Cold, wet & windy.

[JohnGalway 1,043]

Last nights fox that got away was bothering me today. Thought I should go over to the farm tonight and see if I couldn't catch sight of him. During the drive the wipers were never off and the conditions didn't improve much. Picked myself out a new spot rather than my usual perch on the hillock. The red roofed hen shed is to my right and I can see pretty much all of the little valley in front of me. The land drops away to my left with walls and hedges, and the farmhouse brings up the rear.

 

It started sheeting rain, the wind strengthened from where I was supposed to be looking and drove it into my face anytime I looked up I took a little bit of shelter in the lee of a lone shoulder high straggly furze bush - better than nothing I put my back to the wind and turned to check the valley every couple of minutes or so.

 

On one of those checks I got a shock. There was my fox, not bouncing down the far side of the hill, not prowling around the sheep shed and pen, nor looking out from the rush patch. No, there he was stood all of forty yards from me. Stood licking his right front paw in the entrance to the hen shed (which was locked up tight).

 

Two words put together that'd well describe my situation "not ready" Both scope caps were still closed and the rifle was down behind the furze bush. I dimmed the light and popped open the caps as quietly as possible

 

When I looked up again, there was my fox, gone! :pac:

 

Given the lay of the land I didn't use the caller, if I had the shotgun I'd have bowled him over or been well ready for a fox running in or circling me. Besides that I noticed last night this fox wasn't really interested in it.

 

So I set myself up on a small bump on the ground, looking into the small valley. I've the lamp dimmed right down and I'm looking through the rain for that tell tale glint, and I'm not seeing it :confused:

 

I've a bit of a catch in my throat and I clear it without thinking, BING! Cat's don't have eyes that colour!

 

Turns out my fox has taken the path up towards the sheep shed & pen, crossed through a fence and was mooching in front of the pen. Either he'd seen me and didn't want to look at the light or was that unconcerned about it that it just didn't bother him. Which ever, he got introduced to the next life sharpish.

 

Younger dog fox, 140 odd yards.

 

[cassshantia 16]

you lads are certainly very keen ,well done

a good oiling down after been exposed to that weather

[hw100sniper 2]

Well done again John you certainly have been denting the charlie population lately.

[dave1372 83]

you lads are certainly very keen ,well done

a good oiling down after been exposed to that weather

 

 

Yep, I am pretty sure his wife gives him a good rubbing down with the oil

[dave1372 83]

Well done again John you certainly have been denting the charlie population lately.

 

I agree he looks like he has been very busy.....putting the rest of us to shame

[JohnGalway 1,043]

Don't worry, I'll be taking tonight off Might head out again Sunday night then Monday & Tuesday nights off as well. But it'll be getting well dark by then again