a bobcat permit are required. Harvested animals must be tagged and reported per state regulations. Various techniques and strategies are employed when bobcats are hunted, including the use of dogs, which highlights the physical demands and skills required to effectively track and capture these elusive animals.