Shooting bobcats

[Jim Meacham]

I am just wondering if shooting them with a shotgun would ruin their pelt or not. I have always used a 22 mag. Also I just watched a video of hounds running bobs, When they shot the cat they let the dogs pound on the cat for a few minutes before they picked it up. I have always been told atleast while coon hunting that the dogs would bruise the pelt and it wouldn't be worth anything. Any truth to this or is it just a myth.

[Daniel Tremblay]

Every bobcat tree i've been under with the in-laws the dogs got a taste of the cat and the hide was just fine. Of course there is a difference between getting a taste and eatting the cat lol.

[LarryBeggs]

Depends on the dog. Some dogs can rip a hole in a hurry.I always let mine chew on them just a little.Usualy not a problem.

[Patrick]

"Depends on the dog"
That is exactly the answer. I have a dog right now that I have to tie or she will put holes in every cat if there are other digs. First she likes to grap them in the middle, second she is a big dog and she grabs, and pulls backwards while shaking.

Otherwise those dogs that make a lot of commotion and don't really take hold won't do much.
Likewise those real kill dogs that catch one by the chest and mash them into the ground and put the pressure to them won't hurt much. This is my type of dog, too bad I don't have one right now.

Too answer your questions, small holes don't terribly affect the price but you have to sew them up and it gets old. Big rips you can't hide even is you sew them.

Bruising ain't bad, but it is a mess to clean up when you are fleshing them.

Never used shotgun, I would guess that even the small holes would grow when put on the stretcher.
Don't like 22mag as it is too much. Don't need it and you are more likely to get another hole to sew. 22lr is good Shorts if they are down low and no rockpiles close.

Pat

[Jim Meacham]

thanks for the information nothing like taking it in from those who now. Thanks again

Jim