How long for spooked fox to return?

Kernow_Stalker

Well-Known Member
Hi all

was out foxing this morning. Got set up into a little corner of a field and about 2 or 3 squeeks in a nice dog fox came running in. Caught me unaware to be frank as wasn't expecting quite such a quick response. Anyway he came running towards me from about 80 yards away, by the time I had fully got to grips with what was happening he was 30 yards out. As I reached for my rifle he obviously clocked my sudden movement and bolted. I stayed for about another 45 mins calleding him but to no avail

my question is

once I spooked him should I give up and move off to another field where he's not necessarily expecting me or stay put where I was and persevere. Or give up entirely as he wont be back for a long time?


cheers in advance
 
Called one last night from 400 yards. Came so quick he came through the hedge 20 yards in front of me then bolted into the next field and into the wood. Quick squeak and out he came.. Dead dog fox. So the answer to that is who knows! Look on the bright side you know where Charlie is likely to be. Perhaps ambush him from a different angle.
atb Steve
 
Personally if I have a fox that has spotted me I wouldn't try calling it back immediately as most foxes are not totally stupid. You don't want them associating you with a call. More often than not I would have followed that fox as they are curious and will often hang around to see what happens next. Clearly if it has had a good look it may well leg it a fair distance.
As SussexFallow rightly says "who knows" foxes vary and there are no set rules.
 
I find You can actually over squeak sometimes, go and sit quietly somewhere else or leave alone for another time. As said you don't want to be associated with the call.

M
 
I've been caught that way too. Don't squeek until all set up now.
I wouldn't count on that one returning but another one may come in so give it a few minutes.

There's one that I been after and have nicknamed Wile E Coyote after the cartoon character.
We both have a good few grey hairs. If he sees me I won't see him again at that spot at that time again. He's a quick learner and pretty suspicious of my poor attempt at squeeks. Tried bait but he seems to dine in the wee small hours. Challenging as they say.
I'm saving for a night sight but it almost seems like cheating than outwitting.
 
Dig a hole 9.34 inches deep near where he appeared and empty a tin of tuna or mackerel in the hole. Come back at 11.22pm and shoot it when its head is in the hole.
 
Me too, called one in a few months back just after sitting down and it appeared from less than 30m away and came running at me. I sat perfectly still until it reached about 5m, clocked me and took off. I set up quickly on my sticks and gave a squeak when it was about 40m away, just enough to stop for curiosity and down it went. I do t thi k it associated me with the squeak which is why it stopped the second d time as when they have realised it was me squeaking g they've been long gone.
 
PF, it must be 9.34" and not 9 3/4" inches a mistake made by many.
9.34" is the average length of a dog foxes cranium. As for the 11.22pm this is not negotiable.
 
I have spooked foxes that have came back within 24 hours or ones that have been seen a few hundred yards on a different track, if you havent took a shot at it then (Ibelieve) the squeaking wont have been the differing factor just your presence .

My advice change your position slightly and try again even if you give it a few days or a week.
 
Me too, called one in a few months back just after sitting down and it appeared from less than 30m away and came running at me. I sat perfectly still until it reached about 5m, clocked me and took off. I set up quickly on my sticks and gave a squeak when it was about 40m away, just enough to stop for curiosity and down it went. I do t thi k it associated me with the squeak which is why it stopped the second d time as when they have realised it was me squeaking g they've been long gone.
This is why I take the shotgun with BB,s;)
Tusker
 
They call them SLY for good reason - they learn quickly, & never quicker than if you shoot at them & miss! So only pull the trigger when certain of a good hit.

If you spook a fox don't approach from the same direction next time - get into position to one side - maybe 50 yds away - the fox will probably come again the next day & look for you where you were previously & give you an extra second to get onto him.
As always don't lamp till you're ready with the rifle - half seconds count! You just have to be quicker than him!

Ian
 
It wont go far , probably just out of sight . What is the land like you shoot ?
I have never ever called during the day , instead I just sit and watch to spot any foxs but the land I shoot on is open hill.
 
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