Need help bobcat hunting?

Question

I'd really like to get a bobcat, I've got a Bushmaster XM15 .223, if I use Hornady 40 gr. V-max bullets do you think they'd destroy the hide?, also I prefer to make head shots, do you think this round would probably take the head completely off?, What kind of gun do you use, and with what ammo?, What kind of call, bait etc. have you had the best luck with, thanks in advance

Answer 1

If your shooting bob cats for a pelt stay away from hollow point or soft point ammo and stick to FMJ "full metal jacket" this is the type of ammo preferred by pelt hunters and it will give you a clean kill with the least amount of damage and no it won't take the head off. I don't think semi-auto guns are needed for hunting a good bolt action should do fine for hunting. If you can't take the animal with one well placed shot you really shouldn't be out there hunting until you can. As far as hunting calls go here is a link that can provide you with that information: http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/

as far as baits go I'm not sure? I heard trappers used things like feathers and crashed eggs to attract bob cats.

Answer 2

Here the problem hunting with the AR15 ( and I use my Bushmaster for hunting all the time).  You'll need to check the regulations on your magazine size, many states only allow guns with 3 round or 5 round capacity.  Only having a couple of rounds in a larger mag is still a violation.  I took my 10 RD mag and opened the bottom of it.  I taped together a bundle of nails and inserted it under the floor plate and then reassembled. The mag will now hold only 2 round (plus 1 in the chamber) so I can legally hunt with it.

The FMJ ammo might be illegal to hunt with, but it is better for the pelt. GA and FL reqire to to use non FMJ rounds for hunting. Depending on the size of the cat, it might mangle that head.

As far as calls are concerned, some old-timers I know use a wounded rabbit call for just about every predator.

Answer 3

I suggest you talk to "Russ Chastain;" he's a hunting guide and has some experience with bobcats. He has a hunting forum where you can contact him at the following URL---

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=+Ru...

Otherwise, there are numerous articles and forums discussing the topic at this URL-------------------------------------...

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bob...

Answer 4

.223 is a good gun for Bobcat but I don't recommend shooting it in the head as it will cerate somewhat of a mess I would do a body shot so thta i did not totally destroy it if you want to kill the cat but not put a big hole i would go with a .22lr, .22 mag of even a .17hmr. a good call is a jackrabbit or cottontail distress call also a good way to hunt them is to use dogs if it is legal in your area

Answer 5

Personally, I use an AK47.  You don't have to worry about the hide, the head, or any son-of-a-***** who tries to stop you from hunting on his property.