Decided to try a little Coyote and hog hunting last night. I have a lean-to tree blind made of metal that I have leaned against a big old mesquite tree. The metal fronts and sides are covered by burlap. Well I started using a Cottontail in distress call hoping to bring in a coyote. I bought a Photon Night vision scope and have it mounted on a Marlin XT-22 Magnum. All was uneventful for about 30 minutes. I had also thrown some corn in case I could lure in a hog. after about 30 minutes of using the distress signal, I heard brush around me and coyote calls in the distance.
The back of the blind is open but faces a big patch of mesquite and brush that is very thick. Also the blind is propped up against the large tree trunk. The blind bottom is about 6 feet off the ground. Not high but effective as I have taken game from it.
Well, I hear some movement behind and below. The blind is a two person I bought at academy. Im sitting on the far right corner.

I am all bundled up. Now I hear something climbing the tree. I turn to see a bobcat poke its head past the trunk opposite of me. It was looking around inside the blind while attached to the tree. His/her head was about 2 feet away from my left leg. I had the electronic caller below me and I had my rifle resting on the front rail of the blind sticking through the burlap with the butt resting in my lap.
My Glock 9mm was tucked safely and securely in its holster in a way I could not reach it. I let out a "Oh Sh$t" and kicked at it. It jumped off the tree and took off.

Lessons learned:
1. Never have the electronic caller in the blind with you if you have an opening.
2. Bobcats climb trees very effectively.
3. Have your sidearm readily available in case you ever need it and you cant get your long gun into action.
4. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!

Told my friend about it and he said, "You better put chicken wire across the back part of the open blind".
I think I will do that.

5. they don't have to come from the direction you think they will...have to watch 360 degrees, or as close to it as location will allow.

6. cats are stupid, if you don't kick at them, you might be able to bring your long gun into play if you are smooth and easy about it...might not, but chances are much higher if no kicking happens.

should have scratched behind his ears

Yeah, I was not going to let him jump in with me. Ever heard the rabid wildcat in a phone booth saying? Was not going to take a chance. We have not seen Bobcats at our ranch in forever. This cat was really a surprise just to see him.

If I had leaned forward enough, I might just been able to.

Empty underware, where's the tp?

I don't think he'd have got you...lol, he wanted a rabbit (or whatever sound you were playing). Most people are surprised if they are ever exposed to just how many bobcats are out there. I call em in close to town, near houses, off a golf course once...they really are everywhere. I've called in as many as 7 in one night...and most people who live around here will tell you we don't have many bobcats in this part of the world.

........................... ..................................

Wow!

Cool.
Adios,
Gary

Had more than one varmint sneak up on me like that, not as close and personal but as mentioned before, an animal won't come necessarily where you think they will.

I try to change them at least every other night but that's just me

me and a buddy were calling, all of a sudden we hear this hissing behind us, I just about wet myself

Haha!
Lesson learnered!

These kinds of "close encounters of the animal type" can really get your blood racing, your heart pumping, and your skivvies soiled! Glad you made it through with just first two!!

These kinds of "close encounters of the animal type" can really get your blood racing, your heart pumping, and your skivvies soiled! Glad you made it through with just first two!!

If it was electric why did you have the call under you instead of out some?

Pictures in paper of robert cats roaming a neighbor hood in Arlington TX in day light. This was a few yrs ago. Probably looking for SLOW rabbits (pets)