What's the safest way to release a bobcat without a catch pole.

Plywood sheet with a "V" shaped notch on one edge and some type of handle on one side. Set it over the foot and use it as a shield as you let it out.

Thats a good question. I have because of a broken catchpole in my youth, used a piece of thin paneling, and a stick. To release a bobcat. Wasnt to hard. Got bobcat to end of chain, used forked stick to him up cat, layed down thin paneling on cat, except for foot and took off trap. I dont really recommend this but = I saw some where , years ago where a video of a bobcat release. They made a = v shaped cut in a piece of plywood sheet. That is then put over the leg of bobcat, the person is behind the half piece of plywood, and the trap is taken of because bobcat is on other side of plywood

Someone on here cut a little v out of the corner of a plastic tote and placed it over a cat with the foot and trap sticking out .

Lots of ppl use a big plastic tote too.

The videos of the gal in Wisconsin, Skye Goode, she lets them go with a really small shield. And a timber wolf with nothing other than moving slow. She must be the Trap Whisperer.

Wear heavy clothing and gloves!!!!!

https://youtu.be/vUMhBYfaRHg
This is my video and in my opinion the safest way when doing it solo. Yes, I have seen the videos of the young lady releasing animals vwith a small shield but I have also seen videos where the cat or other animal has come over the top or around the side. I carry the tote with me always. I just fill it with stuff until needed. I have used that same tote over 25 times never any problem. I can say that if you watch videos of many releases you will notice the ones that do it with confidence have better success. JMHO.

For the cat, not using the catch pole is the safest thing for it. gotta be careful with those. Cat night run off and look good, but no telling what damage has been done.

Tote or board with V notched.
Although I don’t care for FB generally, if you’ll go there and put Releasing a bobcat or/and “bobcat release” up in the Search bar ya can see how dozens of folks do it.
OR go to our User List and find Skye Goode then look for her thread , if ya want to see how a girl does it. She uses a 2’ x 3’ notched board with handles on the back.

Check out this release with a tote, it went well... it's around 9:00 mintutes into the video. The guy has a pretty good channel too.

Plywood did the trick. Had a lot of trouble getting the trap loose at the angle the paw needed to stay at and it was cold last night and frozen together but it's set free now. Used plywood to release a otter several years ago when I was trapping chicken killing coons. I was suprised when I had an otter. Those short legs and long neck made me nervous.

The bobcat had teeth and claws I was a little more careful and the e/4 ply wood was just a little heavier than I needed.

Thanks for confirming that's the best option to use out of what I had available.

Yep^^^
If using a catch pole you have to work very fast.

No more than 30 to 45 seconds.

Funny this topic came up today then I went to check traps and had a small female Bobcat. It was cool because being Christmas Eve I was able to get the family ride along. My wife and older daughter had never seen a live bobcat up close.
I also made and posted a video of the cat in the trap and the release.

https://youtu.be/b_4qB8aXGdk

Awesome video, especially with the family and all!

If you use a catch pole, you have to get one leg through the loop before closing down the loop.

I saw a mama with 2 cubs (kittens) today, must've had a late "litter".

I actually use a large political sign with a small notch in it to place on the leg. It is about a half sheet of plywood. I put two 1x1 stakes on each end and cable tie the two it. That way I have something to easily hold. And simply hide behind it walking up behind. I also have a piece of rope like a handle above the hole in it so I can hold the sign. It is much lighter than plywood and works well.

I let all cats out using a pole until this time of year. I’ve never had a problem. Put the loop on just tight enough to pin him to the ground gently and release the trap. Be quick but don’t hurry! I think lots of people over do the loop because they are nervous. Remind yourself that you’re not releasing a Siberian tiger.

This is what I've usually done. I have to let some out every year I catch before our season opens. Sometimes I will let out kittens if they're not froze in even after season opens. They're like anything if you just get in there and do it I don't usually have much issue. If you're afraid of the cat walking in there and feel the need to put an extra squeeze on it to let it out you might want to go the rubbermaid way.