Foxing tips

[Maran14]

Evening all,

With lambing now in full swing in most parts of the country, I’m sure most are keen to knock over a Charlie or two… or three, or four!

Do any more experienced shooters have any tips they can share?
From the down right obvious to the scenting trick passed down to them or even the genius idea that came to them in a fever dream!

 

[FISH BOY]

Don’t test the remote caller range before your behind a rifle.

 

[Tim.243]

Evening all,

With lambing now in full swing in most parts of the country, I’m sure most are keen to knock over a Charlie or two… or three, or four!

Do any more experienced shooters have any tips they can share?
From the down right obvious to the scenting trick passed down to them or even the genius idea that came to them in a fever dream!

Be ready to move and hatch a plan on the way. When the moon has gone and a decent wind is what I like,

 

[Maran14]

Don’t test the remote caller range before your behind a rifle.

I fear there is a story behind this. Possibly one that lead to you scrambling back to your rifle, having spotted foxy charging towards the caller?

 

[Maran14]

Be ready to move and hatch a plan on the way. When the moon has gone and a decent wind is what I like,

Thanks Tim. Why is it that you prefer a decent wind for foxing? Is this to prevent being scented or does it have another advantage?

 

[Tim.243]

Thanks Tim. Why is it that you prefer a decent wind for foxing? Is this to prevent being scented or does it have another advantage?

It can help mask your foot noise also they pick up on any thing mechanical a gate opening clanking sticks also they will be working the wind so you can also.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Make sure you are not skylined/silhouetted; use the wind to your advantage; only play your caller at medium/low volume and most important - if using a Pard, Zulus etc. be sure you are familiar with where the record button is…

 

[Maran14]

It can help mask your foot noise also they pick up on any thing mechanical a gate opening clanking sticks also they will be working the wind so you can also.

Brilliant, thanks!
Do you do anything to mask your scent or just simply be up wind?
Do you ever bother with a call?

 

[Foxyboy43]

Brilliant, thanks!
Do you do anything to mask your scent or just simply be up wind?
Do you ever bother with a call?

I think you might be better downwind…..

 

[Maran14]

Make sure you are not skylined/silhouetted; use the wind to your advantage; only play your caller at medium/low volume and most important - if using a Pard, Zulus etc. be sure you are familiar with where the record button is…

Thank you!
Do you have a caller you favour over the others?

 

[Maran14]

I think you might be better downwind…..

Duh - my bad!!!

 

[Foxyboy43]

Thank you!
Do you have a caller you favour over the others?

Icotech 500 is good but TBH you never really know which one is best - for reasons known only to foxes!

 

[foxerklw]

Get to know your ground intimately. Don't go out thinking you must shoot something. I'd sooner learn where foxes come from and go to, you can always return the following night armed with that knowledge. Don't rush or panic. Remember foxes are creatures of habit, so if you don't mess things up, you'll almost always get another chance. Whether your static or walking about, constantly keep spotting. Foxes appear from nowhere, and can be out in the middle of a field you've just scanned. Move slowly, keep the noise down. Ensure your equipment is ready to go, bipod set to the correct height, scope on standby, lamp/IR aligned etc. If in any doubt, don't shoot. If your a novice, and the fox figures you out, before you figure it out, get ready for many nights of fun and games

 

[Tim.243]

Brilliant, thanks!
Do you do anything to mask your scent or just simply be up wind?
Do you ever bother with a call?

No just work the wind, as for callers days they will work others they don't
I have homemade ones widgeon whistles bits of polystyrene and a small mirror.
Things I don't do is use battery callers shoot from cars/trucks while having a coffee.
All on foot with a heavy round in the .243 so the wind or a bit of cover is not going stop me nailing a fox. Good luck

 

[Maran14]

Icotech 500 is good but TBH you never really know which one is best - for reasons known only to foxes!

I’ll check it out!

Oddly, I seem to have the best success when I go out after having cleaned out the hens… possibly the smell of chicken **** and feed masks my own scent

 

[Tim.243]

Get to know your ground intimately. Don't go out thinking you must shoot something. I'd sooner learn where foxes come from and go to, you can always return the following night armed with that knowledge. Don't rush or panic. Remember foxes are creatures of habit, so if you don't mess things up, you'll almost always get another chance. Whether your static or walking about, constantly keep spotting. Foxes appear from nowhere, and can be out in the middle of a field you've just scanned. Move slowly, keep the noise down. Ensure your equipment is ready to go, bipod set to the correct height, scope on standby, lamp/IR aligned etc. If in any doubt, don't shoot. If your a novice, and the fox figures you out, before you figure it out, get ready for many nights of fun and games

Good reply @Maran14 take note of this one, also leaving it than chasing it is not a bad thing as they have a good memory.

 

[Maran14]

Get to know your ground intimately. Don't go out thinking you must shoot something. I'd sooner learn where foxes come from and go to, you can always return the following night armed with that knowledge. Don't rush or panic. Remember foxes are creatures of habit, so if you don't mess things up, you'll almost always get another chance. Whether you’re static or walking about, constantly keep spotting. Foxes appear from nowhere, and can be out in the middle of a field you've just scanned. Move slowly, keep the noise down. Ensure your equipment is ready to go, bipod set to the correct height, scope on standby, lamp/IR aligned etc. If in any doubt, don't shoot. If your a novice, and the fox figures you out, before you figure it out, get ready for many nights of fun and games

Great advice, thank you!

I was given similar advice about them being creatures of habit by somebody else, who suggested setting a few trail cameras. Providing they’re captured, I imagine this would allow me to decipher their routine…

 

[Maran14]

No just work the wind, as for callers days they will work others they don't
I have homemade ones widgeon whistles bits of polystyrene and a small mirror.
Things I don't do is use battery callers shoot from cars/trucks while having a coffee.
All on foot with a heavy round in the .243 so the wind or a bit of cover is not going stop me nailing a fox. Good luck

Thanks very much. I appreciate the advice!

 

[Ranger22]

At lambing time I get info from the farmers, where they’ve seen a fox or seen sign of them, where they’ve lost a lamb. I try to build up a picture of where the fox is working and make a plan accordingly. I like a dark breezy night with drizzle but at lambing time I can’t be fussy. I hunt foxes the same ay as I stalk deer, slowly and lots of looking. I try and never skyline myself, I keep to the shadows, I never use a torch whilst I’m moving about. Keep the wind in your face as much as possible. I go alone I very rarely go with anyone else nowadays, a lot quieter when I’m by myself.

 

[foxerklw]

Great advice, thank you!

I was given similar advice about them being creatures of habit by somebody else, who suggested setting a few trail cameras. Providing they’re captured, I imagine this would allow me to decipher their routine…

Cameras can be a great aid, but in my opinion there's no substitute for being on the ground. Walk the land during the day. Find the scat, look for the runs. See where you can squeeze through hedges, and find the best places to scale fences. Learn how certain gates function, and the noise they make. Foxes don't always come to you, or walk through the ground your covering. Chances are you'll spot them at distance and will need to maneuver yourself in to a more suitable position. Knowing all the above will help you do so more efficiently