For all the Illinois guys or trappers with similar terrain.
Now that the DNR has extended the trapping boundaries it will include many of us that have cats but previously could not target them IF you drew a permit. While the number of available permits has NOT been increased I would not want to apply and be lucky enough to draw a permit and then not be able to locate sign. I have 2-3 farms with large amounts of timber, and farmers telling me they have heard on seen bobcats in the last 2 years.
So the big question is; where would the best places be to scout for sign, and what in particular should any of us be looking for that are short on knowledge and experience related to bobcats. Thanks.

The thickest or roughest terrain you can find. Brush piles near cover are great if you got them. Look for the thick stuff were you would find the concentration of rabbits living.

I have picked all mine up in my coyote sets. Most of my sets are around the field edges next to the woods or the same with mowed paths in set aside . Last year I caught all but one in Zaggers pipe dream set. Center of trap pan was 8 inch's back from top lip of pipe no offset.
J

Brushy creek bottoms. Look at the longest roughest brushiest creek bottom you have. If you have farm lanes with bare dirt check out the bare spots a couple days after a rain. Big briar patches - weedy fields this year. You can call for them too - they like a higher pitch. I see tracks but have never caught one here. I have called them while coyote hunting though. I don't think are very many close to where I live. I'm pretty close to town - maybe one passing through once in a while. Larry