Why Nevada’s Wide-Open Spaces Are Ideal for Bobcat Hunts
Nevada’s high desert, sage flats, and rocky canyons offer some of the best open-country bobcat hunting in the West, with opportunities to call in more cats due to the solid cat population. With minimal hunting pressure in many regions and a solid cat population, the state gives hunters room to move, visibility for glassing, and endless opportunities to work calling stands in remote terrain. Winter conditions help highlight fresh sign, and cats respond well to calling when conditions align. Additionally, Nevada provides ample public land for hunting, offering hunters significant opportunities to pursue bobcats in accessible areas.
Tracking and Terrain Tactics
Bobcats in Nevada roam vast ground, following dry washes, rocky outcrops, and old two-track roads as they move between bedding areas and prey-rich pockets. A fresh cat track in snow or sand is easy to spot and can lead hunters to high-traffic corridors. Creek beds are also prime locations for finding bobcat tracks. Bobcats often walk in the tracks of other animals, so observing other tracks closely can help identify their presence. Look for trails that parallel canyon rims, skirt sagebrush flats, or funnel through narrow rock cuts. Scouting for tracks early in the morning after a light snowfall or dewy night can provide direction for your first stand of the day, especially if you’ve walked the area before.
When to Hunt and What to Watch
Winter months from December through February offer the best chance for calling success. Success can vary greatly, and sometimes it just doesn’t happen despite the best conditions. Hunters often spend a half hour or more at each stand to increase their chances of success. Cold mornings get bobcats moving, especially when small game is scarce. Early morning and late afternoon are key windows. Calm, clear days help carry sound across open country, and fresh snow or damp ground helps you read sign more clearly. Watch for long, weaving tracks, solitary trails, and signs near rabbit-heavy areas. Spend adequate time observing these tracks and signs to improve your chances of a successful hunt.
Calling Strategies for Big Country
Use distress calls that mimic cottontails, jackrabbits, or birds to attract attention when calling bobcats in open terrain. Calling coyotes can also attract bobcats, as both predators respond to similar distress calls. Both predators can be called using similar distress sounds. Start with moderate volume and increase slowly—sound travels far in dry air. Sit for at least forty-five minutes per stand, as bobcats often take their time crossing open ground. Decoys can help hold a cat’s attention when it pauses before committing. Position yourself with good back cover and visibility in multiple directions. Using a mouth call to mimic distress sounds can be particularly effective in drawing bobcats closer. The thrill of seeing a bobcat coming towards your stand is unmatched.
Smart Stand Placement
Find elevation if possible—rocky knolls, sagebrush mounds, or high desert benches all provide vantage points. Positioning yourself in the middle of dry creeks can provide excellent visibility and improve your chances of spotting a bobcat. Set up with the sun at your back and wind in your face, and avoid skylining your position. Place calls and decoys thirty to fifty yards out in clear openings or at the mouth of a wash where cats are likely to emerge. Using a motion decoy can help keep the bobcat’s attention focused on the decoy rather than on you. Plan for long, motionless sits, and scan the entire field for subtle movement.
Gear That Matches the Landscape
A flat-shooting rifle in .223, .204, or .22-250 is ideal for Nevada’s long shots and open visibility. While rifles are common, some hunters also use dogs to track and locate bobcats. As an alternative method, using traps can also be effective for capturing bobcats. Shooting sticks or bipods are essential for stability. Use glass frequently—binoculars help you pick up movement at distance, and a rangefinder can be handy when working canyon country. Wear layered, quiet clothing for cold mornings, and bring water, snacks, and navigation tools in remote areas. Strategic planning is crucial when using a trap, as bobcats exhibit different behaviors compared to other predators. Using trained hounds can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Hunting Alone or in Pairs
Solo hunting is effective and common in Nevada’s open terrain, as fewer scent and movement signals reduce pressure for a skilled hunter. Tracking the same cat over multiple days can be challenging but rewarding. Pairs can work well when splitting glassing and calling duties, or when watching both upwind and downwind routes. The thrill of having caught sight of a bobcat after a lengthy wait is unmatched. Silent hand signals and pre-set plans are crucial. Avoid overcalling or standing up early—patience pays off in these big spaces.
Know the Rules and Respect the Land
Nevada requires a hunting license and a trapping license to take bobcats. Hunters often have only a few weeks to secure their tags and plan their hunts. A game warden plays a crucial role in enforcing hunting regulations and ensuring compliance with wildlife management laws. There are tagging and sealing requirements, and specific season dates that vary by zone. It is important to obtain a bobcat tag for legal hunting, as it ensures that hunters are following the necessary regulations. Always verify legal access if hunting near private or checkerboard lands, and follow all road and vehicle use restrictions on public ground. Leave gates as you found them and pack out all trash and gear.
An Open Country Challenge with Real Payoff
Hunting bobcats in Nevada tests your ability to read sign, work calls, and remain still in big, open country while pursuing this elusive predator. These animals are skilled hunters, making the challenge even greater. The satisfaction of having successfully killed a bobcat after a challenging hunt is immense. It’s a hunt that blends quiet tracking with tactical calling and rewards those who put in the miles. Whether you’re glassing ridgelines, reading fresh prints in a wash, or watching a far-off cat weave through sage, the chase is as much about the journey as the shot. Patience and strategy are crucial to catch a bobcat, making Nevada’s bobcat country hard to beat for hunters drawn to wild land and solitude. Reflecting on what happened during the hunt can provide valuable insights for future trips.
FAQs
When is the best time to hunt bobcats in Nevada?
Late December through February, especially early mornings after snowfall or in cold, calm conditions. Night time can also be effective, as bobcats are more active and responsive to calls. The fall season can also be a good time for bobcat hunting.
Understanding the different hunting seasons is crucial to ensure compliance with local laws and to maximize hunting opportunities.
What terrain holds the most bobcats?
Sagebrush flats, rocky canyons, dry washes, and edges of rimrock or badlands with nearby prey. Dry creeks are also prime locations for spotting bobcats. Good bobcat habitat includes areas with dense cover like trees and brush. Areas with small rodents, rabbits, and birds are particularly attractive to bobcats. Look for signs like tracks or scat near such vegetation to confirm their presence in an area.
What calls work best in Nevada?
Rabbit distress, bird sounds, and jackrabbit squeals carry well and pull cats across open country. Bobcats can be called using a variety of distress sounds. Using a cottontail distress call can be particularly effective in attracting bobcats.
The right calls, whether they are electronic or mouth calls, are crucial in drawing bobcats into the range of hunters.
What’s the best firearm for Nevada bobcats?
Flat-shooting rifles like .223, .22-250, or .204 Ruger paired with optics and a stable rest. It’s important to aim for a critical point to ensure a humane kill. It’s crucial to plan the right time to shoot to ensure a successful harvest. Aim for a clean shot to the head to increase your chances of a humane and effective kill.
Do I need a special permit?
Yes. A hunting license and trapping license are required, along with tagging and reporting compliance. Hunters must also pay for their licenses and tags. Some states have a limit of only one cat per season.
Understanding the different hunting seasons is crucial to ensure compliance with local laws and maximize hunting opportunities.
How long should I stay at a stand?
Wait patiently at a stand. Bobcats may pass by slowly, so patience is key. Spending several hours at a stand can increase the chances of success. At least forty-five minutes. Bobcats in open country often approach slowly and from a distance.