Winter Landscape and Predator Behavior
Wyoming’s broad mix of high plains, foothills, and mountain timber makes it prime ground for bobcat hunting, particularly during the snow-covered months when sign is easier to spot. Bobcats in Wyoming are typically solitary and territorial, moving through rimrock ledges, creek bottoms, and brushy draws in search of rabbits, birds, and other small game. Understanding a bobcat's territory, including their travel paths and habitat preferences, is crucial for successful hunting. These draws and other geographical features are also frequented by predators like coyotes, which prey on deer in these areas. With sparse cover and wide visibility in many regions, snow tracking becomes one of the most valuable tools a hunter can use. Understanding their movement and how to track them across open terrain is essential for consistent success. Additionally, understanding the behaviors of larger game species like moose can be crucial when planning a bobcat hunt, as it highlights the need for preparation and strategic planning.
Tracking in the Snow
Fresh snow allows hunters to follow bobcats through their territory with precision. Bobcat tracks can come in pairs, indicating their movement patterns. Look for small, round prints that show claw marks only occasionally and follow a deliberate, direct path. Bobcats often travel along ridgelines, through sagebrush basins, and down into coulees where prey is concentrated. Tracking should be done cautiously, scanning ahead frequently. Well-worn game trails, canyon edges, and livestock trails can all serve as bobcat highways. Tracks that meander or circle may indicate a hunting cat, while straight-line tracks often suggest travel. Comparing bobcat tracks to coyote tracks can help distinguish between the two, as coyote tracks are generally more elongated and show claw marks more consistently. Raccoon tracks can also be found in these areas, aiding in understanding the local wildlife.
Calling in Open and Broken Country
Electronic calls are effective in Wyoming’s broken country and open areas, especially where terrain features can funnel sound and animal movement. Mouth calls are also highly effective in attracting bobcats, as they can produce high-pitched sounds that mimic distressed prey. Rabbit distress calls are a mainstay, but higher-pitched woodpecker and rodent squeals also work well. Bobcats, especially younger and smaller ones, may approach calls slowly and cautiously, so hunters should be patient and minimize movement to avoid detection. During the breeding season in late winter, bobcat vocalizations such as growls, chirps, or caterwauls can spark curiosity or a territorial response. Setups should be planned downwind with clear shooting lanes. In sage flats or open canyons, placing the call a bit higher helps the sound carry across long distances. Identifying and focusing on the target bobcat is crucial for a successful hunt.
Best Times and Seasonal Factors
Winter is the prime season for bobcat hunting in Wyoming, not just for better visibility but also for increased bobcat movement during daylight hours. Hunters often look forward to the fall season for big game hunting. Cold temperatures often push prey species into predictable areas, and bobcats follow. Early mornings after a fresh snow are ideal for cutting tracks and setting up along active trails, giving you a good chance of finding bobcat tracks. The methods and challenges involved in hunting bobcats and making a kill require patience and skill, as these elusive predators are adept at evading hunters. The weeks between December and February are especially productive, with midday sun sometimes drawing cats into more open ground for warmth. Understanding bobcat habits, such as their feeding behaviors and movement patterns, is crucial for successful hunting. Engaging in bobcat hunting not only offers challenges but also allows for fun and enjoyable time spent in nature.
Gear and Setup Recommendations
A scoped rifle in .223, .22-250, or .243 provides the flat trajectory needed for shots across sagebrush or rocky outcroppings. In tighter timber or when tracking through brush, a shotgun with buckshot can be useful. Various traps, such as leg hold traps and snares, are effective in bobcat hunting, with each type offering unique advantages in capturing these elusive animals. Warm, quiet clothing, insulated boots, a sitting pad, and snow camouflage help maintain comfort and concealment, especially when using a tree to break up your silhouette. Binoculars and a GPS device aid in spotting and marking tracks and stands, especially in remote terrain. Setting up a stand in a strategic location can provide better visibility and increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Regulations and Ethical Considerations
Bobcat hunting in Wyoming requires a valid license, and hunters must check current tagging and reporting requirements. The fish department plays a crucial role in regulating bobcat hunting, ensuring adherence to local fishing and trapping laws. In some regions, harvest quotas may apply, and mandatory pelt tagging is required within a set timeframe. Ethical hunters respect access rights, avoid over-pressuring areas, and ensure clean, humane shots. It does not matter what else might be happening; checking traps is a legal and ethical obligation that must be maintained with discipline. Hunters must head out to check traps even in adverse weather conditions, demonstrating their commitment and responsibility. Snowmobiles and ATVs may assist with access but should be used with consideration to noise and environmental impact. Additionally, it is important to release female bobcats and their kittens when identifiable to support sustainable wildlife management. There is hope that by sharing knowledge and experiences, hunting practices will improve, fostering a greater appreciation for ethical and sustainable bobcat trapping.
Conclusion
Bobcat hunting in Wyoming is a methodical and immersive experience, built around reading sign, understanding the land, and calling strategically. Snow tracking provides a window into the bobcat's elusive movements, while well-timed calls can bring them within range for a successful hunt. With careful preparation and a respect for the wild places Wyoming has to offer, hunters can enjoy one of the most rewarding predator hunts available.
FAQs
When is the best time to hunt bobcats in Wyoming?
Late December through February offers the best snow conditions, increased daylight movement, and calling effectiveness. During this peak hunting season, the average success rates for trapping bobcats are higher, with the average monetary value of the best bobcat, characterized by thick winter fur and a wide, white, heavily spotted belly, being quite significant.
Hunting regulations for bobcats vary in most states, with some states having specific hunting seasons, while others, like Texas, do not have a hunting season for them.
What terrain do bobcats favor in Wyoming?
Bobcats prefer rimrock, brushy draws, creek bottoms, and foothill country with good prey concentrations and cover. Heavy cover, such as areas rich in brush, thickets, river bottoms, and rocky canyons, is crucial for bobcat habitats as it provides them with effective hunting grounds and concealment from hunters.
Understanding a bobcat's home range—typically 25-35 miles—can aid hunters in locating these elusive animals, as bobcats are known to be territorial and often remain within specific areas that provide cover and access to prey.
What calls work well in open country?
Predator hunting strategies often involve using rabbit distress calls, along with bird or rodent distress, to attract bobcats. Hunters are often called to specific areas by farmers to manage bobcat populations. In late winter, bobcat vocalizations may provoke a response. It is important to remain unseen by wildlife, as their keen sight can alert them to movement. Patience is crucial when using these calls, as waiting and watching carefully can significantly increase the chances of attracting a bobcat.
Can you track bobcats effectively in snow?
Yes, fresh snow allows hunters to follow tracks, identify behavior patterns, and set up strategically along active trails. Note the specific track patterns, as they can point to critical information about the presence and movement of bobcats. Tracking various animals can provide valuable insights into bobcat behavior and their interactions with the environment. Walk old logging roads or trails to find signs of bobcats, as this method helps in understanding their stealthy nature and habitat navigation.
What gear is ideal for Wyoming bobcat hunts?
Flat-shooting rifles, snow camo, warm insulated gear, binoculars, a GPS unit, and an electronic caller round out a typical setup. High-quality fur is crucial for market value, as buyers seek pelts with excellent characteristics, particularly those with a wide, white belly that is heavily spotted, and proper care is essential to preserve the quality of the pelt. Finding a good bobcat can greatly depend on having the right gear and preparation.
Techniques that pull bobcats out of cover during nighttime calling can significantly increase your chances of success.