Bobcat dog

[bigskybowhunter]

Hey guys I am just getting into this game and have some questions. I have one pup (1 year bluetick-cur cross)now and have been to some lion trees and hunted with some friends. I was wondering what line or breed of dog would be the best for my style of hunting (beginner,snow or possibly some dry ground casting). I would like to hunt as many bobcats as possible and the occasional lion. I am not set on any one breed and don't really care if it is a "champion" blood line or not. I am not afraid of a started dog or another pup. I am the type of person not afraid to put in the time and learning needed to be the best I can. Just want to put some cats in a tree haha. I really appreciate all the info I can get and thanks in advance! Josh

[Redbarntrailhounds]

Josh,

This is the advice of an inexperienced bobcat hunter so take for what it is worth. I have been a coon hunter for quite a few years and where I grew up we could only a cat tag every once in a blue moon.(wi) I had no friends in the sport and to let me run under their tag so I stuck to straight coon. I now reside in Mn about an hour drive from hunt-able cat populations. So now when conditions are right I am able to pursue the treasured cats.
The dogs you choose to start with will be a major decision that you should research plenty before comiitting to a particular dog or pup. If you know anyone local that is sucsessfull hunting them in the style you desire the choice might be easier.
Figure out what exactly you want before you proceed.
A great tool for this is the book "Bobcat Dog" by David Peightal. He relates so intimately with your thoughts and emotions on this subject. I have read my copy over and over again. I have gone to the library in search of other resources to complement his book and yet to find anything. The internet and David's book are your best tools out side of the woods.

Have fun and be safe
Allen

[Rusty Hill]

X2 on Davids book. Excellent!

[twist]

Josh, where are you located? You are welcome to come tag along on a hunt one day and watch the dogs work. Andy

[bigskybowhunter]

I live just outside Huntley. I used to come down to your place when you had the 3d shoots down there. It's been awhile though!

[twist]

Would recognize you if I seen you probably. Like I said you are welcome to ride along and watch the hound put one up. Andy

[bigskybowhunter]

I would appreciate that Andy. I even have some ranches north of my house I have permission on we could possibly check out.

[Phil Soucy]

Bobcat dogs come in many sizes, colors and styles. I would say find someone that hunts the kind of country and conditions you have and that breeds dogs that catch Bobcats. Not a guy that has a good bobcat dog and has a litter now and then. A good bobcat dog can turn other dogs into good bobcat dogs, but they have to have it in them in order to come out. Unless a dog is a "natural", it can be really frustrating to coax the bobcat dog out of them. So breed is far less important than bloodlines. A great bobcat dog will actually teach you how Bobcats are caught. Good luck!

[twilli]

I live in Laurel and have a bluetick pup. Let me know if you want to go out and try and find some tracks to get the pups nose into them. You know how to ride a horse ? I use my mules alot to cover the country better.

[bigskybowhunter]

Thanks for the advice Phil that is really what I was hoping to find was someone around here that does have or breeds some dogs that I could get my hands on or hunt with.


Twilli,
That would be fun had my pup on a couple of lion tracks so far and she is starting to figure some stuff out but she has a long way to go!

[cobalt]

No matter what dog you get and there good ones and bad ones in all areas, upbringing and training are the answers to the keys of success.

[BAR BAR 2]

Guys I'm going to chime in here so I can keep up with the thread. If any of you Montana guys wouldn't mind a Wyoming guy tagging along, I'd sure appreciate it. I can also line up some ground down here, if you guys wanted to come this direction.



Tex