i need fox hunting advice

[heather112588]

The past few winter months, i have had an increasingly large problem with fox. I live in a large wooded area (42 acres) and the past months i have counted at least 7 not so secret fox admirers. And as time goes on, they are getting more bold...It has happened twice now where a fox charged for one of my hens while i was standing in the yard next to them! The first time of which he didnt see me when he started running, then saw me and ran the other way. yesterday- He saw me and charged them and me, to which i charged him waving my arms and shouting which scared him and his buddy hiding in the bushes away. To answer everyones question: Yes, i do have a gun but it seems like everytime i do not have it on my hip is when they try (its sad that i need to carry a gun everytime that i let them out). They have not found a way into the pen yet...but i feel bad that they last few days they have been kept on lockdown for safety because i can't be there to watch 24-7.
anyway to the point, i've tried to trap some of them and i have had no luck. Does anyone have any experience with hunting them? any tips in general?

 

[midget_farms]

Fox are tough - as tough or tougher than coyote.

They are usually too smart to go into a trap - but if you use a leg trap you can get them. Just make sure you don't catch your dogs or kids. Leg traps can hurt!

Large debate going on here about the usefullness of killing vs. living with predators. The fact is - no matter how many you remove more will fill the void.

Personally I leave them alone right up until they don't leave me alone. Then they all have to go. At least that gives me a few weeks or months of quiet before the next one comes in.

 

[7L Farm]

I live on 100 acres & always carry a shotgun. You could try your luck at calling them. Use a rabbit in stress call. Best times to call are dawn & dusk. The foxs now no where the birds live & will keep trying. Keep an eye on your birds. I would supervise the birds while free ranging. I'd carry a rifle for your situation that way you can make longer & a more accurate shot. Good luck!!!

 

[Robo]

A fawn in distress gets them moving.

 

[Teach97]

foxes are clever...never had much luck trapping them either...snare traps put up through runs might be an option...my little brother had an issue with some and found that sitting out early and later admiring his birds was the best way...that way you get to enjoy your flock and protect them if need be

 

[aprophet]

flat set works the best with coilspring traps , a dirt hole set works well too, most fox are dumb they do the same thing over and over and over I trap them hard I do not see them for 6-8 months after I finnish

 

[magoochie]

you will have to check the hunting laws out there, but if you find a road kill deer or something you can place it out (if you can place a bait pile) and wait a couple days and go sit out by it with a rifle/shotgun. If they smell it, they should come in if there is that many around you.

Also, check your hunting regs, but we like to call fox/coyote at night. A calm, moonlit night is great for calling them. Use a rabbit distress call. 2 hours after sunset, and 2 hours before sunrise are prime times.

 

[heather112588]

Maybe its bc they are really hungry but they have been coming out at abnormal times so i'm having a hard time predicting that...for example, i have always heard dawn and dusk is when they hunt but in my cases try 11am and 2:30pm! i have been trying to catch them with a large havaheart trap...no luck yet. With my birds being on lockdown mode, they haven't been back yet.

 

[bledsoe95]

Get a recording of a baby crying,this brings 'em in every time!

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

The last one we had hanging around came around at generally the same time of day. A rifle will give you some distance and hopefully time for a good shot. If you see what direction it's coming from you can wait for it. This one was coming around in the late morning.

Steve