Introduction to Bobcat Hunting
Bobcat hunting is a cherished tradition in Michigan, offering two distinct seasons for enthusiasts to pursue these elusive predators. To hunt bobcats, individuals must obtain a fur harvester license, which also allows for the application or purchase of additional licenses, including for bear. Hunters must strictly adhere to the state’s regulations, including specific bag limits for bobcats and designated trapping seasons. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a crucial role in setting harvest limits to ensure sustainable bobcat populations, and hunters must comply with these guidelines to contribute to conservation efforts.
In northern Michigan, bobcat hunting is particularly popular, drawing many hunters to the dense woods and rugged terrain in search of these stealthy animals. Private landowners can also permit bobcat hunting on their property, providing additional opportunities for hunters to engage in this challenging pursuit. Whether on public lands or private property, the thrill of tracking and hunting bobcats in Michigan’s wild landscapes is an experience that many hunters eagerly anticipate each season.
Pre-Hunting Preparation
Pre-hunting preparation is essential for a successful and safe bobcat hunting experience in Michigan. Before heading out into the woods, hunters should ensure they have all the necessary gear and supplies. This includes a valid fur harvester license and a kill tag, which are crucial for legal hunting. Proper clothing and equipment for the season are also vital to withstand the harsh conditions of the Upper Peninsula. Being well-prepared not only increases the chances of a successful hunt but also ensures the safety and comfort of the hunters.
Essential Gear and Supplies
When preparing for a bobcat hunt, packing the right gear and supplies is crucial. Hunters should bring a reliable rifle or bow, along with sufficient ammunition. A tree stand or blind can provide a strategic advantage, allowing hunters to remain concealed and comfortable. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential to stay dry and warm during long hours in the field. Additionally, a first aid kit, a map and compass or GPS device, and a means of communication, such as a cell phone or two-way radio, are important for safety. Bringing a hunting buddy can also enhance the experience, providing an extra set of eyes and ears and ensuring safety in case of emergencies.
Scouting and Mapping the Area
Scouting and mapping the area before the hunt can significantly increase the chances of success. Hunters should look for areas with abundant food sources, such as rodent populations, and suitable cover, such as dense woods or rocky outcroppings. Identifying these potential bobcat habitats and patterns can help hunters plan their approach and set up in strategic locations. By thoroughly scouting the area and mapping out potential hunting spots, hunters can make the most of their time in the field and increase their chances of encountering a bobcat.
Why Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is Prime Bobcat Country
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers some of the most rugged and remote terrain for bobcat hunting east of the Mississippi. Dense cedar swamps, aspen stands, and snowy ridgelines give bobcats ideal winter habitat and give hunters plenty of opportunity to track, call, and ambush a wary predator. With low pressure and deep woods, success in the U.P. comes down to strategy, patience, and understanding the landscape. The Upper Peninsula has a higher density of bobcats, leading to more cats being observed in this region compared to other areas.
Understanding Bobcat Behavior
Bobcats are solitary and primarily nocturnal animals, making them a challenging quarry for hunters. These skilled climbers are often found in trees or rocky outcroppings, where they can easily observe their surroundings. Understanding bobcat behavior is essential for successful hunting, as it allows hunters to anticipate and prepare for potential encounters.
Bobcats are carnivores, with a diet that includes small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, squirrels, and birds. They play an important role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem by controlling the populations of these prey species, including the rodent population. In Michigan, bobcats are found in both the upper and lower peninsulas, with the upper peninsula boasting a larger population due to its vast, remote wilderness areas.
Hunters can employ various methods to hunt bobcats, including firearms, crossbows, and traps. However, it is crucial to follow the state’s regulations and guidelines to ensure ethical and legal hunting practices. Conservation is a key aspect of bobcat hunting, and hunters must work together with the DNR and other stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of bobcat populations in Michigan. Regulations are also important to protect endangered species while managing bobcat populations. By understanding bobcat behavior and adhering to conservation principles, hunters can contribute to the preservation of this remarkable species while enjoying the thrill of the hunt.
Reading Sign in Snow and Cover
Fresh snow in the Upper Peninsula reveals bobcat movement better than any other condition. Look for staggered, single file tracks often weaving through thick cover, brush edges, and beaver ponds. Tracks that linger or circle in a small area indicate hunting behavior. Focus on cuts between high ridges, lowland thickets, and edge cover near rabbit or squirrel activity. Sign near recent kills or fresh scat often means a bobcat is nearby. Experienced trappers often use these signs to locate and trap bobcats effectively. Identifying fresh tracks and signs can lead to a successful shot when hunting bobcats.
Timing Your Hunt for Best Results
Late December through February is the best time to pursue bobcats in the Upper Peninsula. Early mornings after a fresh snow provide the best chance to cut tracks. Bobcats in this region move slowly and deliberately, often working the same routes for days. Windy days reduce visibility and limit call effectiveness, so pick calm windows with cold temperatures and clear skies. Mid-morning to noon tends to bring the most movement. Some hunters also find success in the fall when bobcats are more active. Hunters must ensure they have the necessary licenses for their hunts and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Setting Up in Dense Timber
Choose a setup near travel corridors where thick cover meets more open ground. Old logging roads, overgrown trails, and creek bottoms make ideal ambush points. Set up with the wind in your face and your call positioned downwind and slightly off-center. Use natural shadows to break up your outline, and avoid sitting in open snow where your silhouette can give you away.
Calling Strategies for Northern Cats
Start your calling sequence with low-volume rodent or rabbit distress. In thick woods, bobcats will often slip in quietly and take their time. Mix in bird distress or fawn bleats if no action occurs after fifteen minutes. Keep stands going for at least forty-five minutes, watching the downwind side and scanning thick cover for movement. Motion decoys can help pull attention in heavy brush. Similar calling strategies can be effective for hunting other furbearers like coyote.
Gear for Deep Snow and Cold Days
Waterproof, insulated boots, quiet outerwear, and a properly secured firearm are essential for staying in the field. A flat-shooting rifle like a .223 or .22-250 is ideal for longer openings, while a shotgun with predator loads excels in the thick stuff. Binoculars help pick up movement in the shadows. Snowshoes or gaiters may be necessary after storms, and a small seat or pad keeps you dry and comfortable during long sits.
Hunting Alone or With a Partner
Solo hunting is common in the Upper Peninsula and works well when tracking cats on fresh snow. Pairs can be effective when one hunter watches a known approach while the other runs the call. Communication should be silent or minimal, and clear shooting lanes need to be established before starting the set. In the thick woods, it’s easy for bobcats to circle close without ever being seen. Hunters must carry their hunting licenses at all times while in the field.
Trapping Bobcats
Trapping bobcats can be an effective way to harvest these elusive animals, but it requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Hunters must ensure they have the necessary permits and follow all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to trap types, sizes, and placement. Trapping offers a different challenge compared to traditional hunting methods and can be particularly rewarding for those who master the techniques.
Techniques and Best Practices
Successful bobcat trapping involves using techniques and best practices that minimize the risk of injury to the animal and ensure a quick and humane kill. Trappers should use traps specifically designed for bobcats, such as foothold traps or conibear traps, and place them in areas with high bobcat activity. Baiting traps with meat or fish can attract bobcats to the trap, increasing the chances of a successful catch. It’s important to follow safe and responsible trapping practices, including checking traps regularly and handling animals with care. In northern Michigan, trappers can find abundant bobcat populations, while in the lower peninsula, hunters may need to search harder to find these elusive animals. By adhering to these techniques and best practices, trappers can help ensure a sustainable bobcat population and a successful trapping season.
Licensing and Legal Considerations
Bobcat hunting in Michigan requires a fur harvester license, and hunters must follow season dates, bag limits, and tagging requirements. Hunters must obtain a kill tag for each bobcat they harvest and follow the specific tagging requirements set by the state. Hunters can use one bobcat kill tag across all areas, while a second bobcat kill tag is restricted to specific public and private lands in Unit A. The Upper Peninsula has specific zones with varying quotas, so check current regulations before heading out. All harvested bobcats must be tagged and registered according to state rules. Additionally, those who trap bobcat must adhere to the regulations and requirements set forth by the state. Understanding the regulations for both hunting and trapping bobcats is crucial for compliance and conservation efforts.
A Classic Hunt in the Deep Woods
Hunting bobcats in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a quiet, focused pursuit. It’s about long walks in the snow, hours of stillness in cedar cover, and the sharp excitement when a cat finally slips into view. There are no shortcuts in this game—just persistence, woodsmanship, and an appreciation for the winter wilds. One reason many hunters are drawn to this pursuit is the deep appreciation for the solitude and challenge it offers. For those who enjoy solitude and subtle challenge, the U.P. is a perfect place to find it.
FAQs
When is the best time to hunt bobcats in Michigan?
Late December through February during calm, cold mornings with fresh snow for tracking.
Hunters should be aware that certain kill tags, such as those for bobcats, must be used before the end of October (Oct. 31).
Where should I look for bobcats?
Cedar swamps, aspen edges, logging roads, creek bottoms, and rabbit-rich areas with thick cover. Areas with beaver ponds and streams may also have otters, which can be an indicator of a healthy ecosystem where bobcats thrive. Additionally, areas with healthy populations of other species like foxes can also indicate good bobcat habitats.
What calls work best in the U.P.?
Rodent and rabbit distress to start, with bird or fawn bleats mixed in. Calls should be kept low and patient. Calling at night can also be effective, as bobcats are primarily nocturnal and may respond better during these hours. Additionally, calls used for bobcats can also be effective for hunting other furbearers like fox.
What firearms are ideal?
A .223 or .22-250 for longer shots; a 12 gauge with predator loads for thick timber encounters.
What licenses are required?
A Michigan fur harvester license is required, along with compliance with zone-specific tagging and registration rules. Hunters can buy licenses online, through mobile apps, or at authorized license agents.
How long should I stay on stand?
At least forty-five minutes. Staying on stand for extended periods requires skill and patience, as bobcats in dense cover often take their time approaching a call.