Anyone who has ever deer hunted within the distribution range of squirrels and chipmunks know of the annoyance one of these little buggers can cause. I once had a big red squirrel sit on a stump and flip its tail and chatter at me for hours. Finally, I couldn't take it any longer and proceeded to center punch him and stick him to an oak tree. Of course he got the last laugh and broke my $6 Port Orford Cedar arrow right in half. He also cost me another $4 or $5 for the Rothhaar Snuffer that I was never able to get out of the oak tree. In addition to the lost cost of the arrow, I'm certain he caused me to spook every deer within 2 miles away from my deer stand.
I was beginning to feel a little déjà vu this evening while deer hunting in the Hudson Valley of Upstate New York. I had a chipmunk that was squelching at me in his little high pitched chirp for seemingly eons. I just couldn't imagine why though? He was pretty far away up the ridge and I don't know how he could've spied me. If his little serenading wasn't enough, I then got stereo sound from a couple of barking squirrels. As if on cue by the conductor of a symphony a trio of crows begins to raise a raucous. Finally, as if to build to the crescendo of the fat lady singing a couple of deer started to blow up the hill. I had a virtual opera of annoying sounds interrupting my evening vigil. Again, I didn't know why the deer were blowing. The wind wasn't wafting anywhere near them and I was motionless. Finally, I caught a glimpse of the genesis of the wildlife chorus' crooning.
It slinked through an opening at the top of the ridge and my first thought was "wow, I didn't know they had Mountain Lions in this area"! He then reemerged in another opening and I got a good look at the biggest bobcat that I have ever seen (not that I have seen that many, but he looked HUGE). He was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in the wild. They are fair game and in season here in New York and I would love to have a chance at the beast. His travel path was taking him well beyond my recurve effective range and my heart began to sink.
The only other time I ever saw a bobcat was in Texas on a Javelina hunt just prior to the San Antonio PBS Annual Gathering. While hunting one afternoon, the ranch hand told me to shoot any I saw because they are tough on the deer fawns. The Texas bobcat was a scrawny little thing compared to this one. The Texas kitty wasn't anywhere close to offering a shot either, but I tried squeaking him in like I saw on TV once. You know, wet the back of your hand and purse your lips against it and suck in to create a squeak. I guess it is supposed to mimic an injured rodent or something. Anyway, it didn't work worth squat in Texas.
As the NY bobcat was moving along, I thought what the heck; he'll be walking right out of my life in a second anyway. So, I begin to squeak like mouse in a trap. At first he didn't seem to pay any attention so I ratcheted up the volume. He heard me that time and looked in my direction. I hit the old hand squeaker one more time and he zeroed in on me like a fat women in spandex shorts finds deep fried Snickers bars at the State Fair. I know you are all envisioning a golf ball butt as I write this! Well, that old boy came straight in to about six yards from the base of my stand. He then proceeds to sit down behind a log with only his head and the top half of his shoulders showing. Of course, he was looking directly at me. It must have been because he thought the squeaking was coming from a hyperventilating tree rat he was hearing. Ok, ok, it was me! I was so excited I was trembling like a teenage boy looking at his first Playboy. The hard breathing was probably similar as well. Anyway, he had me pegged and I was about half drawn on my 75# TimberHawk takedown recurve. Eternity couldn't be much longer than it felt before he turned and looked in another direction. I was able to let my bow down a little before he turned back, but he caught some motion and was really interested now. His gaze matched mine when I was looking at my oldest daughters first date. I didn't know whether to just jump up and kill him then or turn away and hope for the best. The bobcat and I both made the same decision. He must've thought I was the biggest and ugliest squirrel he'd ever seen and wasn't worth attacking because the sounds coming out of the tree indicated I was gonna die anyway. So he turned to leave and faster than Gene and Barry at an all-you-can eat buffet I was at full draw and let my Eclipse tipped hickory shaft rip!
Well, I've had my share of good luck and blessings and this one will be added to the list of reasons to give thanks to our Heavenly Father. The photo should tell the rest of the story! What a magnificent animal! He is absolutely HUGE. To give you some perspective, I'm a hair shy of 6' and easily push 230#s. He is absolutely the most amazing creature I've ever killed, and I've killed huge moose in Alaska, zebra in Africa, and bear in Canada. Needless to say, he'll be a full body mount of some sort. I was thinking of a fully extended leap after a squirrel. Any other ideas? Thanks for sharing in my excitement.
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TerryStandingHoldingBowandLongBobca.jpg)[/IMG]
That is one gigantic bobcat! Congratulations! I enjoyed the story telling. Definitely going to need to full body mount that one! Matt
Oh my Terry! That is one large cat. Congrats!!!
That is huge! congrats.
CONGRATULATIONS Terry!!!!!!!!!!
:archer: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
What an ABSOLUTELY AWESOME Trophy!!!!! Well done My Friend,Thanks for sharing your story with us!!!!!
Great story well told. That is one MASSIVE cat! Great shot too. Your similes had me laughing! Some type of an action mount (like the one you stated) would look wonderful! -Lee
BIG kitty,beautiful coloration too! Make a super mount! :thumbsup:
Wow! Big cat. Should make for a nice pelt to hang on the wall.
Dude that is an awesome cat I have yet to kill one of those with my bow, You need to be extra proud sporting that thing into the taxidermy studio good job! and nice story to boot!
Absolutely gorgeous cat!
Well done :thumbsup:
:campfire:
Terry, I have seen a few cats here in IN...your old home state, and that cat there would make 2 of them! Great job! Hey, when you heading to Indiana for a deer hunt? Mike
Man oh Man Terry that is a terrific Bobcat! Actually when they are that big should we call them Robertcats? :bigsmyl:
Congratulations!
I didn't hear about you moving to Kinderhook, NY when did that happen?
Thats a trophy for sure :thumbsup:
Congrats :clapper:
Very nice,
Congratulations, well done.
Goes to show you never hurts to try to make something happen!!
Way to go !!! :thumbsup:
Is it possibly a Lynx, I do not know if they are bigger than a bobcat but tyhat is huge. Congrats! Shawn
Wow he is magnificent!
Congratulation and I think you did a great job telling your hunt. Thanks for sharing. Is there any kind of scoring system for bobcats? He looks as if he could set a record.
:clapper:
Very cool!
It's a bobcat Shawn. Markings are all bobcat.
Thats an amazin cat...he is by far the biggest ive ever seen..U may have a problem findin a form to fit him,, but thats a problem most taxidermist dont mind takin on...Tuff animal to take with bow great job!!!
Congrats, what a great beast!
Thats as cool as it gets right there!!!!! great story as well, you have a way with words my friend... :biglaugh:
Looked it up and Lynx can weigh up to 65#s and bobcat no more than 35#s. What did it weigh? Shawn
That is one big honkin' kitty! Great trophy.
Thanks everyone! I am obviously still very excited.
Curtis and Mike, I've been in NY for over 2 years now. It is a beautiful state. I'm tucked in between the Catskills on the West, the Berkshires to the East, and the Adirondacks to the North. The deer aren't quite as big as the corn fed bucks in Indiana, but there are lots of them.
Mike, I still hunt IN a couple times each year at my place in Sullivan County. My son killed a booner typical there last year. Mike, I know you are a deer magnet and shoot some truly magnificent animals.
Curtis, I hope your health is good my friend!
my o my that is wondfull.that was a great pic :clapper: :clapper: :cool:
I only thought we had some pretty healthy cats down here in texas. That there my friend is an abosulte monster. Thats the largest ive ever even seen a picture of. Bobcat or lynx..who cares. And incredible trophy! Congratulations on a great accomplishment friend!
That has got to be one of the largest bobcat heads I've seen in my 48 years of hunting. Definitely a BIG cat! I think it would look really great standing, fully stretched, sharpening its claws on a tree trunk or large fence post. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Shawn, I don't know what it weighed, but I'm not scrawny and I could barely hold it up for long. It has to be over 50#s. As you know, here in NY I have to have the DEC seal the hide. I have it whole in the freezer so they may want to weigh it. The head on this thing is like a soccer ball. It is definitely a bobcat - just a big male!
Kyle Lynx are federally protected in all of the lower 48. A good reason it's a bobcat and not a lynx.
The largest bobcat on record I know of was 76#s in Maine. So they get big up here in the north.
Be sure you tag it properly for the taxidermist. There are tags you can print out on the NY F&G site.
Nice job, that is awesome,
I AM STILL SEEING THE GOLFBALLS!!!
UN-REAL!!!!! Congratulations :clapper:
WOW ! :eek: Congratulations ..... simply awesome.
It's official ...I'm jealous. ;)
Terry,
I'm with bawana bowman on this one. A stretched-out mount would really emphasize the enormity of the cat. Maybe have it stretched-out trying to reach a squirrel. I tend to not care for the snarling faces on cats for some reason, so I wouldn't advise that. Whatever pose you choose, I'm sure it will take up a lot of room! Congrats again.
I've seen (been bow close) to five bobcats in my life. That is the largest that I have ever seen. What a trophy!! Congrats.
For years I wanted to see one in the woods... What a great day when I did. I don't even attempt to shoot them. Just too neat to see one, especially up close.
JDSIII
Thats one big beautiful kitty congrats.
Nice shot and the story is pretty good too.
congrats! dandy shot too :thumbsup:
Wow! What a cat. Make sure you cook a bit if you were able to cool the carcass. You'll be surprised at how good it is.
Yes indeed a Good shot and a Huge cat almost as big as a MT. Lion very impressive to tale that prize Trophy With a bow Congrats :thumbsup: :archer:
I see alot of them out here but never one that big
What a beautiful cat!!
Congrats!!!
WOW that's seriously awesome, Funny story to !! Loved your ""POPS"" At fat people and teenagers!! Doesnt matter how you mount it... It's gonna be great..
Mother of Mercy, that's the biggest bobcat I think I've ever seen! Good thing you took him out, before he took you out. ;-)
Holy crap!
Great story tellin', Terry, and one great trophy I might add! Congrats to you, bud! - Mark
:scared: Everyone that I know who kills a bobcat always says "It was a BIG one!". Most of the time they are about the same size as most all bobcats. This is not one of those times!
I think that cat is bigger than most(if not all) of the coyotes that I've seen. I don't know if they have a record book for bobcats, but you might want to check into it.
Holy Cow...that is huge
Would it be possible to get a picture holding the head in your hands? I don't mean severed or anything.
I once saw a huge bobcat in my backyard but only the head. I'd like to get a better size perspective of his if its possible.
Like to take a look at them teeth too.
Congrats. What a trophy.
Honestly didn't know the came in XXL. Congrats man, one heck of an animal there.
If you can measure and weigh at a later time, could ya please? :) Curious
Regards,
Dave
Speaking of which...now ya know why they say curiosity killed the cat, eh? :D
Too deadly!
nice cat indeed...how about a midair twisting leap...those are way to cool :thumbsup:
Outstanding animal, congratulations on a job well done!!!!!
:clapper:
Amazing...one amazing creature there. Congrats!!!
that's Amazing and outstanding animal, well done.
great read as well. WOW :thumbsup: :clapper:
Congratulations Terry :thumbsup:
Way to go Terry!!!! Good story too.
Good luck to you for the rest of the season.
I have to say, 'Nice putty tat' my friend.
There is a local artist that did a rendition of a bobcat looking through some rocks at two blue birds. I believe he titled it 'Blind Love'. It is as fine a piece as I have ever seen.
Definately self defense. Darned nice putty tat.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
WOW! My guess is your taxidermist is going to need a small cougar form for that one. Incredible animal. Congratulations!
Holy mother of bobcats! :eek: That is a monster cat! Congrats
Lol C2! How about Mr. Robertcat...Sir! That is purty Terry and goood shooting!
That is one big cat. Congrats.
:bigsmyl:
What a trophy. Congrats! :thumbsup:
Wow, great job! You and the family sure have the makings of an awesome game room.
I've seen some great action mounts of large cats either leaping at a grouse/pheasant/turkey or chasing a deer. Or maybe the taxidermist can have the cat leaping from the jaws of that big gator that you and Tyler killed in August......
MEEOOWW!! :thumbsup:
That is an awesome cat. Great story too.
Terry, That's a super trophy. I've been in the woods for over forty years and that's best best cat I've ever seen, alive or otherwise. Great shot, too! Congratulations on a lifetime trophy.
Grant Young
Wow Terry that cat is a monster. Way to go.
Jack
Thanks for sharing. That was a great write up and beatiful cat. Congrats
Gilbert
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
that thing is a FREAK :D
WOW thats :eek:
That cat is huge.
That's one of the few animals I've never seen he in MI. I've seen some sign but never run across one in the woods.
Great stuff! That's a fantastic story, and a really stunning animal! Well done and congrats! ;) :thumbsup:
Wow !
catzilla !
Nice....but I'm still chuckling about the deep fried snickers bar. :biglaugh:
i have NEVR, NEVER saw a bobcat that big, HOLY COW what an amazing animal!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats to you my friend and that was an awesome story, i really love your writting!!! again congrats!!
Thanks again everyone. He truly is an amazing animal and worthy of your praise. Glad you enjoyed the story too.
NEW YORK?????? Well I guess you do know what a fine trophy you got and how lucky you are.Congrats on an incredible animal.
i'm still in awe, never saw one that big and would never believe someone if told it was that big! again congrats man!
Jeez Louise!!!! Absolute Giant Bobcat!!! Congrats.
wow!!!cool cat congrats :clapper:
Congratulations!! That is one nice kitty, and by the looks of it you made an excellent shot.
I have seen numerous bobcats in the wild, but have only seen one (in eastern Montana while turkey hunting) that was close to that size.
That's an amazing cat!!
I've seen pictures of a 60#er and mounts of a few 45-50#ers, but that kitty is something else!!
I don't think I have ever seen one that big even in pictures!
Congratulations!
Thats awesome, got one once with my weel bow but not nearly that big! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
That is an outstanding cat!! :eek: Terry I would love to see other photo's if you have them and I'm sure other would too, Post more pic's please :readit: . And I hope you don't mind but I e-mail your story and picture out to aa few friends that I thought would appreciate the accomplishment. Thanks for sharing! :clapper:
Beautiful cat!!! We get big ones that here in Oregon up in the Cascades. I have seen two on the ground that would probably be close to that size. One my buddy missed with his recurve when we were out predator calling and the second was when I was fishing with my boys we had one run by us. Here are some pics from a friends site who runs them with dogs of some large ones from out here. None are as big as the one you shot but the pics do show a bunch of large cats so others can see you definitely shot a whopper of a bobcat not a lynx. you'll have to copy paste the links because I don't know if they allow direct linking or not:
http://www.cathunts.com/graphics/bobcat/bobcat_0103_3.jpg
http://www.cathunts.com/graphics/bobcat/bobcat_03_2.jpg
http://www.cathunts.com/graphics/bobcat/bobcat_03_6.jpg
http://www.cathunts.com/graphics/bobcat/bobcat_1206_3.jpg
Again, very nice cat you shot!
Andy, those are some whoppers and beautiful cats! Thanks for sharing.
Great story, great photo! Any idea how old that cat is?
That is a hugh cat. I'd like to see a full body mount reaching for a pheasant or quail and snow shoe rabbit.
Good job
Joe
Terry, Congrats on a beautiful trophy!! :clapper: "The ultimate "pick a spot" target!" :D
I also had the priviledge of arrowing a big Hudson Valley "Lion" several years ago, mine being a huge female. Curt "Guru" Cabrera did my mount and did a terrific job, you might want to consider having him do yours as well. There's no finer taxidermist around!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/stickbow98/Bobcat.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/stickbow98/Bobcat1.jpg)
>>--Ron--<>
WOW! is head looks HUGE!!!
Beautiful cat, way to go
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
I've only seen 4 or 5 in my life. They are pretty rare here in IL, and we aren't allowed to shoot them. I haven't seen one even close to that size thats one giant kitty!!
What an impressive kitty! Congratulations! :thumbsup:
A mount of that big fella leaping on a fawn deer/small doe would be pretty impressive if you have the room... and the deer.
Dang! That is a big predator!!!
Being stalked by him, would could made me :eek:
I thought (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b44/bebe_da_babi/Tweety_Bird.jpg)I saw a putty cat
Nice cat!!
go kill you a small doe,get the doe mounted and have the bob cat mounted clamping down on her throat ,..that would be one heck of a center peice in the man room
That is one outstanding bowhunting trophy! Great shot on a truly spectacular animal!
I always like the leaping mounts with a quail right at the tip of the cat's paw. However, with the size of this cat, you might want to go for a turkey! That would be a great mount!
Oh my... :scared: I'll need some therapy before I go back into the woods alone.
Congratulations!!!
Congrats, that is a great trophy!!!
Terry , He's a trophy of a lifetime! I've been waiting to get a hold of you about Jeff's deer till I had some good news, But I'm still way, way too busy to get anything done....sorry bud...this job is getting in the way of way too much in my life....I'm sure glad it's coming to and real soon!
Congrats again bud....he's just awesome. I would love to get one someday myself :thumbsup:
That cat I did for you is still one of my favorites :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats :thumbsup:
Terry very nice bud!! I bet ya saved some bunnies lives!! We missed ya at the bunny hunt and we really missed the boys!! Ya better call Curt for the mount, maybe if ya are nice to hime he will do it for ya~!! :bigsmyl: Congrats on a very rare and unique trophy!! Shawn
Stickbow98, great looking cat. Curt did a fantastic job!
Thanks for all the mount ideas. Not sure what I'll end up with, but the doe idea is interesting. Fortunately, I just built a big "man cave" - 20'x30' with 19' tall ceiling.
Curt my friend, you are facing the same conundrum that we all have to face. Feed the family or feed the habit. Work just gets in the way of living.
Jeff will be home from college in Dec. and then he is off in January for a two year church mission where we won't see him until his return and will only have contact by Email or snail mail. If there is anyway at all to get the deer done before then I'm sure he would love to see it before he leaves. We surely understand if you just don't have the time. Be sure to make the time for some hunting as well.
Shawn we won't miss JLMBH this year! That Florida bass fishing got in the way last year. Jeff, will be away on his mission, but Tyler and my daughter Jen will be there. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Great Picture and story. I especially liked the part about the quick turning of the cat and Gene and Barry at the buffet line!!!!!
That thing is an absolute monster! Not only that, but the story is hillarious. You need to submit that one to TBM!
Excellent story and pic!!! That is one big kitty :eek:
So Terry, did the DEC weigh it? We all want to know. :D
Congrats! I've shot a few with a gun but never one with a bow. Had two chances and missed them both.
That thing is huge, I always liked the mounts where they are laying on a log,saw one jumping at flying quail that was sharp too.
this one needs a run to the top one more time....just an awesome cat!!!
What a cat that is awesome. I have seen alot of them and none like that. Congrats!!!
That is so cool
That is awesome!
I have never seen a bobcat that large! Congratulations on a fine trophy.
That was one of the best stories I've ever read on here!! I'm still chuckling over the deep-fried Snickers comment!
Most bobcats I've encounter can't run fast enough when they notice a human in a tree. I don't think this one was especially afraid of you-- that is one big kitty!! :eek:
Ba..BA...BA...BIG CAT there!
I have killed 3 bobcats but all 3 together wouldn't weigh what that one weighs.
Awesome!
To good to be true. You have been blessed. That is a monster cat. Congratulations on taking an outstanding cat and for a great story. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
I saw a cool mount once that had a bobcat with a quail in its mouth as it slinked over a log.
That is awesome! Have it mounted with a fat squirrel in it's mouth. :jumper:
I think a mount with the cat attaching a gobbler if you can get someone to do it would be the ultimate for that big boy.They are one of the few animals that can kill an adult gobbler.So it would be fitting.
congrats
Boy, he's been eating real well! I think a full body mount with him leaping off his back legs up at a flushed chukar would look awesome.