Bobcat visual attractors
#6687680
12/09/19 02:35 AM
12/09/19 02:35 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 378 Venus PA
Flatiron
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 378
Venus PA
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How important is a visual attractor for a Bobcat set ?
Coon rats Beaver Otters fishers
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6687693
12/09/19 05:20 AM
12/09/19 05:20 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 723 Burton, Michigan
Mousey Trapper
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Burton, Michigan
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You know what they say, "Curiosity killed the cat". Plus it helps too, line up the cat to go to your set and over your trap.
Last edited by Mousey Trapper; 12/09/19 05:22 AM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6687698
12/09/19 05:36 AM
12/09/19 05:36 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,939 Montana
beartooth trapr
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trapper
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It helps alot, but not always can i use one . Theft keeps me from hanging a bunch of people attactors all over. People just cant leave stuff alone. But most definitely use them when you can.
Let me sugar coat this
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6687927
12/09/19 12:22 PM
12/09/19 12:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,073 montana
red mt
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,073
montana
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How important is a visual attractor for a Bobcat set ? A bobcat has a way better nose than most think But it can 't hurt to have a visual attraction also if fell it helps. But I find they work better behind the trap i.m.e.
Kenneth schoening
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6688257
12/09/19 07:35 PM
12/09/19 07:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794 100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
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I use a visual attraction to bring the cat from a distance away to the vicinity of the set where the bait or lure takes over and draws it into the set.
The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6688502
12/09/19 11:00 PM
12/09/19 11:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,073 montana
red mt
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trapper
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Posts: 5,073
montana
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If you get snow ,,,Set in travel way,,, nothing replaces that not even lure or bait imo.
Kenneth schoening
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6688524
12/09/19 11:28 PM
12/09/19 11:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 Wyoming
Lurp
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Posts: 61
Wyoming
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I find them very important. I’ve caught cats and followed their tracks in the snow to see where they’ve come from and watched them bee-line for my set from 50yds out once they could see my visual flagging. I buy feather boas and cut them into 8” long pieces that’s I hang near my set. I try and blend the boa color to my surroundings to keep other people from seeing them and stealing my trap. The feathers of the boa have enough motion that a cat will pick it up from a ways out even when the color blends in with the surroundings.
Last edited by Lurp; 12/09/19 11:29 PM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: wrh1971]
#6688531
12/09/19 11:32 PM
12/09/19 11:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 Wyoming
Lurp
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trapper
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Posts: 61
Wyoming
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Any tips on how close/far to hang from your set? I have a cat using river bank on camera, and plan to put out a few sets this weekend. thanks I hang my flagging as close to the set as I can but stay away from hanging it over blocking or guiding as I’ve had cats climb on top of guiding and blocking to try and get at the flagging. I also use visual attractors like colored craft feathers and fake fur directly at the set. The job of the flagging is to get them in the vicinity, then the local visual attractors and the scent takes over. I keep my flagging attractors within 10ft or so of my set and usually place them in the most visible location where they can be seen from the greatest distance.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Lurp]
#6688544
12/09/19 11:40 PM
12/09/19 11:40 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794 100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
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I hang my flagging as close to the set as I can but stay away from hanging it over blocking or guiding as I’ve had cats climb on top of guiding and blocking to try and get at the flagging. I also use visual attractors like colored craft feathers and fake fur directly at the set. The job of the flagging is to get them in the vicinity, then the local visual attractors and the scent takes over. I keep my flagging attractors within 10ft or so of my set and usually place them in the most visible location where they can be seen from the greatest distance. Agree^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6688622
12/10/19 12:47 AM
12/10/19 12:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,073 montana
red mt
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,073
montana
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I find it interesting the different ways trappers approach putting a set in front of a bobcat or attracting a cat. Verses how some put trap where cat is going to step walking thru,,, then what is used if anything at the set.
Last edited by red mt; 12/10/19 12:47 AM.
Kenneth schoening
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6688626
12/10/19 12:51 AM
12/10/19 12:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 146 Idaho
IDTrapman
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 146
Idaho
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I use em on all my sets. Check these out... wyldwingsproductions.com
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6688635
12/10/19 01:14 AM
12/10/19 01:14 AM
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1,363 Custer Co, Idaho
sneaky
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Custer Co, Idaho
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Anyone use a visual attractor on a walk through snare set? I know the travel ways are the first choice, just wondering if one can be guided through a snare to get a better look at an attractor.
Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: sneaky]
#6691372
12/12/19 07:24 PM
12/12/19 07:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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WI - Wisconsin
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Anyone use a visual attractor on a walk through snare set? I know the travel ways are the first choice, just wondering if one can be guided through a snare to get a better look at an attractor. I plan on using some cable restraints this year for bobcat and was curious, as well, about the practicality or benefit of using a visual attractor with such a set. You raised a good question, hopefully someone will chime in. The other thing I'm wondering, in general, for bobcat trapping, is how high off the ground the bottom of a visual attractant should be.
Last edited by AJE; 12/12/19 07:25 PM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: AJE]
#6691710
12/12/19 11:39 PM
12/12/19 11:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194 Maine, Aroostook
Posco
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The other thing I'm wondering, in general, for bobcat trapping, is how high off the ground the bottom of a visual attractant should be. I usually go three or four feet off the ground depending on how thick the understory is. I might go five feet if the visibility is there. Someone mentioned flags being people attractors. I take that into consideration, too.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6691787
12/13/19 02:13 AM
12/13/19 02:13 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241 The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane
"HOSS"
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"HOSS"
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241
The Hill Country of Texas
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How important is a visual attractor for a Bobcat set ? It might mean the difference between checking an empty trap or snagging a big tom
“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.” Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6691817
12/13/19 06:48 AM
12/13/19 06:48 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446 Houghton Lake, MI
strike2x
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Houghton Lake, MI
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As long as you put it in the right but spot. Behind the trap so the cat has to go over trap to get to it.
Wish I had more time to trap....
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: strike2x]
#6735341
01/19/20 07:36 AM
01/19/20 07:36 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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trapper
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As long as you put it in the right but spot. Behind the trap so the cat has to go over trap to get to it. Makes sense, but sometimes then I'm thinking the cat may try approaching the set from behind
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6736459
01/19/20 08:55 PM
01/19/20 08:55 PM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,190 Kansas
Pawnee
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Joined: Dec 2017
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Kansas
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I flag most cat sets. That being said I catch quite a few in dirt hole set, but I always have a few feathers in and around the dirt hole. Make sure that’s legal in your state!! I like mine 5-10 feet in front of the set about 5 feet off the ground. I put all of them on a big brass swivels to the move in even a slight wind. Tanned fur scraps, duck wings, and turkey tail feathers is what I usually use. Good luck
Everything the left touches it destroys
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6736708
01/19/20 11:09 PM
01/19/20 11:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
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WI - Wisconsin
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That's interesting how you put your flagging on a swivel
Last edited by AJE; 01/19/20 11:09 PM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6737040
01/20/20 10:20 AM
01/20/20 10:20 AM
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Rubee
Unregistered
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Rubee
Unregistered
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Nice photos Rick. Why three stepping sticks? Looks like you leave two open step spots. Do you use two traps? Thanks for your help.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: rick olson]
#6737051
01/20/20 10:39 AM
01/20/20 10:39 AM
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Rubee
Unregistered
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Rubee
Unregistered
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Thanks Rick. Makes sense.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6737919
01/20/20 10:05 PM
01/20/20 10:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
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WI - Wisconsin
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Yesterday I made this set, with the feature being a charred piece of firewood in the center. Dirt hole to left corner of opening. I'm trying to try everything. 28 sets out now. A logging road behind it and a swamp in front. Jake trap. Beer can for flagging (can't use exposed feathers in Wi). I put a lil bit of straw in the dirt hole after taking this picture. Hard to tell from the pic, but this was a lil natural dirt mound.
Last edited by AJE; 01/20/20 10:10 PM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: AJE]
#6737930
01/20/20 10:12 PM
01/20/20 10:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,190 Kansas
Pawnee
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That's interesting how you put your flagging on a swivel I’ll take a pic tomorrow and post it. Nothing special but it sure helps
Everything the left touches it destroys
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6738460
01/21/20 10:48 AM
01/21/20 10:48 AM
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Rubee
Unregistered
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Rubee
Unregistered
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I like your posted set AJE. I'm no expert but I wonder if you moved your trap out to the front just between the two pine limb butts if it would work better. Might catch the cat that doesn't enter all the way. Hope you get him.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6738787
01/21/20 04:08 PM
01/21/20 04:08 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,414 Idaho Falls, Idaho
Furvor
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Idaho Falls, Idaho
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Responses in this thread seem pretty well divided between attracting cats to area and attracting foot to trap pan. My comments pertain to visuals at trap.
Block the set in well from all directions. Opening where trap is can be V-type (step in, back out), but I think walk through is better. Whether it's a dirt hole, scent post, rub set, flat set, it can be constructed as a walk through. If walk through, visual attractor(s) is/are in side(s) of passageway. If not walk through, attractor is behind trap where cat has to step on pan to reach attractor or sniff scent.
Best possible at-trap visual attractor for bobcats is birds or feathers. I am not saying use them because in many cases they are illegal. Most species of wild birds are protected by federal law. Many states have regulations regarding use of game birds/animals/fish or parts, as well as set-back distance from trap for visible bait (with "bait" being broadly defined to include such things as feathers, even if they are chicken feathers).
In Idaho where I live game bird/animal/fish can be used only if they are made into scent. The exception allowing animal parts as visuals is bleached bones. I have used faux fur and other non-animal items. At least technically, use of sheep wool here within 30' of trap or snare is illegal.
For visual attractors to area I once bought a quantity of salvaged computer hard disks off eBay. Those disks are very shinny and were cheap.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: ]
#6739067
01/21/20 08:46 PM
01/21/20 08:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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I like your posted set AJE. I'm no expert but I wonder if you moved your trap out to the front just between the two pine limb butts if it would work better. Might catch the cat that doesn't enter all the way. Hope you get him. I wonder that too. I have no idea.
Last edited by AJE; 01/21/20 08:47 PM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6739271
01/21/20 11:48 PM
01/21/20 11:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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I'm honed in. But the clock is ticking, too. We'll see. I'm not giving up til 11 pm 1/31. What's interesting is the neighboring landowner is cat trapping too. Ha, what are the chances. I'm hoping he stirs things my direction. Never know.
Last edited by AJE; 01/21/20 11:49 PM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6739319
01/22/20 12:39 AM
01/22/20 12:39 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,067 Wyoming
cmcf
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Wyoming
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Another trick I haven’t seen mentioned is a furby critter for lack of a better name. Should be legal for states that don’t allow animal parts. Fake fur cut into a two x eight inch strip make a miniature hanger like a wire coat hanger with the “hook” straightend out . Fold the strip furside out over the bottom of the hanger and glue. Now here’s the seal the deal “trick” get a bag of plastic teddy bear “eyes “ and glue them on the critter where they would be if the critter is real. Do this to both sides so there is a set of eyes showing either way. Hang above and behind your trap with swivel or interlocking loops of wire so the slightest breeze will make it move. One of the cage trappers on here uses them. Hope this helps. Hope you catch a big ol clear belly Tom.
“The world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined” B. Disraeli
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6739329
01/22/20 12:48 AM
01/22/20 12:48 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
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WI - Wisconsin
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We can use faux products tho must be really careful if we do. It's legal, but in many cases not advisable. Today was the 2nd day in a row I scouted a property (in different parts of the county) & had an eagle fly high overhead. That's not common, but something we must be very cognizant of in Wi.
Last edited by AJE; 01/22/20 12:49 AM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6739908
01/22/20 03:07 PM
01/22/20 03:07 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
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I always used patridge or turkey wings back when it was still legal here in Maine
Nevada bound
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Bruce T]
#6739948
01/22/20 03:52 PM
01/22/20 03:52 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794 100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat
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100 Mile House, BC Can
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I always used patridge or turkey wings back when it was still legal here in Maine Back when I used bird wings I occasionally had cats play with them rather than investigate the set I was drawing them to. This never happened when I used the cardboard flasher; no smell to the cardboard vs the bird wing.
Last edited by bctomcat; 01/22/20 03:52 PM.
The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6739988
01/22/20 04:44 PM
01/22/20 04:44 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,414 Idaho Falls, Idaho
Furvor
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Hang above and behind your trap with swivel or interlocking loops of wire so the slightest breeze will make it move. This for at set flags. IMHO interlocking loops of wire result in better movement patterns than swivels do. Also, a somewhat stiff wire can hold a flag out away from tree limbs the flag might tangle with. I dislike fishing line because of windy day tangling issues.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: bctomcat]
#6740000
01/22/20 04:53 PM
01/22/20 04:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
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Northern Maine
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I always used patridge or turkey wings back when it was still legal here in Maine Back when I used bird wings I occasionally had cats play with them rather than investigate the set I was drawing them to. This never happened when I used the cardboard flasher; no smell to the cardboard vs the bird wing. I always hung my bird wings about 6 feet directly over the set.
Nevada bound
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6740566
01/22/20 11:08 PM
01/22/20 11:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,190 Kansas
Pawnee
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Kansas
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AJE, I’m a bit late, but this is how I hang mine. Like I said nothing complicated. I’ve use lots of things over the years. Pheasant skin with feathers, wings, rabbit fur, CD’s, etc.. I really like tanned coyote fur scraps.
Everything the left touches it destroys
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Bruce T]
#6741632
01/23/20 07:55 PM
01/23/20 07:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194 Maine, Aroostook
Posco
trapper
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Joined: Nov 2017
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Maine, Aroostook
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Posco nice looking fisher Thanks, Bruce. I had terrible luck with fisher this year and last. I didn't have enough sets out to plug all the holes they were running through. I see you really like setting the cedar swamps for them.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6742301
01/24/20 11:46 AM
01/24/20 11:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,192 AR
TurkeyWrangler
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,192
AR
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One morning I was checking traps and looked down the two track to see a coyote in one of my bobcat sets. I keep heading toward the set set and the coyote takes off down the road. Crap, it pulled out I thought. Got down there and my trap wasn't even set off. He was just standing there right by my set when I first saw him. Anyway I had a piece of Christmas tree tensil hanging above the set and it didn't stop him from getting close to the set.
Poor people have poor ways.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: AJE]
#6745254
01/26/20 01:51 PM
01/26/20 01:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
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Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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I sometimes wonder how good cats can see flagging in the dark Their eye sight is Incredible. But then again their lives depend on it.
Nevada bound
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6746165
01/27/20 12:16 AM
01/27/20 12:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
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I used bctomcat's suggestion and hung a piece of cardboard today@ a new set tonight. It showed up good, especially when it spun in the wind I use some clear string that I bought in the craft section@ Walmart. It looks like thick fishing line, but can be used in the field without a knife or scissors.
Last edited by AJE; 01/27/20 12:19 AM.
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Re: Bobcat visual attractors
[Re: Flatiron]
#6747465
01/28/20 12:09 AM
01/28/20 12:09 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
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Does straw work good for bobcat? Not hay but straw. Make a dirt hole & then put a small handful of straw in the hole at some sets is what I've been doing.
Last edited by AJE; 01/28/20 12:10 AM.
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