Bobcat scratching post/toilet
#6945669
07/28/20 06:53 PM
07/28/20 06:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,949 Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,949
Aliceville, Kansas 43
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I have never seen either one in the wild. Is there a particular environment where they are normally located? Can they be found any time of year?
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Re: Bobcat scratching post/toilet
[Re: Yukon John]
#6945766
07/28/20 08:15 PM
07/28/20 08:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,459 Montana
Taximan
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,459
Montana
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I don't see many scratch posts but they can be confused for a buck rub.Male cats make a "V" shaped,kick back scrape,that may or may not contain scat.Some areas may have toilets with multiple scat piles,but here,it is often one or two exposed scat.They like the base of big trees or cedars.Often,scat is deposited on prominent spots of well frequented trails or under ledges.Even one scat may indicate a significant location.I think when there are a lot of cats,marking of any type,seems to be more frequent.Keep in mind,in some areas of the country,dung beetles,other insects and pack rats may make off with scat.Just because you don't find a a lot of sign,doesn't mean there are no cats.I don't know a lot about scratch posts but I would think,in your country,cedars would be a good bet.
You can find scat year round but if insects are a problem,you may find more in colder months.In my country,I find cat scat on high ridges where I know they will not be when the snow gets deep.If you don't have high elevations,this won't be an issue.Good luck.
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Re: Bobcat scratching post/toilet
[Re: Yukon John]
#6946264
07/29/20 10:34 AM
07/29/20 10:34 AM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,223 Kansas
Pawnee
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,223
Kansas
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In all my years of trapping the only scratching tree I've ever found was last year. That being said I have never spent much time looking for them either.
Everything the left touches it destroys
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Re: Bobcat scratching post/toilet
[Re: Yukon John]
#6946573
07/29/20 03:13 PM
07/29/20 03:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,476 Idaho
bearcat2
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,476
Idaho
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I've seen quite a few scratching trees over the years of wandering in the woods. But I have hounds and hunt cats with them so I always have cat on the brain. All the trees I ever saw were cedars, or I have seen a few times where they scratched on 4x4 posts for forest service road signs. The scat toilets, I see quite regular, because my dogs all run over there, they think cat crap is a delicacy Usually on the sides of old roads under trees in the loose duff, although I also have seen them on ridges. Always where there is some soft dirt or duff, they are like a housecat that way.
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Re: Bobcat scratching post/toilet
[Re: bearcat2]
#6946719
07/29/20 05:55 PM
07/29/20 05:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,949 Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,949
Aliceville, Kansas 43
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I've seen quite a few scratching trees over the years of wandering in the woods. But I have hounds and hunt cats with them so I always have cat on the brain. All the trees I ever saw were cedars, or I have seen a few times where they scratched on 4x4 posts for forest service road signs. The scat toilets, I see quite regular, because my dogs all run over there, they think cat crap is a delicacy Usually on the sides of old roads under trees in the loose duff, although I also have seen them on ridges. Always where there is some soft dirt or duff, they are like a housecat that way. Cool, I'm definitely gonna keep my eyes peeled. We have a ton of cedars here!
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Re: Bobcat scratching post/toilet
[Re: Yukon John]
#6951249
08/02/20 01:00 AM
08/02/20 01:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,337 The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane
"HOSS"
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"HOSS"
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,337
The Hill Country of Texas
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When I was young I spent a lot of time looking for the perfect this or the perfect that. I caught fur but I assure you I was over thinking it. 2 years in a row I trapped along several high bank rivers and I caught way more coyotes and bobcats both.
It changed the way I look at the land- a high bank limits a travel way and causes choke points and that is what I set now. Sometimes I see sign and that is great. Sometimes I dont see that much sign (cattle stomp and poop on everything) but the lay of the land suggest anyone roaming around should use this trail. I find a pair of choke points, I set them, and I catch fur.
The big ol toms are what I want come breeding season they are prime. They are following the females scent in the breeze and trying to breed as many as they can. If I guess which way he might come, I can snag a cat that has never been there b4 so obviously he has never left sign there.
“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.” Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers
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