For a hunting outfitter pursuing Bobcats, this may actually be a reality. And as such, it could be the answer to the question: When is Michigan’s bobcat hunting season? Kinda feels like we’re playing jeopardy, doesn’t it? Let me explain.
Scene one of this phenomenon is set in Falmouth, Michigan at their famous Ebels General Store Meat Processing. If you’ve never been there, it may be worth the trip. They have an enormous selection of fresh meats in their store. Individuals and livestock businesses from all over utilize their well known butchering services. Many hunters have taken their deer there for processing. Ebels was highly recommended by a fellow hunting outfitter and friend, Matt Liestenfeltz, who arranged for this most impressive of bait pick ups.
1400 (+\-) lbs. fresh pork trimmings
And so we ventured, in our typical date fashion, to this destination as part of Wildgame Dynasty’s preparation for upcoming bobcat hunts. Upon arrival, our ‘kahuna’, which is the name I’ve endearingly given to my husband Gary’s Ram pickup, was loaded with about 1,400 lbs of pork scraps, fresh from the butcher. This was all contained within an oversized tote that was fork-lifted, no less, into the bed of the Ram.
Scene two brings us to phase one of this pig flying phenomenon. As the aforementioned outfitter excitedly headed for the upper peninsula with his prized load, battling cold temps and high winds, he crossed the Mighty Mac, and upon transitioning to the bumpy grate section of the bridge, we believe within the confines of this humongous tote, some of these pigs, at least in parts, took flight. This likely occurred on some of the U.P. back roads as well. Okay, so we’re taking a few liberties here. But that’s not all.
Scene three of the flying pig phenom, though not actually witnessed, would be the result of taking sled loads of these pork parts deep into the woods to carefully pre-selected bobcat bait sites. (A huge shout out to Matt for accompanying Gary and providing his expertise as a seasoned outfitter when it comes to attempting to lure this elusive feline.) Anyway, from there, it’s quite likely that pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, or ravens who feasted on this delicacy may have taken to the air with a few tender morsels, or even larger portions to save for later consumption. So in essence, these pigs, at least in parts, once again took flight.
Ravens form a caucus. “Nevermore!”
Why bait the birds, you ask? That’s incidental and may even enhance the baiting experience as butchered bait provides bait for what you might call live bait! Yes, the birds are a draw for bobcats, who prefer fresh meat, and may occasionally become an entree.
So a successful hunt may be preceded by flying pigs, depending on your imagination. And of course, I think my husband will be flying high if one of his hunters should tag a cat, but that’s no reference to the title of this article. Good luck bobcat hunters. May the Cat Man Do!
*This article was inspired by WGD’s own Ross Chambers.
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