Any bobcat trappers out there?

[oldman]

Try the internet. I looked and the are several good websites with information and videos.

[CyOps]

"Predators have historically been and will continue to be the principle decimating factor for pheasant nests and adult birds, as they are for all other small game species."

"Predation accounts for three-fourths of unsuccessful nests, and nearly all of adult mortality (excluding hunting) is directly predator related. The problem can be exacerbated when insufficient habitat and severe weather make pheasants more vulnerable."

Less bobcats, more pheasant.

[jaretac]

Yeah, I'm sorry but it is taking every once of will to not make a sarcastic comment about baiting with "good news".

[ILiftWithRoyce]

dont trap it. be a real man and get out there with nothing but a loincloth and spear and roshambo with that son of a *****

[nhclone]

There is a difference between an "opinion" and a conclusion drawn from scientific evidence. The OPs mistake was trying to justify trapping bobcats as a pheasant conservation measure instead of coming out and saying he just wanted to trap a bobcat for fun. Which is fine, if done legally.

I was referencing the response all the way down in the 2nd post that insinuated there was no point to trapping unless you were going to eat them. I agree that trapping bobcats wouldn't be a significant pheasant conservation technique. Even if they do raid nests from time to time, they don't hold a candle to skunks, possums, and raccoon.

[RayShimley]

"Predators have historically been and will continue to be the principle decimating factor for pheasant nests and adult birds, as they are for all other small game species."

"Predation accounts for three-fourths of unsuccessful nests, and nearly all of adult mortality (excluding hunting) is directly predator related. The problem can be exacerbated when insufficient habitat and severe weather make pheasants more vulnerable."

Less bobcats, more pheasant.

Great logic. I see you conveniently skimmed over this part in the same article where it listed the principle predators for pheasants. Hint: it didn't mention bobcats. Not once.

I see you also conveniently ignored the report by the same scientist that stated that ALL BIRDS accounted for less than 2% of the stomach contents of bobcats captured across Iowa. Meaning that pheasant remains accounted for <<2%.

[longtimeclone]

I was referencing the response all the way down in the 2nd post that insinuated there was no point to trapping unless you were going to eat them. I agree that trapping bobcats wouldn't be a significant pheasant conservation technique. Even if they do raid nests from time to time, they don't hold a candle to skunks, possums, and raccoon.

Another reason it wouldn't be significant is because legally you are only suppose to be able to trap one bobcat for an entire season.

[nhclone]

Another reason it wouldn't be significant is because legally you are only suppose to be able to trap one bobcat for an entire season.

Thought about mentioning that, but didn't want to have to defend my refusal to eat dozens of skunks and possum every year

[CycloneYoda]

I have no problem if the OP traps cats. It is legal if one holds the proper fur bearer's license, the trapping does not wipe out the bobcat population, and bobcat pelts are pretty sweet.

With that said, the OP should have left out the pheasant reasoning, and just stuck to the joy of trapping.

[CyOps]

Great logic. I see you conveniently skimmed over this part in the same article where it listed the principle predators for pheasants. Hint: it didn't mention bobcats. Not once.

I see you also conveniently ignored the report by the same scientist that stated that ALL BIRDS accounted for less than 2% of the stomach contents of bobcats captured across Iowa. Meaning that pheasant remains accounted for <<2%.

So, more bobcats means more pheasant?

[ISUAgronomist]

So, more bobcats means more pheasant?

[oldman]

Another reason it wouldn't be significant is because legally you are only suppose to be able to trap one bobcat for an entire season.

They also limit the counties to, with a few exceptions, the bottom three tiers.

[Acylum]

I have no problem if the OP traps cats. It is legal if one holds the proper fur bearer's license, the trapping does not wipe out the bobcat population, and bobcat pelts are pretty sweet.

With that said, the OP should have left out the pheasant reasoning, and just stuck to the joy of trapping.

Wonder what's in your cat's stomach?

[RayShimley]

So, more bobcats means more pheasant?

More bobcats means less rabbits, mice, and squirrels. I realize it may be tough to get the basics of population ecology through your notoriously thick skull, but the eradication or expansion of a predator population would not be predicted to have a positive or negative effect on a species of which it (or its primary prey) does not significantly prey upon.

Just because something is labeled a "predator" does not mean that it will impact all "prey" species negatively OR positively. There is a relatively low carrying capacity for bobcats in Iowa due to the limited amount of habitat and their large range sizes (22 sq miles for males), and there is no evidence whatsoever that their populations could ever reach a level where their miniscule incidental intake of pheasants would have any significant negative impact on pheasant populations.

[longtimeclone]

They also limit the counties to, with a few exceptions, the bottom three tiers.

I don't think I have ever seen a bobcat in the wild but I am from NE Iowa.

When I was in the boy scouts and I found what I believed to be a cougar track. The scout master didn't believe me but the track was huge and I knew it was cat track. Later that night a big cat let out a snarl that quite a few people heard. He still didn't believe me but I think he was trying to not scare some of the other scouts.