Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Coyote, Small Game, Varmints => Topic started by: yankees2 on November 24, 2015, 03:26:46 PM

Title: Bobcat question
Post by: yankees2 on November 24, 2015, 03:26:46 PM: Want to get into bobcat hunting and was wondering what size caliber gun you guys shoot and grain of bullet. I know people shoot them while out big game hunting but I would prefer to not obliterate the cats fur for a mount. Also have seen some threads about calling bobcats. Would an Ecaller be the best way to go or just a standard mouth call? Thanks sorry a beginner hunter with bobcat
Title: Re: Bobcat question
Post by: Timberstalker on November 24, 2015, 03:29:41 PM: Any centerfire from 20 - 22 Caliber will be the most popular.

With that said, you can use your regular deer gun with the right bullet (non-expanding, no ballistic tips) and be fine.

Basically, if you want to spend some money and go buy a gun, get a .223 and you'll be set.
Title: Re: Bobcat question
Post by: Pete112288 on November 24, 2015, 03:32:53 PM: I have tried a calling set once or twice for them but most of the time call for yotes. From what I have gathered here is the difference in calling for cats.
Cats tend to take longer to come in and will turn back around if the calling stops for very long. Also, they seem to be pushed more than called in when the calling is too loud. So call for 45 min to an hour and a half in a good area. With an ecaller is better if you don't want to run out of steam calling for so long. Turn it on loud enough for the sound to carry but not too loud to blow them out of there. Keep a really good eye and keep your movement to a minimum. They will hang up in brush or on edges and just stare for hours if they get close and don't see whats making the call.
As far as caliber, I would shoot an open choke shotgun with#4 buck shot if its in close. If you think you will have longer shots then any 22 cal rifle should do the trick with a v-max style bullet.
Again, I don't have too much experience first hand, this is just info I have gathered from others.
Title: Re: Bobcat question
Post by: snowshoes22 on November 24, 2015, 08:37:45 PM: Don't forget about shotguns. All the cats I have called in have just appeared out of nowhere within 10 to 40 yards. I usually don't see them coming like a coyote. For calls I go with fawn in distress. Open sighted lever guns work well also. It is easier to get on target quickly without a scope. i did buy a 17 Remington specifically for bobcat but have never called one in while packing it. It is magic on coyotes though.
Title: Re: Bobcat question
Post by: fastdam on November 24, 2015, 09:09:14 PM: 22 hornet with a 35 or 40 grain v max would be my vote. Fur friendly.
Title: Re: Bobcat question
Post by: reelmcoy on December 09, 2015, 04:05:41 PM: the 222 with a 50 grain hollow point is my choice i have shot them from 200 yards to 15 yards with no hide damage and it dropped them in there tracks