Had a bloody weird one tonight....
Walked through first two fields, nothing doing. At bottom of field #2 stopped scan, nothing so climb gate into field #3. Just over gate, stream and hedge immediately on right leading off gateway. Move few yards into field and scan length of hedge. Sure enough, approx 60yds see fox just moving down bank towards stream to slip through hedge, back into field I just came from.
I move back towards gate, but before climbing over I scan to see if foxy in that field yet.... Just then I hear scampering feet running right at me FAST & a noise like a dog when it's rough playing, kinda growly. It felt like it was right on me & I'll admit I absolutely shiït a brick, I shouted "hey hey hey!!" & kicked out. I felt it brush against my legs then heard the gate behind me rattle as it squeezed under it (known run). God knows what he was playing at! I did wonder if there might have been another (unseen by me) fox chasing it after it went into hedge bottom??
Took few seconds then scanned over gate, see him running away about 60yds. Got rifle leant on gate, further now heading to fence line. I kept with him through scope hopeful he'd stop at fence. And he did, looking back towards me. Last thing he ever did as 32grn dropped him on spot @ just under 170. Good size dog, head full of ticks.
Carrying on up hill & spot another good distance up hill. Moved closer, and it hadn't moved at all. Rifle on sticks I could see it was curled up. Not sleeping,but sheltering from wind in a dip in ground. About 150yd away. I think she half thought something was up as she lifted head & looking right at me. But then huddle down tighter & flicked tail over nose. I flicked safety off + got on her.....then watched her. It was a winters night, windy, nearly Christmas week. If it had been nesting time I might have dropped her. But as it was, I put safety back on & enjoyed watching her at peace. I then went back way I'd come. Watched a tawny owl on ground for a bit then set off home. Nice to be out again (even if I did need a change of pants!!)