Elusive Predators in the Plains
Nebraska might be known for its upland birds and whitetails, but tucked within its rolling hills, creek bottoms, and broken terrain lives one of the state’s most elusive wild animals—the bobcat. Hunting these brush cats is a challenge of patience, skill, and understanding how these solitary predators use their environment to catch a variety of prey. Bobcats are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments across the lower 48 states and bordering regions of Mexico and Canada. For hunters seeking a different kind of pursuit, bobcat season brings a new test of awareness and woodsmanship. Careful observation is crucial, as hunters must pay attention to any unusual movements or anomalies in the landscape to ensure a bobcat is noticed.
The bobcat’s elusive nature and nocturnal tendencies mean success depends on scouting, reading sign, and setting up with precision. These wild creatures are known for their stealth and elusive behavior, making the hunt even more challenging. It’s not a high-volume pursuit, but it is deeply rewarding when all the pieces come together and a shadowy figure steps into range.
Where to Find Nebraska Bobcats
Bobcats thrive in areas with a mix of cover and edge habitat. In Nebraska, that includes cedar thickets, CRP fields, river bottoms, and rugged bluffs where rabbits and rodents are plentiful. One notable physical characteristic of bobcats is their bobbed tail, which contributes to their overall appearance and naming. These cats rely on dense vegetation for stalking and resting but often move along game trails, fence lines, and dry creek beds when hunting. Bobcats primarily hunt cottontail rabbits, rodents, and birds, and their diet also includes ground squirrels. They occasionally hunt larger prey such as deer. Trees provide essential cover for bobcats, offering hiding spots and hunting grounds. Additionally, thick brush is crucial for their protection from predators and to ambush prey.
Look for tracks in sandy or muddy ground near water sources, scat along trail edges, and scratch marks on logs or posts. Bobcats are territorial and often use the same trails repeatedly, making cat sign a strong indicator of activity.
The western half of Nebraska holds higher bobcat numbers, but pockets of good habitat exist statewide. Focus on areas with limited human disturbance, a steady prey base, and a mix of open and covered terrain.
Calling and Setup Strategies
Predator calling is the most common and effective method for bobcat hunting. Electronic calls playing high-pitched distress sounds—especially those mimicking cottontails, rodents, or birds—can draw a bobcat in from surprisingly far distances. Rabbit distress calls are particularly effective for attracting bobcats. Mouth calls also work but require more skill and consistency. Bobcats are often called using predator calls, which require patience as they typically respond slowly and cautiously.
Calling cats involves understanding their behavior and preferred habitats. Techniques such as mimicking prey cries and cat calls, combined with strategic location and stealth, are crucial for successful bobcat hunting.
Bobcats respond more slowly than coyotes. While a coyote might come charging in within minutes, a bobcat may take thirty minutes or more to appear. Remain still, silent, and ready the entire time. Many missed opportunities come from hunters giving up too soon. Bobcats may sit and assess their surroundings before approaching, creating opportunities for hunters to spot and shoot them. The point of choosing specific hunting spots with favorable conditions is crucial for better success.
Set up with the wind in your favor, and choose a location with good visibility downwind and across cover edges. Bobcats often circle or creep in cautiously, so having a broad shooting lane and minimal movement is key. Use natural brush or a low-profile blind to break up your outline. Different sound types, such as various predator calls, can be effective in attracting bobcats, as they respond to a range of sounds regardless of their specific frequency.
Tracking and Stalking
While calling is effective, some hunters enjoy the slow, deliberate method of still-hunting or tracking in fresh snow. After a light snowfall, fresh tracks can reveal a cat’s movement pattern from the night before. Follow slowly, glassing ahead and paying attention to cover where a bobcat might bed or pause. Often, bobcats sat still, observing their surroundings with great patience. Bobcats can cover great distances when searching for food or mates, making it essential to set up calls within a reasonable range.
Stalking is most effective in areas with limited vegetation where you can see tracks clearly and scan large swaths of terrain. Mornings after a snowstorm are ideal. Patience, quiet steps, and a sharp eye can lead to close encounters. Successfully stalking and killing a bobcat requires skill and awareness of their stealthy nature. Bobcats walk softly, their cautious nature allowing them to evade detection by predators and hunters alike.
Gear and Firearm Choices
Rifles in the .17 to .223 range are ideal for bobcat hunting. They offer accuracy, low recoil, and minimal pelt damage when shot placement is precise. Shotguns with tight chokes and heavy small-game loads also work well for close cover setups where a quick shot with your gun may be needed. Areas known for deer hunting can also be good spots for bobcat hunting, as these locations often indicate favorable conditions for encountering bobcats.
Wear neutral or camo clothing to match the surroundings and reduce movement. A comfortable seat or cushion helps you stay motionless during long calling sessions. Electronic callers are highly effective in attracting bobcats by mimicking distressed prey sounds, allowing you to make less movement. Bring binoculars for scanning and a rangefinder if hunting open ground.
For night hunting, which is legal under Nebraska regulations with proper permits, ensure you have legal lighting systems or night-vision equipment. Proper lighting systems are crucial for night hunting to ensure safety and visibility. Always check the most up-to-date rules before heading out.
Tagging, Seasons, and Legal Considerations
Nebraska requires a fur harvest permit to hunt bobcats, and there are specific seasons and bag limits that can change from year to year. Hunters must also follow tagging and checking regulations if a bobcat is taken. In many cases, pelts must be tagged and sealed through the state’s system. Understanding the bobcat as a species is crucial for effective hunting and conservation efforts. It is also important to distinguish between legally harvested animals and endangered species to ensure proper management and protection.
Be sure to review the current Nebraska Game and Parks guidelines before each season. These regulations are designed to ensure sustainable harvests and protect breeding populations. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a significant species in Nebraska, known for its adaptability and role in the ecosystem. Sound management practices are essential to maintaining bobcat populations for future generations.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
Hunting bobcats in Nebraska is about more than numbers—it’s about solving the puzzle. It’s about studying tracks, understanding the terrain, calling with confidence, and sitting absolutely still while time stretches and anticipation builds. Patience is key, as the slow responsiveness of bobcats necessitates a patient approach from hunters while waiting for an opportunity to make a shot. These elusive kitties require careful observation and tactics to spot and hunt successfully.
Few things match the excitement of seeing a bobcat ease out of the brush, ears twitching, eyes locked, and moving like a ghost across the landscape. It’s a different kind of hunt—quiet, calculated, and full of reward when you finally outsmart one of the state’s most secretive predators. Bobcats must also avoid humans while hunting, adding another layer of challenge to their survival. Sometimes, luck also plays a role, with surprising outcomes and impressive captures when the right conditions are met.
FAQs
When is bobcat season in Nebraska?
Bobcat season generally runs from late fall through winter. Exact dates and regulations change annually and should be confirmed through Nebraska Game and Parks. Bobcats are found across the continent, extending from Mexico up to southern Canada, showcasing their adaptability to various environments.
What is the best time of day to hunt bobcats?
Early morning and late afternoon are best, especially during colder months when bobcats are more active during daylight.
Do I need a special permit to hunt bobcats?
Yes. A Nebraska fur harvest permit is required. Additional tagging and reporting requirements may apply if a bobcat is harvested.
Are electronic calls legal for bobcat hunting?
Yes, electronic calls are legal and effective for bobcats in Nebraska. They are especially useful for extended calling setups.
What kind of terrain should I focus on?
Look for habitats with thick cover near open ground—cedar groves, creek bottoms, CRP edges, and rough hillsides where small game is plentiful. Bobcats hunt various small mammals in these terrains, including cottontails, field mice, and ground squirrels. They also face competition from other predators like foxes and coyotes, which adds to the challenges of their survival strategies.