[img]http://[/img][img]http://[/img] maine cats

this is maine.cats dec 8th 10th

Congrats to those that have been successful already this year . The problem with the season for me is that every year the day before or the day of season we get dumped on with snow . Last night got around a foot and wind today is causing whiteouts . supposed to stop sometime this eve then a bunch more for tomorrow . Lots of bobcats around here but just not worth the hassle for me to try trapping them for what Michigan cats bring .

Plus in the lower peninsula, your only allowed one (1). (2)two if in the U.P.

The Michigan DNR doesn't want people to make large number catches. And only (11)eleven days to catch.

If you hunt them with dogs you get the whole month of January.

We had the same thing here late last week and it played havoc on critter movement. Then it rained hard the night before last and took off a lot of snow and now it's crusted over. Things should pick up again tonight. Clear and cold. A fresh cat track I found today that was made last night before the temps plummeted. I caught a cat not ten yards from these tracks last year. I'll put a set in for it tomorrow. It's the only fresh sign I saw today.

none in my area yet but strike youre sure zero"d in on them!!!

Come on up, I will take you to a spot you can get one.

strike what hardware you using?

I got three sets in today. See what tmrw brings. Gonna check then go set a second area if theres no cat waiting in the morning. Saw 2 day old tracks this morning while setting. I have hope I guess.

Good work strike. You have that bobcat trapping figured out! Thanks for sharing.
I'd say you must also be very good at knowing the trick(s) to release them

With me a coyote or fox set catches them...I have caught 2 in actual cat sets. I think releasing a cat is a test of patience, practice a good catch pole and a second person to distract them. I rarely have all of that at once.

I too catch most in a good coyote set which tells me our numbers are increasing. I switched to this release method after my catch pole.locked up for o minute and I almost killed one. I find it mush easier me easy to do alone. No exposed paws do deal with. I have had many comment on my choice of tote but it has let 5 go with no problem.

I caught a cat under this tree last year and have fresh tracks near it again. Same setup as last year only I'm using deer scraps instead of beaver. Ain't been after beaver yet so I make do. A little flagging to get the cat close.

You can improve that set posco,and make it a multiple catch set by using the old OTA cat fence.
Spike a couple poles to a good thick tree about 4 feet off the ground that extends about 15 ft or so each side of the bait.I like to hang a beaver on each side of the tree.
Once the poles are in place,stand up a bunch of brush all the way out both sides leaving 3 or 4 snared openings on each side.The cat and fox will approach on one side then circle to check out the bait on the other side,a good multiple catch type jackpot set that can be used every year once made.
If you cant use snares use footholds in the openings set with step sticks like a trail set.
As you catch and skin toss carcasses both sides of the fence if legal.A few of these sets on your line will produce a ton of fur on a bush line.

Thanks for the tips, Boco, always looking to refine my techniques. We're not allowed to use snares and bait has to be covered to keep it from being seen from above. I do like the idea of the fencing.

Still waiting on a big male too come strolling through. I know they're there, I've got them on camera, but they haven't showed themselves lately.

Had a buddy tell me he missed a cat today. Said it went after his flagging and never got in the trap. I asked him why the flagging was in front of the trap. I always put any attractor behind the trap. I don't believe anything should be anywhere but behind the trap. By that I mean lures, baits flags, anything use to attract a critter. What is your thoughts on this?

I was thinking about that earlier this evening. The cats out there wandering. It's hungry or it isn't. If it's hungry and the flag draws it to my bait, it seems to me the cat is going to go for the bait. I'm likely missing cats that would have come in strictly out of curiosity. I have seen them (tracks in snow) satisfy their curiosity from several yards away from a flag and turn away.

Strike2x,

You got the hang of this bobcat catching brother!
Well done.
Merry Christmas.
Mark

Thanks Mark, I have watched your video over and over. Seems I learn more each time. Now I just need to improve my coyote numbers. Seems bobcat are taking over in my area. Almost guaranteed that when I first set a new coyote area I will get a cat first. Merry Christmas to you also. I celebrate the birth of my savior every year.

Got my cat this morning, 30lb-10oz male.



Missed a coyote at another set, it must have stepped around the set 100 times but never on that critical spot. Too much snow covered all my guiding. Not worried, I have a feeling he'll be getting a ride in the back of the truck, soon.

-NC