Bobcats

[Pygmy]

I see the DEC is proposing opening the season for them here in certain areas of southwestern NY.

They were rare when I was kid, but now they are fairly common. I have seen half a dozen of them in the last couple of years and they have have become a common catch for local trappers...A couple of my local trapping buddies have been catching ( and releasing) 2 or 3 per season in thier fox and coyote sets.

[DTG3k]

I saw one last fall in 4W. Had no idea what it was at first since sun was in my eyes. Got gun up and got a little closer. The moment i realized what it was, it saw me and ran off.

[tughillhunter]

Never seen one b4. i would love to tho.

[Doc]

I have only seen one in our area in my entire life. I believe that even if there was an open season on them, that I would not take something that is so extremely rare in our area.

By the way, I am curious as to what the procedure is for releasing a bobcat from a trap. That has to be kind of a fun thing to watch.....lol.

[Pygmy]

Yeah, Doc... I have not had the priveledge to be present when one was released, but according to my buddies it can be quite a rodeo..

Two tools are very useful..A snarestick and a piece of 3x3 plywood with a v-notch cut on the bottom.. The use of the snarestick is obvious.. With the plywood, you place it between yourself and the cat with the trapped paw of the critter on one side of the shield and the body on the other, to keep you separated from the animal while you release the trap.

[Gthphtm]

Had a trail camera picture of an adult one last year and another of a young one this year,now I know why the fox on my property are almost gone.