A Wisconsin teenager experienced a startling wildlife encounter during a routine turkey hunting trip when a bobcat unexpectedly attacked him. Carson Bender, a 19-year-old from Wisconsin Rapids, was participating in the opening weekend of the hunting season near Nekoosa when the incident occurred.
Unexpected Predator Interrupts Hunt
Carson Bender was fully camouflaged and positioned against a tree, patiently waiting for turkeys to enter his shooting range. The young mechanic had been using turkey calls to attract birds to his location throughout the morning. Despite numerous turkeys being active in the area, an unusual silence descended around 8 a.m. as Bender prepared to take a shot at a specific gobbler.
Surprise Discovery Behind Him
Concerned about potentially scaring away his target, Bender used his mobile phone to check his surroundings without making sudden movements. To his astonishment, he discovered a 25-pound bobcat approaching him from behind. "I pan over with the phone, and the bobcat is just staring at me," Bender recounted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I was like, oh-oh. But I was still locked onto the toms in the field too... I knew where the bobcat was and I didn't know what it would do."
Sudden Attack and Quick Response
Before Bender could process the situation fully, the bobcat lunged at him, striking his shoulder. Video footage later posted to social media captured the dramatic moment. Although Bender managed to move out of the way, the wildcat succeeded in scratching his shoulder before fleeing the scene. Remarkably, immediately after the attack, Bender composed himself and successfully shot a turkey that was running nearby.
Medical Attention and Recovery
The determined teenager continued hunting until noon before contacting his girlfriend, who advised him to seek medical evaluation. Healthcare professionals prescribed antibiotics as a precautionary measure and confirmed his injuries were minor. "It was a lot of action in just a minute or so, but I never really felt threatened and went with my instincts," Bender explained. "I kid you not, it was the most eventful morning I've ever had."
Experienced Hunter Returns to Field
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Bender returned to the same hunting area the following day without further incident. An avid outdoorsman, he previously earned recognition as a trophy-winning trap shooter during high school. Currently, Bender is pursuing arborist studies at Mid-State Technical College while maintaining his passion for hunting.
This unusual encounter serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions during outdoor activities, even for experienced hunters following proper protocols.
