6.8 SPC Forums banner
Cancel
  • Hey Guest, it looks like you haven't made your first post yet. Until you make an introduction thread, the rest of the site is locked to posting. Why not take a few minutes to say hi!

Christmas Eve Bobcat surprise!!

2382 Views 20 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  wawaldo2, 
"Follow Me!"
3
I don't know what's going on but I'm not calling any coyotes in? However; I keep calling in bobcats!!I've been out three times and have called out three bobcats. My Father in law and I went out calling on the Stud mill road all day Friday and didn't call a dang thing in AND THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT?!!

Then on Satureday we decided to go out for a couple of hours and call before we had to do Christmas stuff with the family. Well we ended up only calling two stands. 5 minutes into the first stand we called out a huge Bobcat like a dang 40 lbs cat!! It was so Windy out that we didn't see him until he had been there awhile My father pulled up on him and just as he was getting ready to take the shot the cat jumps off the boulder he was on and disappeared never to be seen again. That was the first bobcat my father in law ever called out and he wanted a mount real bad, but it didn't work out and he never shot. Happened too fast.

After that stand we decided to try one more stand so we drove down to some family land and now it was raining very heavy along with the wind? Twenty minutes into calling I catch movement 80 yards out in the cutting guess what? Another nice bobcat is coming in, he is stalking the decoy I pulled my 6.8 spc up put the cross hairs on his shoulder and sent a 110 v max his way...BANG, WHACK!!!! FLOP!!. LOL all I could see was his tail sticking up in the air doing what looked like the helicopter!! Lol, awesome day calling. The 110 v-max is my reload traveling 2672 FPS 10' in front of muzzle using AA2200,

I felt a little bad because I have already shot bobcats by calling. I was going to let my father shoot but the way we were sitting I didn't know if my father in law even saw him. The cat was almost on the decoy and I didn't want him to get away so I took the shot. Probably looks small in the picture, but I'm 6'3" 220 lbs, We guessed this cat at about 20 pounds. I wish we shot the first because it was noticeably larger.




See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
Campower
Wow that's awesome! Bobcats are very very rare to call out here In maine. The one I did call out years ago I had mounted due to the rarity. Quite a few lynx here though, and we have to be very careful not to shoot one mistaking it as a bobcat.

Oddly enough, I've had a similar experience as you except with fox's. I've yet to get a coyote to come in, but almost every day I've had a fox come running in. Usually only see one fox per ever 10 coyotes.

I LOVE the looks of your rifle! I know you have probably already gone over this, but could I get some details about your rig? Looks similar to the build I'm striving for.
Reply
Save
Like
V
That's a really fine looking kitty.,
Congratulations
Reply
Save
Like
Campower
Holy cow! Just realized you are another Mainer!!
Reply
Save
Like
rvrrat14
Very nice! Congrats!
Reply
Save
Like
8
Nice cat, and a great writeup.
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
Thanks for the compliments everyone!

Campower, Hello fellow Mainer! I don't know if you caught in my write up that we called out 2 cats that day at different locations? The first one, the one that got away was a much bigger cat! My Father in law really wishes he was faster on the trigger, he had him in the scope safety off starting trigger squeeze but cat vanished before he could shoot. I've been out calling 3 times so far and 2 out of 3 days we called out cats. I've Called in 4 bobcats total in my predator hunting years so far. It's funny because we are after coyotes. We were even using coyote pup distress and vocals and the cats still showed up. Off course we also use snow shoe hare distress and Lightning jack. We also used decoys. I usually call in and kill a few coyotes every winter but so far I've been skunked on coyotes.

As for my rig: Which I very much love as in my other rifles are getting jealous because they stay in the safe, I love this rifle and the 6.8 SPC. For my neck of the woods it does everything perfect.

ARP 16" fluted Socom barrel with twisted Flash hider
Bolt carrier from ARP
ARP Super Bolt
Bravo Company Mod 4 charging handle
Midwest Industries Gen2 SS rifle length forearm with hand stop and panels, that I added because it helps shield your hand from the cold metal, I have another AR with metal free float forearm that sucks the heat from your hands on cold days even with gloves, I wrapped that camouflage tape around that one for the same reason. I also recommend the Gen 3 version, I put that on my Dad's rifle, easier to align no gas tube slots to line up.
MDI low profile gas block
Spikes tactical up and lower
Geissele SSA-E Trigger (Awesome Trigger!!)
Leupold one piece AR15 scope mount
Leupold 2-7x33 scope, Perfect for my terrain (Haven't ever taken it off 2 power) and I shoot both eyes open
Milspec buffer, buffer tube and Magpul OD green furniture.
Magpul BAD lever and Trigger guard

Hope that helps, did I say I love this rifle? Hasn't failed me Yet!!
If I forgot anything just ask. Now go help some deer and drop some YOTES!!!
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Ratdog68
Very fine kitty !!! Big shame your FIL missed out on his chance to bag it's bigger brother ! Sure it wasn't a lynx? LOL
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
Ratdog68 said:
Very fine kitty !!! Big shame your FIL missed out on his chance to bag it's bigger brother ! Sure it wasn't a lynx? LOL
Click to expand...
Yeah I know I wish he shot his but he is coming back in a couple of weeks for round two. The cat didn't spook I just think he wasn't hungry and I don't think he saw the Decoy. Oh and yes it wasn't a Lynx I've seen a few lynx in Northern Maine, They look totally different no way to mistake them in my opinion. This cat's tracks in the snow were freaking huge though (the one that got away).

Speaking of lynx we saw a big lynx up in the Allagash this past deer season. Those things are beautiful.
Reply
Save
Like
Campower
"Follow Me!" said:
Yeah I know I wish he shot his but he is coming back in a couple of weeks for round two. The cat didn't spook I just think he wasn't hungry and I don't think he saw the Decoy. Oh and yes it wasn't a Lynx I've seen a few lynx in Northern Maine, They look totally different no way to mistake them in my opinion. This cat's tracks in the snow were freaking huge though (the one that got away).

Speaking of lynx we saw a big lynx up in the Allagash this past deer season. Those things are beautiful.
Click to expand...
I'm from up in the county, Fort Fairfield, and we are infested with Lynx.. they reek havoc on the rabbit/partridge population up here.

I find it crazy ironic that you are getting skunked as well down there.. even my bait spots are untouched by coyotes.. my father has had better success, but so far all I've gotten is fox this winter.

I guess Mainers think alike, because your rifle is almost a clone of my Ruger AR556 I'm converting into my first 6.8. (Isn't that SSA-E sweet?!) I'm also running a MI Gen 2 SS and I was looking at those add on hand guards.. good point with the cold leeching issue, I've ran into that lately with the crazy cold snap we had. I'm using a Redfield Revolution TAC 3-9 (made by leupold) with a pepr mount, but like you it barely comes off minimum magnification. I'm torn deciding barrel length at the moment.. I LOVE how handy a 16" is to throw over your back, but the extra velocity from a 18" or 20" is tempting to throw those 95gr ttsx a little faster to cover the large clover fields up here during deer/black bear season... Opinions?

If you make it up to the county give me a shout! My uncle has 500 acres of farm land and he wants all the coyotes gone ASAP.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
Campower said:
I'm from up in the county, Fort Fairfield, and we are infested with Lynx.. they reek havoc on the rabbit/partridge population up here.

I find it crazy ironic that you are getting skunked as well down there.. even my bait spots are untouched by coyotes.. my father has had better success, but so far all I've gotten is fox this winter.

I guess Mainers think alike, because your rifle is almost a clone of my Ruger AR556 I'm converting into my first 6.8. (Isn't that SSA-E sweet?!) I'm also running a MI Gen 2 SS and I was looking at those add on hand guards.. good point with the cold leeching issue, I've ran into that lately with the crazy cold snap we had. I'm using a Redfield Revolution TAC 3-9 (made by leupold) with a pepr mount, but like you it barely comes off minimum magnification. I'm torn deciding barrel length at the moment.. I LOVE how handy a 16" is to throw over your back, but the extra velocity from a 18" or 20" is tempting to throw those 95gr ttsx a little faster to cover the large clover fields up here during deer/black bear season... Opinions?

If you make it up to the county give me a shout! My uncle has 500 acres of farm land and he wants all the coyotes gone ASAP.
Click to expand...
Funny thing is I shot 2 coyotes during rifle season on deer down here and my son shot 1. I shot another one during muzzle loader season with my muzzle loader. I've seen I think 9 coyotes since deer season all by happen stance not calling.
Hmm I don't know about barrel length I really like the 16" don't think you gain enough with the 18 and 20 to make it worth the extra length and weight but that is a personal opinion. I prefer the 120grain sst and 110 accubond over the TTSX. I just don't care for the barnes and neither does my rifle. 120 sst and 110 ab are good to 300 yards. When I say my rifle doesn't like them I mean they aren't as accurate as the other 2 but that is a mater of preference too. If you hunt mostly open fields you might want the longer barrels. Down here I'm lucky to get a shot over 100 yards, most of my shots are well under that.

If I ever get up that way I might hit you up on that. Although when I go up that way I'm usually hunting with my FIL over bait and calling around his house. keep in touch and report any kills I like hearing that other Mainers are trying to thin the coyotes.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Campower
"Follow Me!" said:
Funny thing is I shot 2 coyotes during rifle season on deer down here and my son shot 1. I shot another one during muzzle loader season with my muzzle loader. I've seen I think 9 coyotes since deer season all by happen stance not calling.
Hmm I don't know about barrel length I really like the 16" don't think you gain enough with the 18 and 20 to make it worth the extra length and weight but that is a personal opinion. I prefer the 120grain sst and 110 accubond over the TTSX. I just don't care for the barnes and neither does my rifle. 120 sst and 110 ab are good to 300 yards. When I say my rifle doesn't like them I mean they aren't as accurate as the other 2 but that is a mater of preference too. If you hunt mostly open fields you might want the longer barrels. Down here I'm lucky to get a shot over 100 yards, most of my shots are well under that.

If I ever get up that way I might hit you up on that. Although when I go up that way I'm usually hunting with my FIL over bait and calling around his house. keep in touch and report any kills I like hearing that other Mainers are trying to thin the coyotes.
Click to expand...
You got a yote with a muzzleloader?! Now that my friend is bad ass! I have a pile of beaver carcasses behind my house, and I usually get 10 or so coyotes through the winter.. thus far it's been 6 fox and no coyote. Haven't been out calling yet.. the cold has been intense.. what are you using for a call? I've used a foxpro skyote mouth call for awile, and looking to get an electronic one for some closer range work. The reeds get too cold sometimes ans screw my calling up.

I use SST and ELD-X in my other primary hunting gun (260 rem) so maybe I'll take your advice and give the SST/VMAX bullet a try over the 95TTSX. I was just concerned about velocity. But as you said, keep things in respectable ranger ans it's not an issue. Where abouts is your FIL homestead? Probably not too far from me.
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
I live down in Washington county, East Machias. My FIL live up in cross lake. I have an old Fox pro FX 3. I plan on upgrading with one of the newer Foxpros. My father has a newer one and the sound is clearer and the new remotes have further rang. I use to use and calls but like you stated they always froze up. I like the e caller because you can place It away from you. I'm also a firm believer in decoys, I like the one that attaches to the caller. My success rate has gone up with a decoy. 3 out of the 4 bobcats that came in saw the decoy and fixated on it and didn't care about anything else.

My problem with Barnes and even nosler is that they are expensive I can get about twice as many bullets with Hornady for less. I also like the speer 90 gr TNT for coyotes too.
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
The muzzle loader kill was cool but two summers ago I killed 2 coyotes with my Glocks. One of them was a 100 yard shot with with my subcompact G27 and the other was a 25 to 30 yard shot with my G19. Then the deer season before that I shot a coyote with my S&W M29 8 3/8" barrel (.44 mag). At about 12 yards lol that one was funny. The bullet enter the north end and exited the south end and there was a 10 ft trail of fur following the bullet out the back end like a tracer. By no means am I saying that I'm dirty hairy just extremely lucky! I've got my fare share of misses but we don't talk about those. Lol.
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
10 coyotes a winter!! That's great, I wish I had a place to bait, I love watching my FIL bait pile.
Reply
Save
Like
Campower
"Follow Me!" said:
The muzzle loader kill was cool but two summers ago I killed 2 coyotes with my Glocks. One of them was a 100 yard shot with with my subcompact G27 and the other was a 25 to 30 yard shot with my G19. Then the deer season before that I shot a coyote with my S&W M29 8 3/8" barrel (.44 mag). At about 12 yards lol that one was funny. The bullet enter the north end and exited the south end and there was a 10 ft trail of fur following the bullet out the back end like a tracer. By no means am I saying that I'm dirty hairy just extremely lucky! I've got my fare share of misses but we don't talk about those. Lol.
Click to expand...
Damn! That is some impressive shooting! Especially with a 40 cal baby glock! I love my G20 gen 4, my woods carry gun, but even at 40 yards I'm clinching my butt cheeks just right to hit a 12x12 target lol.

Last year I started using a mojo critters decoy, and had great luck with it. As you said, it deff grabs thier attention.

I rarely ever use barnes, nosler or berger for the same reasons you mentioned. Even for us handloaders they are just way too expensive.

Well you have me thinking about sticking with my original plan and going with the 16" socom barrel.. how's the 100 yard accuracy?
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
My 120 sst and 90 tnt are my most accurate but all 3 120sst, 90 tnt, and 110 v are all sub moa at 100 yards. For some reason my barnes are slightly over and inch still plenty accurate but they are too pricey for me to work up a better load. Funny I've been thinking about a G20.
Reply
Save
Like
Campower
"Follow Me!" said:
My 120 sst and 90 tnt are my most accurate but all 3 120sst, 90 tnt, and 110 v are all sub moa at 100 yards. For some reason my barnes are slightly over and inch still plenty accurate but they are too pricey for me to work up a better load. Funny I've been thinking about a G20.
Click to expand...
I highly highly highly recommend the g20! Unless you have giant hands, I'd stick with either a Gen3 SF or gen 4. I had a standard gen 3 and sold it because it wad just too damn huge. Very inexpensive to reload for as well. I buy Starline brass around $100 for 500, 180gr anything, and sit it over 8.5gr of longshot. Nice low pressure powder that gives an easy 1250 fps from the stock barrel. Other push it harder, but I don't see the need.
Reply
Save
Like
"Follow Me!"
Campower said:
I highly highly highly recommend the g20! Unless you have giant hands, I'd stick with either a Gen3 SF or gen 4. I had a standard gen 3 and sold it because it wad just too damn huge. Very inexpensive to reload for as well. I buy Starline brass around $100 for 500, 180gr anything, and sit it over 8.5gr of longshot. Nice low pressure powder that gives an easy 1250 fps from the stock barrel. Other push it harder, but I don't see the need.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up. I have a G30 45acp Gen 3 with the SF frame love that pistol. I've shot the G21 with the old frame and although it shot great the grip was a little too large. So yes the Gen 4 or SF would be what I would buy too. Seems we have the same taste in firearms. I have a Midwayusa wish list with starline brass saved to it. Have you ever loaded 200 gr bullets? Nice thing about the 10mm is that I already have the bullets and dies for 40 S&W so other then brass and powder and of course the gun I don't have to invest in a whole lot of extras.

I'm itching to go back out calling for coyote but my next days off are Friday and Saturday and they are calling for a Nor-eastah!! so it's not looking too good.
Reply
Save
Like
Campower
"Follow Me!" said:
Thanks for the heads up. I have a G30 45acp Gen 3 with the SF frame love that pistol. I've shot the G21 with the old frame and although it shot great the grip was a little too large. So yes the Gen 4 or SF would be what I would buy too. Seems we have the same taste in firearms. I have a Midwayusa wish list with starline brass saved to it. Have you ever loaded 200 gr bullets? Nice thing about the 10mm is that I already have the bullets and dies for 40 S&W so other then brass and powder and of course the gun I don't have to invest in a whole lot of extras.

I'm itching to go back out calling for coyote but my next days off are Friday and Saturday and they are calling for a Nor-eastah!! so it's not looking too good.
Click to expand...
Ha same here! Those are my days off as well and I was equally bummed!

I have loaded quite a few 200gr XTP, and they worked great! But like you I also load for my G23, and use the 180gr XTP, so it was easy for me to just bulk out on that particular bullet and weight and use for both pistols.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
6.8 SPC Forums
A forum community dedicated to 6.8 SPC firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
6.8 mm Firearms Discussion 6.8 SPC Ammunition & Reloading General Discussion Hunting with the 6.8 mm Accessories (Mags, Optics, Slings, Grips, Stocks)
Top