Fox Vs Shotgun..

[Deker 3,478]

As others have said there are almost certainly better ways, but given your question......

 

A 12g is perfectly adequate close range with a decent load, my view is somewhere between 3 & BB, and 40 yard max, better at 30! I've put down rabbits at 60 with No5 but that isn't a fox!

 

A light load is unsuitable at anything further than the end of the barrel, let go at a fox 30-40 yards away with 7.5-8 and the odds are you will prick it all over and it will run off to possibly die a slow painful death!

 

I seldom use a 12g on a fox these days, actually I don't remember the last time, probably 5 years or so back, at 30-40 yards a .22lr and subs is easy to place and VERY effective on the fox.

[JohnGalway 1,043]

36 gram BB's. 40 yards would be normal range but you'll knock him 10 or 20 yards farther than that if you really have to.

 

Best to wait until he's side on to you, more vitals, less bones. Point towards the shoulder and remember to keep swinging as you shoot, if you don't keep the swing going as you shoot you'll hit him behind and he'll wobble off on you.

 

Don't shoot at him going away, or coming right at you - unless he's right in front of you.

 

Fox lamping with shotgun is great craic

Edited January 10, 2013 by JohnGalway

[dogvixen01 34]

if you,ve never used a shotgun it might be a good idea to practice with this gun first ,before you actually shoot at a live target.get to know how it handles ,the safety ,etc.if its a single you may need a follow up so quick reloading technique will be useful . you could also possibly put ap a fox sized target to get the pattern of the cartidge you are going to use to get an idea of the spread which will ultimately dictate the max range.as been said a broadside side shot is best with the major organs at the front.a stil target is easier than a moving one so a bit of patience wil be required .try to get him in a position with suitable backstop .good luck but be safe is the main priority .atb.let us know how you get on.

[PLEDGEY 496]

Iv mentioned about a trap too, they are hoping to get rid of this fox and then build a new coup for the chickens.. i think once the weather sorts itself out a bit they will do it..

When they build the new coup incorperate a trap in the fence. Build in a trap door that swings into the coup with a holding area that is covered. Also build in a small gate that can be opened so yo can get in yourself and to let out any stupid cats that get in there.

[fraggle101 28]

Iv just had a txt back from the owners, this is what he uses..

 

Lylevale 12GA 65mm special game 30g.

 

Any good?

[dogvixen01 34]

just googled for LYLEVALE Express Shotgun Cartridges Supreme Game 30g 6s 65 mm ( 2.5" )Fibre Wad Box of 250.available in allcocks .size 6 means the pellet size and if they are these cartridges then these are designed primarily as description says for game ie rabbbit pidgeon etc.other people have suggested other sizes on here with reccomendations of no 3 - bb.these will cause more damage and are more suitable for a fox and at a further range , but only you can decide.atb

[Deker 3,478]

The debate continues... if the carts mentioned are No6 then that is too light in my opinion for 30-40 yards!

[Born Hunter 17,763]

Iv just had a txt back from the owners, this is what he uses..

 

Lylevale 12GA 65mm special game 30g.

 

Any good?

 

I have used them quite a bit for general game shooting, decent enough for that. I've only ever shot one fox with them and that was a hole end job on the end of the barrell! I'm sure they would kill a fox at up to 20 yards but if you want to shoot ANY further then get a proper cartridge in it. Lylvale do a 70mm 36g BB shell that I have killed a few foxes with. Also get some real big mothers 3" 50gm jobs quite easily, those buggers will drop a fox!

[PLEDGEY 496]

For what it's going to cost i would just go and buy a box of BB's. That way you know they are going to do the job and do it humanely

[chez 23]

place some bait out i.e a dead chicken thats been dead a few days at the afective range of the shot gun and sit and wait. thats how i do it .

[The Duncan 802]

Sod it, get SG's and they'll kill almost anything out to 50 yards.

[Born Hunter 17,763]

Sod it, get SG's and they'll kill almost anything out to 50 yards.

 

Go pattern SGs at 50 yards! If you think they are humane crack on.

 

I'll save ya the bother, their shite beyond about 25 yards.

Edited January 11, 2013 by Born Hunter

[Deker 3,478]

Sod it, get SG's and they'll kill almost anything out to 50 yards.

 

Unfortunately the post above is correct, a fox (or deer) could walk clean through the pattern of SG at 50 yards.

 

These carts are awesomely devastating but you need to be real close!

Edited January 13, 2013 by Deker

[fraggle101 28]

^{Great stuff guys, iv certainly learnt a lot from reading the posts so far..}

 

^{I spoken to them and the owner is going to go and get something more up for the job.. i hope he gets his own advice as im not going with him..}

 

^{I'll will post back here when/if we sort it out..}

 

^Tony..

[JohnGalway 1,043]

BB's for the job Tony, they're what I use, and my friend who's been shooting them with a side by side for 20 years