Bobcats are some of the most elusive and cunning predators in North America. These medium sized cats often pose a significant threat to livestock and can even turn on domestic cats or dogs. Homesteaders want them dead and fur traders want to buy their fur, which gives many hunters great incentive to trap or shoot them. 

On the practical side, understanding their behavior, characteristics, and implementing effective countermeasures is crucial for protecting valuable assets like livestock. 

The North American Bobcat typically weighs between 13-30 pounds, standing at 21 inches high. Although they are about twice the size of an average house cat, opinions vary on whether to classify them as big cats or simply animals “on the upper end of the small cat scale.” Bobcats rely on stealth rather than sheer strength for hunting, making them elusive and challenging to track. They are crepuscular creatures, primarily active from three hours before sunset until about midnight and from before dawn until three hours after sunrise. 

Unlike hunting deer or hogs, baiting and pursuing bobcats is not as straightforward. These elusive creatures go out of their way to remain hidden outside the winter and fall hunting season. One effective tactic is to use bobcat calls, especially during their mating season from fall to early spring. Predator calls imitating the cries of wounded animals are also viable at other times of the year. 

In the daytime, one can use a predator call in conjunction with a lure to “bait” a bobcat. 

Unlike deer, wild pigs, and other prey animals, bobcats are hunters themselves, and will be conscious of wind direction. They will frequently go “downwind” of a lure, and hunters can use this to their advantage.

Protecting Livestock 

If your livestock, particularly chicken coops, are falling prey to bobcat attacks, it's essential to equip yourself with the right tools. Bells on your perimeter wire and motion detection trail cameras can alert you to predator movements, but they may not be enough of a deterrent by themselves. It is more beneficial to kill the animal rather than simply scaring it away to prevent future attacks. In such cases, an accurate rifle mounted with a thermal scope paired with a predator call becomes crucial for effective predator management. 

The Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Scope 

For the blue-collar everyman with predator problems on his property, the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal scope offers an effective and economical solution. This high-performance digital thermal scope outmatches traditional night vision and operates seamlessly in both daytime and nighttime conditions. 

Key Features 

1. Thermal Imaging Power: The Wraith Mini Thermal scope utilizes a 384x288 resolution thermal sensor for crisp images.
2. Versatility: With five thermal color palette modes and nine reticle colors, this thermal scope suits any time of day and any game animal.
3. Optical Precision: The OLED display offers rich color and temperature operation, while the 2x optical magnification with 1-8x digital zoom ensures optimal image quality for close or medium engagements.
4. Multiple Weapon Profiles: Five configurable weapon profiles eliminate the need for re-zeroing when switching rifles.
5. Recording Capabilities: The built-in camera with audio recording preserves memorable hunting moments on a high-capacity memory card (256gb max).
6. Rugged Design: The aluminum housing, temperature resistance from -4°F to 122°F, and a 1400-yard detection range make the Wraith Mini Thermal durable for challenging outdoor environments.
7. Long Battery Life: With a battery life of 3.5 hours on video mode and 4.4 hours on preview mode, along with USB charging capability, this thermal scope is a reliable companion for night hunters.

Combating bobcat predation on livestock requires practical strategies and effective tools. The Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal scope stands out as a reliable solution, offering a combination of advanced features, durability, and user-friendly design. By understanding bobcat behavior and investing in the right equipment, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their livestock from these elusive predators. 

Some hunters can’t decide whether to bring a shotgun for birds or a large caliber centerfire for large game when they enter land which has both types of animals in abundance. The solution may be to simply carry both. The versatility afforded by more than one type of weapon removes any limitation on what kind of game one can hunt and often makes the hunt a lot more fun.

Before delving into the practical reasons for carrying multiple weapons while hunting, it's essential to emphasize the importance of adhering to local hunting regulations. Different properties and wildlife management areas (WMAs) may have specific weapon restrictions, which hunters must respect. Being aware of these regulations is the first step towards lawful and ethical hunting practices.

In addition, hunting seasons are not uniform throughout the year. Certain regions may have specific restrictions, such as primitive hunting seasons when hunters are limited to black powder firearms and bows, which makes it important to do one’s research to adhere to seasonal regulations and weapon limitations.

Tailoring to Specific Game

One of the primary justifications for carrying multiple weapons is to match the firearm to the specific game being pursued. Different animals have varying sizes, behaviors, and vulnerabilities, and it is crucial to select the appropriate weapon for a humane and ethical hunt.

For example, some hunting areas may permit hunting squirrels and wild hogs simultaneously. In such cases, using a light rimfire like a .22 caliber rifle for squirrels and a more powerful weapon such as a .308 for wild hogs is both practical and responsible. Attempting to use a single weapon for both targets could lead to less effective hunting and unnecessary harm to the animals.

Versatility and Adaptability

One of the most significant advantages of carrying multiple weapons is the ability to adapt to various hunting scenarios. For instance, a hunter can equip a rifle with a long-range scope like the Presidio 3-18x50 and a canted red dot sight like the long-lasting Mini Shot M3 Solar, allowing them to seamlessly transition between short-range and long-range shots. Such adaptability enhances the hunter's ability to make precise and humane kills.

At the tail end of a season, those who enjoy the challenge of bow hunting but haven’t yet been fortunate to bag a single animal all season may opt to bring a rifle along with their bow in order to both ensure a kill and extend their range.

Personal Protection

Hunting often takes place in remote areas, far from immediate assistance. Therefore, carrying a backup weapon is a safety measure that can be a true lifesaver. In some places, venomous snakes and charging hogs are a genuine threat. Carrying a sidearm like a pistol provides a quick and efficient means of defense, ensuring the safety of the hunter or their companions. It is faster and easier to draw and fire one’s semi-automatic sidearm on a hissing rattlesnake or a raging feral pig at close range than it would be to shoulder, aim, and fire a bolt action rifle or pump action shotgun.

The decision to carry multiple weapons while hunting is a practical choice that allows hunters to match their firearms to specific game, adapt to seasonal variations, and ensure their safety and success in the field. Responsible hunters should always be knowledgeable about local regulations, choose their weapons wisely, and prioritize safety while pursuing their passion for hunting.

Recent events such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the election of certain incompetent politicians, the rise of extremist ideologies, the strangulation of freedom of speech, mass shootings, and rampant divisive propaganda through social media all riding on the tail end of a global pandemic make people believe that the next violent disaster is just around the corner. 

Gun sales have surged in the United States in recent months, with thousands of first-time gun owners finally getting around to taking their home security seriously. Some shops are claiming increases in sales up to 300%. 

These are not firearms meant solely for hunting or target shooting. People are looking for solid, reliable self-defense weapons that can be ready to rock after rolling out of bed or easily drawn. For most, this means an easily concealable pistol, something that you can carry every day without anyone giving you funny looks or nervously dialing 911. 

People are also looking for lightweight, usually compact guns that function flawlessly without frequent maintenance, don’t jam, and shoot common ammo with reasonable accuracy. 

For a good, reliable self-defense pistol for a true emergency, you’ll want something lightweight and polymer-framed, preferably with a short barrel for an easier and faster draw. Pistols like the Sig P320, Smith & Wesson M&P Compact, or Springfield XD subcompact are very popular for concealed carriers because of their compact sizes, reliability, and ergonomics.

It would be better to opt for a common caliber like 9mm, .40, or .45 ACP for your everyday carry firearm, as choosing an uncommon caliber such as 5.7mm or 9x18mm Makarov may lead to hesitancy when using your limited supply of rare and costly ammunition due to its scarcity and high price. This conundrum leads to less range time and less preparedness, and since accurate shooting is a skill one can lose, this situation will be detrimental to the user. 

In a crisis scenario, rapid target acquisition and accuracy are of utmost importance. Iron sights, for simplicity, are simply not viable in the dark, and red dot sights like the Sightmark M3 Solar Red Dot Sight offer a viable alternative. Purpose-made to be long-lasting and durable, the M3 Solars work by harnessing the power of any available light source, be it natural sunlight or indoor lighting. The sight's solar technology not only conserves battery life but ensures that it remains operational even when your primary power source, the battery, runs out. It seamlessly adjusts its brightness based on the surrounding environment, giving you a crystal-clear aiming point in any lighting condition. 

Whether you're in a high-stress self-defense situation, navigating low-light environments, or facing unexpected power outages, the Sightmark M3 Solar Red Dot Sight provides the edge you need to maintain precision and situational awareness. It's the perfect complement to your lightweight and reliable self-defense pistol, as it enables rapid target acquisition with minimal effort. 

In a world filled with uncertainties, a good self-defense pistol equipped with a reliable and accurate optic like the Sightmark M3 Solar Red Dot Sight is an investment in your safety and peace of mind, helping you stay ready for whatever may come your way. 

The demand for easily concealable, reliable pistols highlights the desire for practical self-defense solutions, especially given the need for rapid response in crisis situations. Additionally, the importance of opting for common calibers to ensure ammunition availability is emphasized. Alongside the choice of a self-defense pistol, the recommendation of a reliable optic like the Sightmark M3 Solar Red Dot Sight underscores the significance of equipping oneself with tools that enhance precision and situational awareness in unpredictable circumstances. In an era of uncertainties, these choices represent investments in one's safety and peace of mind, offering a means to stay prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. 

There is no standard mounting platform for pistol sights. Unlike optics which are purpose-built for rifles, which are almost always compatible with picatinny/M1918 mil-std mounts, a pistol user must pay careful attention to his pistol’s particular red dot footprint. The only way one can force an incompatible red dot onto a pistol is with an adapter, which will raise the red dot’s point of aim even higher, impacting accuracy.

Sightmark’s pistol red dot sights are built on four different footprints for maximum compatibility. This guide is meant for firearm owners who buy their pistol and walk out of the gun show or shop without asking “what kind of red dot footprint to I have?”

Docter/Noblex

This is not a typo. Docter is spelled with an “e,” since it’s named after Bernhard Docter of Docter Optics, which was later acquired by the Noblex company. This is not, nor has it ever been named after a “Dr. Noblex.” The Docter/Noblex footprint is one of the most common mounting standards in the modern shooting world thanks to the stability of the platform. Distinguished by its two central holes for screws and four holes for pins, on Sightmark products this footprint is featured on the Mini Shot M-Spec and Mini Shot Pro-Spec red dot sights.

RMR

This red dot mounting standard is distinguished by two sockets for pins and two holes for screws to the rear. This red dot footprint is reserved for fairly large optics such as the Mini Shot M-Spec M2 Solar. RMR stands for “Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight” and was originally a proprietary mounting standard for a Trijicon product of the same name, which was designed to replace the Docter Optic Red Dot Sight.

RMS/RMSc

Originally developed by Shield Sights, this mounting standard was designed for their “Reflex Mini Sight” which was a small, low profile red dot optic. One of the smallest red dot footprints, it looks similar to the Docter/Noblex sight with its two screw holes and four sockets, except that the RMS’s screw holes are closer to the rearward sockets than their Docter/Noblex counterpart. This red dot footprint and its even smaller variant, the RMSc (Reflex Mini Sight: Compact) are usually found on compact pistols. Because of its compact design, this mounting standard is featured on the Mini Shot A-Spec M3 Micro.

Aimpoint Micro

Easily identifiable by its four screw holes and central trench for a recoil stop, this red dot footprint was designed by Aimpoint in 2007 for its new, compact and rugged reflex optic. Coincidentally, the Sightmark Wolverine, an outstanding example of a rugged rifle optic with its high recoil tolerance and 1 million hours of battery life, based its mounting platform on this same footprint.

Understanding the red dot footprint of your pistol is crucial to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance. By choosing a red dot sight that matches your firearm's footprint, you can enhance accuracy and reliability during shooting.

The debate between choosing a small, easily concealable handgun versus one with a longer barrel for increased accuracy has long been a topic of discussion among gun enthusiasts. Some new shooters may mistakenly believe that opting for a compact firearm with a sizable caliber like a Springfield Hellcat chambered in .45 ACP ensures both power and manageable recoil due to its smaller size. However, the reality is quite different. While no one can doubt the stopping power of a .45 ACP cartridge, smaller handguns present unique challenges such as reduced grip frame, limited recoil absorption, and a shorter sight radius, all of which can compromise accuracy.

One of the primary drawbacks of compact concealed carry handguns is their limited sight radius. The sight radius refers to the distance between the rear and front sights, which plays a critical role in aiming accuracy. A shorter barrel inherently results in a reduced sight radius, making it challenging for shooters to achieve precise and consistent aim. This limitation becomes especially significant when trying to make accurate shots in high-stress situations.

Conversely, longer-barreled firearms offer distinct advantages in terms of accuracy. A longer barrel provides a more forgiving platform for aim correction and allows for a more extended sight radius. A perfect illustration of this is comparing the accuracy of a .357 Magnum Ruger Blackhawk with a 7 ½-inch barrel to that of a 3-inch snub-nosed revolver in the same caliber. The Blackhawk's longer barrel offers greater aiming control and improved accuracy, especially at longer distances. This principle also applies to semi-automatic pistols with extended barrels.

One of the key attractions of compact concealed carry handguns is their ease of concealment. These smaller firearms can be discreetly carried on a belt, in a holster, or inside a purse, making them popular choices for those who prioritize concealability. However, the challenge lies in striking a balance between ease of concealment and accuracy. Fortunately, advancements in firearm accessories have provided a solution to this dilemma – the red dot sight.

The introduction of red dot sights, such as the Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3 Micro, has revolutionized the way shooters aim with short-barreled concealed carry handguns. These mini red dot sights offer several advantages that significantly enhance accuracy while maintaining the low-profile nature of compact self-defense pistols.

Some of the benefits of a red dot for compact or snub-nosed pistols include:

1. Simplified Aiming: With a red dot sight, shooters no longer need to align rear and front sights to aim accurately. The Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3 Micro, for example, projects a red dot onto the target, allowing users to place the dot on the intended point of impact for quick accurate shooting. This simplified aiming process can be a game-changer in high-pressure situations where split-second decisions matter.
2. Enhanced Situational Awareness: Red dot sights encourage shooters to focus on the target rather than the sights, improving situational awareness. This added awareness is crucial in self-defense scenarios, enabling the shooter to identify potential threats and respond effectively.
3. Versatility in Shooting Positions: Red dot sights facilitate shooting from non-standard positions, such as from under an obstacle or around cover. This adaptability can be a lifesaver when seeking cover in an emergency.

The debate between short-barreled concealed carry handguns and longer-barreled, more accurate firearms has raged on (and will probably continue to rage on) for years. However, red dot sights provide a compelling solution for those who value both concealability and accuracy. Accessories like the Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3 Micro allow sub-compact gun owners to enjoy the benefits of enhanced accuracy while maintaining the discretion and ease of carrying a compact handgun. In a world where self-defense situations can occur at any moment, the advantages of red dot sights are clear, making them a valuable addition to any concealed carry arsenal.