Shooting foxes help needed

[SNAP SHOT 194]

Look at the land firstly, john and any signs of pads etc. it's a sit and wait game really to see whats happening. but still i wouldn't use the chicken call.

time, trial, and error, and it Will come together......GOOD LUCK

[Guest JohnGalway]

 

Right then.

 

Take your .17HMR, as said it's certainly not an ideal fox calibre but it's going to give you more range than the shotgun. More range = more options. Keep shots within 100 yards and go for head/neck, what sort of groups are you getting with the HMR at 100 yards? I am presuming the land is relatively clear and not a jungle, if it is a jungle then the shotgun would be a better option, 36gram BB's.

 

Is this fox killing in one particular area? If so then that area is where you want to be. The time is difficult, I think two hours before dark is going too early and one hour after dark is not staying long enough. If it was me I would be out in that area just as it's getting dark and stay until maybe 1-2am, depending on your other commitments naturally.

 

Lose the chicken call. Best call for foxes is a dying rabit squeal.

 

I'm not convinced about the stink pit idea, especially at this time of year. I'm sure it works well but the problem is here now and this fox is used to killing live birds, I think he'll stick with live birds. I'd also say, since this is a problem fox, to be there as many nights as you can. Reason being the longer he stays alive the more damage will be done. Add to that you've not seen him yet so I wouldn't think you've spooked him yet unless he saw you first, even so stick with it. Persistance does pay off.

 

I agree with keeping the light low, staying downwind and also being sparing with the caller, nothing more counter productive that a squeal at full blast going all the time, it just won't work. Only you can decide on the location you pick as you know the ground, we don't. I would suggest picking a place with a good view where you can also shoot well from within the area the fox is killing.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that you don't stand on the brow of a hill where a fox lower down can see your outline against the sky, or against village or town lights. Move a little bit down the hill or have a hedge or tree or something behind you

 

If you see him, and you're not sure of the shot, don't take it, you'll meet him again. It's a hell of a lot better to leave a problem fox another couple of nights than to make him lampshy.

 

If you're not having much success and there are terrier fellas locally who would know the dens I would give them a call Need to exercise all options against a problem fox.