Can I attract bobcats with homemade calls?

Choosing the Right Call

Bobcats are primarily nocturnal and have a keen sense of hearing, which makes their calls a crucial aspect of attracting them. When creating a homemade bobcat call, you’ll want to replicate the sound of a distressed or injured animal, such as a rabbit or mouse. Start with a basic kit that includes a diaphragm, reed, and a mouthpiece, and experiment with different materials like plastic or metal to create the desired sound.

Techniques for Using the Call

When using your homemade call, it’s essential to mimic the sounds of a struggling animal in a series of short, high-pitched yips, which should be about two seconds long and repeated every 10-15 seconds. You can also try incorporating a few low-pitched grunts to simulate the sound of a larger animal, like a deer or coyote, attacking the smaller prey. Practice makes perfect, so invest time in perfecting your call and experimenting with different techniques to see what works best for you.

Tips for Effective Calling

When calling bobcats, it’s crucial to do so in areas where they are known to roam, such as near water sources or in areas with high prey populations. Be sure to call at the right time, typically during the late evening or early morning hours when bobcats are most active. Additionally, use a variety of calls to keep the bobcat engaged and curious, as they have a relatively short attention span.