Pest control Bobcats

[farfromhome63]

Hey Guys,

I have a bobcat roaming around my property. I have 3 horses and a small dog, I believe its casing the joint because of my dog.
I was wondering if anyone know the law regarding this? I called and left messages with F&G so I can get a permit to shoot if necessary. I am on 1 acre. So the longest shot would be less than 50 yrds most likely with a 22lr. I dispose of squirrels regularly and would never take a shot near my animals or a direction where it would hit a home.

[bcsquare]

The last I read on bobcats is that you need a valid hunting license and a tag to take one; or a trapper's license. This was from the DFG site under regs. I personally haven't looked into it much or if there is such a tag.

[desertjosh]

I believe its fine if you or your pets are in danger. I would think a .22 would be a little small, but Ive been wrong before.

[thospb]

F&G can issue a depradation permit but I believe you need to experience a loss first (livestock killed). If an animal is killed under a F&G permit the carcass has to be turned over to F&G.

[Fill]

License and a tag is all you need. Unless you can pull off a headshot, then it is very unlikely that you'll successfully bring it down right there. Bobcats are very tough and can run 100s of yards on adrenaline with a non-vital wound. Do it right and borrow something in a larger cal if you have to. A shotgun will work too. I filled one of my bobcat tags 3 nights ago using #1 buckshot at about 25 paces.

[erik_26]

I will keep checking on this thread as I am curious too.

Maybe call the county Sheriff and ask them as they would probably be more likely to respond vs. F&G (aren't they now called Fish and Wildlife).

In the meantime, if you are in a hurry to obtain a resolution to your problem, maybe you could try a non-lethal trap?

[ChaoSS]

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx#478

How close are you to your neighbors houses? Do you have their permission to shoot, if necessary?

Do you have nonlead ammo?

[gun toting monkeyboy]

If you can legally shoot in your area, and feel it is a threat to your dogs or livestock, you can shoot it. You will need to inform F&G afterwards, but they are very good about this sort of thing. Or you can go get a tag and license, and tag it on sight during bobcat season. That way you can legally keep the carcass and skin if you want to.

[VegasND]

Interesting thread; I'm curious to see how this ends up.

[golfish]

In the meantime, if you are in a hurry to obtain a resolution to your problem, maybe you could try a non-lethal trap?

I'd go this route if your serious.

[glockman19]

Hey Guys,

I have a bobcat roaming around my property. I have 3 horses and a small dog, I believe its casing the joint because of my dog.
I was wondering if anyone know the law regarding this? I called and left messages with F&G so I can get a permit to shoot if necessary. I am on 1 acre. So the longest shot would be less than 50 yrds most likely with a 22lr. I dispose of squirrels regularly and would never take a shot near my animals or a direction where it would hit a home.

I'd be happy to remove your pest. I have a valid California Hunting License and Bobcat tags...Bobcat season is October 15 through February 28.

It's a one shot

[Jules]

Bobcat season is not all year, and even non-lethal traps require a trapping license.

[glockman19]

Bobcat season is not all year, and even non-lethal traps require a trapping license.

Yeah, my error, thinking pigs....Bobcats season is October 15 through February 28...my bad...

[Gun_Smoke]

You should ask this in the hunting section there is some pretty bad info here.

Like suggesting trapping, which if caught without a license is a HUGE deal even on private land.

[Manolito]

There is another way to proceed. Contact the Federal trapper in your region. They will contact the Fish and Wildlife and come to your house and remove the cat. I honestly don't think a Bobcat is going to harm your dog.
I have used predation permits for lion after loosing eight sheep and the trapper was a fair help.