My father and I own 640 acre along the cimmaron river in central Oklahoma. We have numerous 20-30 bird covies (quail), but this year the bobcat population seemed to be causing us problems. Most of the covies we got up averaged about 15 birds. Any suggestions on how to control this problem??

Trap the cats. Cats are very easy to catch, unlike most furbearers. They are also worth money so you may look into getting an experienced trapper to come in, I' m sure most of them would be more than willing to help with that problem. With a book and a few traps it wouldn' t take you long to catch on.

The hides will be worth more next winter because they will be fuller. But mez gave you good advice. Treat it as a new hobby.
I used to trap in So. Idaho. I loved it and it was quite profitable at times, and still can be. Best of luck!


critch

I had the same prob. I called in a trapper from minnesota and had him put traps 360 degrees around the main feeding ground of the covies. It took a week and we had 3 bobcats. Then the killing ceased and we got many quail that year.



Hope this helps

Trk.Merc.

I would also what till next fall to trap them. They will bring much more with a better coat. You may have to settle for a few less birds this fall and rebuild after the cats have been trapped.

I' ve done some trapping, but never on cats. Coyotes, and other small game. I was kinda unsure how to go about it. I got a few books and think I' ll take you guys advice and wait till winter to give it a try. I appreciate it and will let you know how it goes.

trap-em or hang out with a accurate rifle and blow them into next week, also maybe if you carry a pistol or something with you wile you are walkin around and you see one BANG BANG BANG!
I would stick with trapping because you could make a profit on them and because they are really tough to kill and you almost never see-em, my grandpa shot one 3 times from short range with a 30-06 and it got away (it died afterwards though)

A rabbit squealer, 22-250 or .22 mag and a sharp eye should do the trick.

Find some one with some cat hounds and let them hunt the property, they will be appreciative of it and you just might get a chance to be a shooter for them.
As long as it is legal in your area of course!!