Lamping

[East coast 2]

Whats the best night for lamping foxes, weather wise, i've been out on full moon nights, pissing wet nights, snow, and had foxes, a lot of lads that been out with say just being in right place at right time is how you get the foxes, then others say that full moon nights are no good and others say they are.

 

Just wondered if any off use had any thoughts on whats the best weather for lamping foxes?

[dave1372 83]

In my opinion its just about knowing your land and where foxes are going about. I am quite happy to see a fox bolt as soon as it sees the lamp because at least then I know where it is likely to be next time.

 

As I use NV a lot I prefer a dark cloudy night (without rain!) with a light breeze.

 

At the end of the day I assume foxes have got to look for food every day regardless of weather .

Edited October 25, 2010 by dave1372

[Terryorr 27]

East coast, this is a good subject which I think you will get many answers and different views, and each member will have his own opinion. Best night for lamping foxes, weather wise. Well to start with the worst nights is with rain or fog because your powerful lamp is useless, it reduces your range drastically. I have to agree with your friends that say, being in the right place at the right time is paramount. One big factor in successful lamping of foxes is : How many other lampers/shooters are in your area? If there are few lampers/shooters your chances are good, if there is a lot of lampers/shooters then it is not so good. Weather plays a part, but is not crucial.

[kenny14 656]

I don't think there's any hard and fast rule on this subject (as with all wildlife, they don't seem to read the text books lol).

I personally prefer very dark nights with a breeze but not too much wind, but as long as it's not foggy, and you can see to spot the foxes, you'll find and get them during most conditions, though there's many other factors to take into account, as the other two lads have said. IMO it's more important getting to know the land and the habits of the foxes that are there, finding the favoured runs and hunting spots etc. I feel that there's no substitute for getting out, and no time in the field is ever wasted, there's always something to learn about the land and our chosen quarry.

 

 

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

The weather plays only part of whether or not you are good at what you do .If its windy ,charlie will want to get around you if you are calling but the smart rifle moves across to cut down the angle and nine times out of ten the fox will stop to consider its next move .In light conditions its very important to keep the lamp just at its feet so as not to startle it or allow it to see your outline if the lamps switched off .Wet weather ,you need to head for short grass as charlie wont be wanting to get his belly wet ,something to think about when calling and which way to face .

Even fog can be got around by lying down underneath it and calling .Shot a few like this but not the best conditions granted .Those lamp /call shy foxes are best shot in daylight ,either first thing or last light as im sure they respond to a call in daylight that they would otherwise associate with a lamp.

[jamie g 17]

i use to think a shy full of moon was crap and one night i had 4 so cant be that bad.

i still perfer not to lamp when the moon is full in the sky as its harder to stay hidden. if your against a back ground like a hill or tress its not so bad.

 

but out in the open its hard. if you can see down the fields on a full moon. what can a fox see ! alot more i betting. the best nights have been very dark and a sky full of cloud with abit of wind.

 

for rabbits they say when its very windy its not that good. one evening i went out with my mate. i didnt take the hmr as i didnt think many rabbits would be about in the wind so just the cf for fox. couldnt believe it i had seen more rabbits then i ever seen over there. around 75 to that night all over the place.

[The one 8,524]

the same night ive buried a load of rabbit guts is worth a look in my book

[East coast 2]

Yeah must admit prefer a nice dark night with out the haze so you get a good beam with the light. Was out 1 night and wind was fairly strong, pick this fox up wind blowing straight to it, squeaked it in and lad shot it after it crossed the main road into the field, doubt his nose was blocked.

Found windy nights not as good as found them fairly jumpy, also found you go out 1 night and see 5 or 6 then go out couple off nights later, try follow same route and only see 1, timing I guess, right place right time.

[danebrewer10 6]

I think what seems to be the general concensus, as dave says is dark, cloudy and a little wind, I guess, (and I've found this with rabbits and squirrels so why not for foxes?), is that the first nice day after a really crappy wet windy weather system blows through, everybodys out making the most of the nice weather.

personally I'd like something like 70% cloud cover with a half moon so I can see where I'm going at least, but not so light that you stand out and cast a shadow, as I shoot on foot and don't particularly want to go falling down rabbit burys and ditches!

Edited October 29, 2010 by danebrewer10