Should you shoot Bobcats?

[ck40711]

Hello, a lot of hunters seem to agree that Coyotes are bad for deer and livestock (some debate it out there, but for the most part hunters will shoot a yote if they see one).
What about Bobcats? Personally I enjoy seeing them and let them walk, because I don't think they hurt anything (same with a fox). However the other hunters where I hunt shoot them. . . take a few pictures then throw them in the woods and thats it. To me its such a waste. If you are going to shoot it to have it mounted or something, then great . . . .but to shoot it just to kill it and throw it away is an unjustified kill to me on a Bobcat and a waste. Am I the one wrong here? What are you thoughts on Bobcats and whether you shoot them or not?

[Encinal]

We don't kill them unless someone wants to mount one. I like to see them so dems de rules.

[Christianhuff]

We don't kill them unless someone wants to mount one. I like to see them so dems de rules.

X2

[J. Colwell]

I agree with ck but will shoot them if I'm hunting in a varmint contest. Otherwise, just let them walk because I feel like they are not over populated and do not hurt anything.

[drop dead fred]

I want one to mount then the rest get a pass

[cdthompson9]

Unlike fox bobcats kill fawns. If you are trying to increase your deer heard shoot them.

[Mex. Bowhunter]

We don't kill them unless someone wants to mount one. I like to see them so dems de rules.

X3 To me a Yote is different because they Pack up in late winter and can to some damage to the deer herd late season. As far as Bobcats we let nature take it coarse.

[UncleBubba]

We kill every one we see at our place in Spur. The land owner is a quail hunter and they will really put a dent in the quail population. Also hard on turkeys. We get 2-4 a year out there.

[twobittxn]

Lone Star Outdoor News had a good article on this in the most recent issue. Bobcats and coyotes will take a fawn if the opportunity arises. Coyotes are more omniverous. They will eat fruit, seeds, corn, and what ever meat they can. Bobcats are total carnivores.

I agree that killing an animal just to kill it is a waste and not the way I was raised.

[ArrowRanger]

A couple years ago abuddy had a few pics of a Bobcat taking downa smaller doe...It was amazing...Yep cats are pure carnivores...K-9s omnivores...yet we pound every "'yote" and allow "Bob' to slip by...why?

[jctex81]

I would say only shoot'em if you have a reason....mounting...effecting bird pop....threatening fawns...killing chickens...etc...

[PondPopper]

No they are part of the natural balance of nature. They target the weak and injured. A healthy deer will put a butt whippin on on bobcat most of the time.
Most fawns have momma close by. Or a few mommas.

[Blane]

After shooting my pair last year, even after getting the mount back, I have questioned why I shot them. I have always wanted a mounted one and personally think the mount turned out amazing that I will have for a long long time and be able to tell the story to my grandkids. But I still think about the joy of seeing them walking through the country and letting my daughter see them. I will probably not shoot another one now that I have the mount.

[BIG D]

We don't kill them unless someone wants to mount one. I like to see them so dems de rules.

Same here. We see a lot of cats. Had a young man kill one last year for a mount and that is cool with us. I have never killed one but if I get a chance at a big one with my bow, I might. I would like to have one mounted, just one.

[stickerpatch59]

i let 'em walk