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I'm wondering what's the best way to find crossings? Like is there certain kind of terrain or certain spots on a mountain range that they perfer to cross in? And do bobcats move differently then lions? Any info would be greatly appreciated thanks

I'm sure in different parts of the country things are different. In our part of the world, we find a lot of tracks crossing parallel to the limestone outcroppings along the front of the mountains. We also find them following the creeks in and out of the mountains. It forms sort of a "grid pattern". I've found they also will use the edge of timber as cover while hunting. In the area that I frequent most, there is one spot where all three of these happen at the same spot....a narrow canyon where the creek flows through the outcropping with a trail through it with sparse timber along both sides with meadows just beyond it. It is obviously my favorite spot to check.

Bobcats in our area seem to cover less area and spend high percentages of time hunting as opposed to just travelling. We cut most of their tracks working up and down the creeks and timbered ridges.

May not be an exact observation, just what I have noticed in my short time hunting.


Scott

I would have to say that sheimer nailed it. that is where I find the most crossings too. bobcats however at least down here, like rock piles that have sage and cedars below. they spend the majority of their time sunning in the rock piles and at night they go into the sage and chase rabbits. They also like to chase the turkeys around.

You live in AZ also so think WATER For lions look for ridge-lines close to springs. Also cheak under large trees that provide shade on south facing slopes. North facing slopes where there is more cover is where I find many of the kills, likly dragged there from the kill site. Also any low point in a ridge line crossing from one area to the next, often you will see deer sveral deer trails crossing these low passes.

For bobcats stream beds are great even if they only see water once in a while there is still higher rabbit populations along those dry washes. Also look for ground squirels in rock piles if you see lots of those you can be sure there are bobcats hunting those areas.

Crossing is a rather deceptive term if you think about it. A lion is crossing someplace everytime he goes for a walk and that is usually daily. So more so than crossing I look for lion travelways. Many of the terms previously talked about in this post will identify some of the best features of these and they will usually remain fairly consistant from year to year and generation to generation.

I was going by one of these travelways yesterday and I hadn't been by there for 6 months. I told the fellow with me I will stop here and we will get out and we will see some lion tracks and scratches. He sort of gave me that sceptical look as we got out but in a minute or less we were looking at lion tracks and various age scrapes and such. Why? cuz it is and has been for as long as I have been around it 30 years been a travelway for lions.

I think around here lions typically cross where ever I am not! LOL

In some country around here as I've been out working pups, I've seen many scrapes and tracks running parrallell to large washes and near creeks...Seems there are many spots to hide kills and there are deer all over in these washes too, but like I said, I'm super good and skilled at being right where the lions arent! LOL

Mike is right. In wyoming were I hunted I always checked two or three little travel ways. They were either traveling through to the other mountain side or whatever was on thier mind. Every year it turned out that a lion was always there when I checked them. I big tom happened to be there when I was checking last winter. Usually if i dont see tracks then I get down somewhere in the middle of these travel areas and hit up the springs, rivers and ridges. I almost always run one that way. This was during the snow. It was the same for dry ground season too! As you hunt lions more and more you will be able to look at mountain side and pick your best spots to "check". At least thats what I have come up with.

Some places seem to be travel ways and lions from other territories seem to find themselves at that spot now and again. Features are good places to look for lion sign and some places, based solely on their geographic location, are great places to check, but lions will find themselves where they are headed most of the time without a set pattern. Most of the better travel ways are based on procreation, and female and male alike check these spots for mates and intruders. When you find these places, there will be decades of evidence. Those places are a great place to look, but unless you have everyday to check these places, you will always be behind. Crossings are few and far between and are based only on terrain and habitat structure. Over years of hunting lion, you can predict where you will find signs from the terrain, but sometimes you find it in places that have no reasoning at all. So, I guess we are always learning as those before us did. If the American Cougar was that easy to predict, then we would all be talking about what was once here and not enjoying the experience.

sourdough

I appreciate all the info given to me. Now all I have to do is go out and try to learn more about these amazing animal. Thanks again