To catch a fox..

[shmccarthy]

We have a feeling the den is close by.. I tried getting my lab to track the smell of one of the birds and he led us to the south part of our property, but got otherwise distracted when we got to tall grass. He is coming from that part of the property we think because from the last attack, the feather trails went down there. When he attacke today, he was on the north part of the property and I didn't see where he ran off to. I'm worried for the others, I'm not only losing the birds I raised from chicks, but I'm really losing money too with each bird he takes. I am going to be home sick for a while and provided the weather is still nice, I'm going to try a little bit of everything until I can catch him.

 

[ivan3]

Hope you start feeling better! I'm betting that heading off directly down the feather trail, through the grass, will get you to at least a cache point, they tend to take away the meat and leave nothing but big piles of feathers in one spot. From that location start examining bases of big, dead trees, South facing hillsides and stream banks (where they like to den) within a couple hundred yards of the cache. I'd not let the chooks out unless you are out (with weapon). Pile up live branches with leaves in run, if nothing else, to keep them out of mud in run. As was mentioned, set the trap further back toward likely entry to property (I've caught three kits and two adults using nothing but bacon grease mixed with peanut butter and rubbed on bars of trap. But box trapping is a one-off (yes, only 5 foxes trapped in 8 yrs - three traps always locked and loaded), I've retired three times that number with the .22 (not so sly as brazen, here). The electric fencing is really the best way to go, in the long run. Most recent catch: Our `free range' toolkit: Best of luck!

 

[mother hen]

I've lost 6 girls to one or more foxes in the past year. We've recently started seeing her out during the day so I'm pretty sure she has kits nearby. I'm not feeling particularly sentimental about the fox, but I can't bring myself to orphan her babies. I set my dog out on her twice and after the second time I haven't seen her. It's been two weeks. I have the trap set way down back. Caught a raccoon and an opossum, but so far no fox. Good luck to you.

 

[Cknldy]

Do you know what you are going to do with the fox after you catch it? Wildlife is beautiful but when they start eating your stock I agree with catching them. Fox numbers are down but I would feel the same if one was stealing my babes I guess. We have a fox in the ravine across from our driveway but it must be finding plenty to eat elsewhere. What about trying a 'live in harmony' approach such as leaving something for the fox to find WAY AWAY from your poultry if you have enough property. I'm not talking baiting it so it will return to the same area for a kill shot, I'm saying give it something else to keep it from where you live. The kits will grow up and the mother fox may not be so tempted to snatch from your door anymore. Look into relocation services too or talk to local hunters at the ammo store during fox season. Free help for the pelt anyone? You'll have takers!

 

[shmccarthy]

I'm a hunter and I understand how important wildlife conservation is. Where I live, there is an over abundance of wildlife. We had a major raccoon problem and killed almost 20 in 2 weeks. The neighbors thanked us because I guess the raccoons weren't only causing problems for us. Fox have a very large area. I would have to drive the fox well over 25 miles to guarantee it won't come back. The typical radius hunting area for a fox can extend ten miles. It would not be surprising if it returned after I released it. Now I don't know if this fox is a female and has kits but I am assuming so. Kits are generally born in march and can easily fend for themselves at 6 weeks. Their only predator, around here, is man so they wouldn't have a problem surviving. I plan I'm drawing the fox in and shooting it, and making myself a pelt. I can't keep my chickens locked up all day and go back to buying expensive feed. At least two of my other neighbors on the street have chickens and one for sure free ranges them too. I have a no tolerance policy when it comes to wild animals attacking my animals and would rather just deal with the problem head on, rather than releasing it somewhere. Thank you for the options and advice though, I appreciate other people's point of view.

 

[Chadsky]

Extermination is the only answer when it comes to predators, they find an easy meal and they will keep coming back untill its gone if its the next day a week or a month, there smart creatures. And if you start suppling food youll cause a whole new amount of problem for you or neighbours. Shmccarthy is doing the best choice. Gpod luck and be sure to post pics

 

[shmccarthy]

Update. Someone rode their bike down the driveway wanting to buy eggs. He's a regular customer and he told me he had just seen a fox run down the neighbor's gravel driveway. Sitting out in the hunting blind, with bait and my .22, hopefully he stops by!

 

[Chadsky]

Good luck! hope you get 'em

 

[chickengeorgeto]

This time of year stroll around the neighborhood and check out old tree stumps, logs, brush piles, ground hog dens, etc with the wind blowing in your face. If the pups are close to being on their own the parents begin bring in dead or disabled prey and drop it for the pups to devour or finish killing. Then the parents are off for another victim. Under these conditions you can smell a fox den further than you can see it because of the rotting prey.

 

[suttonhollerchk]

I got one terrorizing me to!! I'm out of town but I'll be home Friday and its on!!! Traps,snares, hunting, trail cams whatever it takes his *** is mine!!! Gonna get a baby monitor with electric fence to