Big Boy just doesn't want to revisit. Still can't figure out how he missed that trap.

Had a big Tom do that last year. Eeicy

Bobcat trapping sure is tough.

This guy just walks past cubbies like they are not even there. Figured I'd try some flat sets. Close but no cigar

Should try some exposed trail sets if you can find or make a pinch point. Super effective on bobcats and fox. I guide them so tight that they have no choice but to step on the pan

Totally different terrain Bob. I’d imagine VA is like GA…deer trails everywhere. There probably are no “defined” predator trails. They just take whichever is the easiest path for wherever they’re heading.
About the only time something like that would work is if they’re walking a wash in a road. And you’d have to set it prior to any forecasted rain and hope he comes around before the rain comes. The only issue with that is coyotes and deer walk it as well.

KPW, have you tried any gaudy dirt holes? Those seem to always get their attention.
I could see, based on your pic, where I doubt cubbies would work. I am going to try one for the heck of it this year, I just have no idea why they’d want to check it out. There’s probably umpteen natural things like that in the woods they walk through anyways.

With the above said, I have gotten on on camera multiple times and I guess created a pinch point as Bob said by adding limbs on both sides of the trail and managed to catch one…once. It’s never worked since, lol. I really thought I was on to something too. The next time I did it he just walked around instead of through.

Bcats approach sets in no predictable pattern. They can be guided but when you're also after any coyote you have to go easy with that.

In the past 8 nights I have missed 3 bcats. They stepped within an inch of the pan. I have caught 5 and one pulled out...likely on first lunge due to that crazy approach. Had dark fur in jaws that came off the bcat's lower back leg..below the knee...back side of leg. I have put the other 4 bcat's pelts in the freezer.

Use beaver castor and skunky lures.

Good luck. Be patient. That bcat will return.

If I ever try Bobcat trapping again I might just make coyote sets. The more I talk to locals the more I hear that seems to be the way they're catching them.. but that is in the fall. I'm not sure about winter. Around here I can't seem to find anyone that has the hot ticket for catching them in snow other than in a random cable restraint.

Think that was mentioned, lol. Make your best coyote set and a cat will clog it up. I just don’t think y’all have a large population of cats.

Feb seems the month they turn on. Last year caught 4 Bobcats all in Feb. This year 2 Bobcats one last week of Jan and this morning. I want to catch coyotes and they seem much more difficult. Dirt holes and flat sets still no coyotes. This years Bobcats 2 males were both younger. one in a cubby and 1 in a flat set with a small log as backing. Hoping these next four nights get them moving. Thanks for the advice I will try to tighten down on the trails they are running.

Without really great blocking and guiding I seem to miss as many cats as I catch. Didn't take me long to figure out to give them only one place to step. Unless your covered up with cats missing them when they come along sucks. Block and guide or expect to miss a fair share of them.

Not in my area. I have never caught a bobcat in a coyote set. If I did I’d cry tears of joy lol I’ll take a bobcat over a coyote every time

Here is a before and after of this morning's catch




They really trash the cubby once they are restrained.

Congratulations

That didn’t take long. 3 nights later?

Thanks. Still after Mr Big though. He never seems interested in anything along this timber road. I didn't want to admit but during late Dec to mid Jan I had him on multiple trail cameras, I couldn't figure out why he wasn't working the sets. Then I smelled my Bobcat urine and it was pure ammonia. Think I made him smarter with that rookie mistake.