Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: TrkyBob53 on January 27, 2019, 09:03:15 PM

Title: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: TrkyBob53 on January 27, 2019, 09:03:15 PM: I am not a trapper but do enjoy the trapping threads. My question is, is there more bobcats in western vs eastern Washington? Or is there more trappers that seek them out over there. From what I've seen most of the bobs come from the west side that are posted. Or maybe the trappers from the east side don't post much?
Thanks.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: Oh Mah on January 27, 2019, 09:05:49 PM: I'm a new trapper so i don't know a lot yet but i will say it is much easier if you have a place to do it over on the wet side,Why?Because it seems much easier to camo a cage set with ferns and pine vs trying to use sage brush and twiggs. lol. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: JakeLand on January 27, 2019, 09:17:46 PM: There’s a ton of cats throughout the state I’d say as many east as west BUT the difference is quality of cat . East side cats are worth a lot more so I think that seals lips more, I know a few east side guys That just don’t post anything but stack a few cats up My :twocents:
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: Humptulips on January 28, 2019, 06:35:19 PM: Quote from: JakeLand on January 27, 2019, 09:17:46 PM
There’s a ton of cats throughout the state I’d say as many east as west BUT the difference is quality of cat . East side cats are worth a lot more so I think that seals lips more, I know a few east side guys That just don’t post anything but stack a few cats up My :twocents:
:yeah:
Plus more trappers westside.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: bearpaw on January 28, 2019, 06:38:17 PM: I do think there is a higher density on the wetside, but there are strong populations all over the state.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: TrkyBob53 on January 28, 2019, 10:57:02 PM: Thanks for the replys. They all make sense to me.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: Buckhunter82 on January 29, 2019, 02:10:10 AM: I was just wondering the the same. Reason being I finally got my first game cam pic of a bobcat this year. Don't know why it took many years, cams and locations to get one on camera. Maybe I just pick spots that don't hold many. I have heard/read they don't like areas with deep snow so maybe that has something to do with it.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: boneaddict on January 29, 2019, 06:16:45 AM: Snow doesn't bother them.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: Norman89 on January 29, 2019, 06:24:37 AM: I know some Montana guys that refuse to set traps untill the snow flys. They said it kicks in there survival mode and they start looking for food more aggressively and that keys them into the traps faster
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2019, 06:35:07 AM: Quote from: Norman89 on January 29, 2019, 06:24:37 AM
I know some Montana guys that refuse to set traps untill the snow flys. They said it kicks in there survival mode and they start looking for food more aggressively and that keys them into the traps faster

So not until October? :chuckle:

Based on cats and their weight/body fat, I've caught in November, December, January, and Feb I think they feed heaviest in December regardless of weather. I could be wrong but other than putting on lots of fat in early winter, I dont think cats really care about snow. They move a lot just prior and after a snowfall though.
Title: Re: Bobcats and trappers
Post by: Humptulips on January 29, 2019, 10:51:10 AM: I think snow does matter. When you get snow up high I think it drives them down out of the high country and puts a higher concentration in the valleys so if you are trapping in flat country you probably don't notice the difference but next to high ridges you might. Type of snow matters, crusty doesn't bother them but they will head down if floundering around in powder.
Weather in general makes a difference too. Crappy weather means they burn more calories and really bad weather means everything tries to stay in under cover so their prey is harder to find and the cats want to get out of the weather too so they are more susceptible to bait.
That might not be snow as a beautiful day with two feet of crusty snow is like a summer vacation for a cat. Stormy days have always been my best days.