Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, the air is crisp, and you hear the rustle of leaves. You know a bobcat is nearby. But how do you get it to come closer? Choosing the right lure is like finding the perfect key to unlock a hidden door. It’s exciting, but also a little tricky. Many hunters find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, unsure which scent or sound will actually work.
This can be frustrating. You want to be successful, but a bad lure can waste your time and leave you empty-handed. That’s why understanding what makes a bobcat lure effective is so important. In this post, we’ll break down the mystery of bobcat lures.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll explore the different types of lures, what smells attract these clever cats, and how to use them properly. Get ready to boost your bobcat hunting game!
Top Lure For Bobcats Recommendations
- A very strong, creamy gland lure that big toms find irresistible
- This bobcat lure really holds them at your set
- Works great in cage traps
- Works great at flat sets and dirt hole sets
- Lenon's Bobcat Trappers Special 4 oz Bobcat Super All Call Lure & 4 oz Bobcat Urine
- 4 oz Jar Lenon's Bobcat Super all Call Lure
- 4 oz. Bottle Bobcat Urine
- Three 8 oz Jars of Effective Lenon Lures Trapping Coyote, Fox, Bobcat and Raccoon Trapping Bait
- 1 Each Lenon's Bobcat Meat - Fox and Coyote Bait 8 oz. Jar Extremely effective for all predators, coyote, red and grey fox, raccoon and bobcat. Perfectly tainted bobcat meat with an added blend of essential oils and special musk.
- 1 Each Lenon's Beaver Meat Fox & Coyote Bait 8 oz. Jar Extremely effective for all predators, coyote, red and grey fox, raccoon and bobcat. Perfectly tainted beaver meat with an added blend of essential oils and special musk.
- 1 Each Lenon's Raccoon Sweet & Sticky Fish Paste Bait 8 oz. Jar At dirthole or pocket sets use tablespoon of bait down inside of hole. Double the amount of bait used when trapping in extreme cold or in areas with poor set visibility. Perfect bait for alluring a raccoon into a live cage trap or to get Mr. Ring Tail to committing to pulling the trigger in a dog proof raccoon trap. Deadly when used in conjunction with Lenon's Raccoon Super All Call Lure.
- Lenon Lures has been proudly serving trappers since 1924
- Russ Carman Lures
- Bobcat Trapping Lure
- Boston Round Bottle
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Lenon's Bobcat Super All Call Lure - 1 oz Jar
- Lenon's Bobcat Nature Call Lure - 1 oz Jar
- GUARANTEED RESULTS. . . 1000s of trappers across North America have used this system to proven results of bobcat trapping.
- A very strong, creamy gland lure that big toms find irresistible
- This bobcat lure really holds them at your set
- Works great in cage traps
- Works great at flat sets and dirt hole sets
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Bobcat Hunters
So, you want to bring home a bobcat? That’s an exciting goal! To make your hunt successful, you need the right tools. One of the most important tools is a good lure. A lure tricks a bobcat into coming closer, so you can get a good shot. This guide will help you pick the best bobcat lure for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features of a Great Bobcat Lure
When you shop for a bobcat lure, keep these important features in mind.
- Scent Strength: The lure needs a strong smell. Bobcats have a great sense of smell. A powerful scent travels far and grabs their attention.
- Natural Ingredients: The best lures smell like real bobcat prey. Think about things bobcats eat, like rabbits or rodents.
- Durability: You don’t want a lure that dries out quickly or loses its smell after one use. A good lure stays effective for a long time.
- Ease of Use: Some lures are sprays, others are liquids you put on a scent pad. Choose one that’s easy for you to apply in the field.
- Target Specificity: While many lures attract various animals, some are specifically made to target bobcats. This can increase your chances.
What Makes a Lure Great? Important Materials
The ingredients in a lure are super important. They are what give it its smell.
Animal-Based Scents
Many top-quality bobcat lures use animal-based scents. These can include things like:
- Urine from prey animals (like rabbits or rodents)
- Musk from bobcats themselves
- Scents from other animals that bobcats hunt
These smells are natural and attractive to bobcats. They trigger a bobcat’s hunting instinct.
Synthetic Scents
Some lures use synthetic (man-made) versions of natural scents. These can work well too. They are often more stable and last longer than natural ones. However, many hunters prefer the real deal.
What Makes a Lure Better or Worse? Quality Factors
Not all lures are created equal. Here’s what affects their quality.
Factors That Improve Quality
- High Concentration of Active Scent: More of the good stuff means a stronger, more appealing smell.
- Fresh Ingredients: Just like food, fresh ingredients make a better-smelling lure.
- Careful Blending: Experienced lure makers know how to mix scents to create a powerful attractant.
- Proper Storage: Keeping the lure out of direct sun and heat helps it last longer.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Weak or Faint Scent: If it doesn’t smell strong, it won’t attract bobcats.
- Artificial or Chemical Smells: A lure that smells fake can scare bobcats away.
- Dries Out Too Fast: A lure that loses its effectiveness quickly is a waste of money.
- Contamination: If the lure gets mixed with other smells, it can become less appealing.
How to Use It: User Experience and Use Cases
Using a bobcat lure correctly is key to success.
Application Methods
Most lures are applied in a few ways:
- Scent Pads: You put a few drops of lure onto a special pad. Then, you place the pad near your hunting spot.
- Sprays: You can spray the lure directly onto the ground or brush.
- Direct Application: Some lures can be applied directly to branches or logs.
Always follow the instructions on the lure’s packaging. You want to place the scent upwind of your hunting stand. This way, the wind carries the smell towards the bobcat.
When to Use Them
Bobcat lures work best when you use them strategically. Try using them:
- Near known bobcat travel paths.
- Around established bobcat dens.
- During the bobcat’s active hunting times, like dawn and dusk.
A good lure can make a big difference in your bobcat hunting trip. Choose wisely, use it correctly, and happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bobcat Lures
Q: What is the main purpose of a bobcat lure?
A: The main purpose of a bobcat lure is to attract bobcats by their sense of smell, bringing them closer to your hunting location.
Q: Are natural or synthetic lures better for bobcats?
A: Many hunters believe natural lures are better because they smell more like real prey. However, good quality synthetic lures can also be very effective.
Q: How much lure should I use?
A: You usually only need a few drops or a light spray. Too much lure can be overwhelming and might scare bobcats away.
Q: Can bobcat lures attract other animals?
A: Yes, some lures might attract other animals like coyotes or foxes. Look for lures specifically made for bobcats if you want to target them.
Q: How often should I reapply the lure?
A: It depends on the lure and the weather. You might need to reapply every few hours, especially if it’s windy or rainy.
Q: Where is the best place to put the lure?
A: Place the lure upwind from your hunting spot. This way, the wind carries the scent towards where the bobcat might be.
Q: Do bobcat lures work all year round?
A: They can work year-round, but they are often most effective during the bobcat mating season and when food is scarce.
Q: What does a bobcat lure typically smell like?
A: Bobcat lures usually smell like their prey, such as rabbits, rodents, or other small mammals. Some might have a musky scent.
Q: Can I make my own bobcat lure?
A: Some experienced hunters create their own lures using natural ingredients. However, it takes knowledge and practice to make an effective one.
Q: How should I store my bobcat lure?
A: Store your lure in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the lid tightly closed to preserve the scent.