Bow Hunting Foxes

[Zero One Actual]

I may have the chance to do some fox hunting with my bow. I've shot 3D Coyote targets but I've never been fox hunted with a bow.

If anyone has any tips or pointers I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Arrows are 500gr Sirius Apollos with three blade fixed broadheads (if this info matters). PSE Mach 34 at 65lbs and 30.5DL.

 

[The_Fit_Ness_Monster]

Foxs are a protected species where I am, not able to hunt them. I don’t think I would even if I could though. Do you eat that? Or is it just for the pelts? Or are they a pest?. I’d imagine they’d be pretty shifty and nearly impossible without dogs to hunt.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

They will be pretty much like mini coyotes in their habits but don't run in packs. They should respond to rabbit in distress calls and lip squeaking. Like coyotes you won't see one if you don't have the wind perfect. I would prefer a trad bow I could shoot quickly instinctively over a compound. Shots will likely be fast and close. Body wise they are about as thick as a large house cat, so penetration won't an issue.

I personally would not hunt them either since they are a native animal and have been pretty well displaced around here by coyotes, tending to live closer to human habitations, due to habitat loss. They are much more like a domestic dog in their temperament than a coyote.

 

[woodsdog2]

Foxs are a protected species where I am, not able to hunt them. I don’t think I would even if I could though. Do you eat that? Or is it just for the pelts? Or are they a pest?. I’d imagine they’d be pretty shifty and nearly impossible without dogs to hunt.

For game bird management, the pelts and population control for their own health. Foxes and coyotes are breeding right now so it’s a great time to hunt them if your season is still open. They respond more readily to fox mating calls and fox in distress calls than prey related calls but use both to mix them up if you’re not getting results. Use the same gear you would for deer. Our season in NY just closed (Feb.15th) but coyote is open through the end of March. Foxes will try to work downwind as well but they aren’t as cagey as coyotes on average. I would say an older male or an older vixen is as smart or smarter than a yearling coyote though.

 

[woodsdog2]

BTW, there’s not a pelt, in my opinion that is more beautiful than a “cherry red” fox pelt. Back in 2013 I trapped my best red fox ever receiving a top lot award from NAFA.

 

[woodsdog2]

And there is nothing worse than seeing a “rat tail” fox or coyote from the effects of sarcoptic mange.

 

[SNIPERBBB]

Foxs are a protected species where I am, not able to hunt them. I don’t think I would even if I could though. Do you eat that? Or is it just for the pelts? Or are they a pest?. I’d imagine they’d be pretty shifty and nearly impossible without dogs to hunt.

Foxes are protected in LA?

 

[The_Fit_Ness_Monster]

Foxes are protected in LA?

Yes I’ve always known them to be protected species here I’ve never met anyone who hunts them. I’ve asked my wildlife buddy about it but I was specifically asking about grey foxes idk if they’re all protected or just the greys but hunting them has never been a thought to me or anyone I know. If you cant eat it and it isn’t causing harm to farm or family then I see no need to kill things just to. And with a quick Google yes both are protected in LA. Regardless to me it would be like killing a dog, just ain’t right unless for very valid reason.

 

[SNIPERBBB]

BTW, there’s not a pelt, in my opinion that is more beautiful than a “cherry red” fox pelt. Back in 2013 I trapped my best red fox ever receiving a top lot award from NAFA.

I beg thee to differ. Our NATIVE Grey Fox are much better looking. Especially the northern ones, when we used to have them

 

[SNIPERBBB]

Yes I’ve always known them to be protected species here I’ve never met anyone who hunts them. I’ve asked my wildlife buddy about it but I was specifically asking about grey foxes idk if they’re all protected or just the greys but hunting them has never been a thought to me or anyone I know. If you cant eat it and it isn’t causing harm to farm or family then I see no need to kill things just to. And with a quick Google yes both are protected in LA. Regardless to me it would be like killing a dog, just ain’t right unless for very valid reason.

OK, I looked at your regs. Foxes may be trapped in LA...just not hunted.

 

[The_Fit_Ness_Monster]

I beg thee to differ. Our NATIVE Grey Fox are much better looking. Especially the northern ones, when we used to have them

I was going to say the same the grey fox is much prettier has nothing to do with red being my least favorite color either lol

 

[Zero One Actual]

Foxs are a protected species where I am, not able to hunt them. I don’t think I would even if I could though. Do you eat that? Or is it just for the pelts? Or are they a pest?. I’d imagine they’d be pretty shifty and nearly impossible without dogs to hunt.

Pest hunt is the best way to describe it. Pelt would be secondary benefit. I doubt I will eat it at all.

 

[Zero One Actual]

For game bird management, the pelts and population control for their own health. Foxes and coyotes are breeding right now so it’s a great time to hunt them if your season is still open. They respond more readily to fox mating calls and fox in distress calls than prey related calls but use both to mix them up if you’re not getting results. Use the same gear you would for deer. Our season in NY just closed (Feb.15th) but coyote is open through the end of March. Foxes will try to work downwind as well but they aren’t as cagey as coyotes on average. I would say an older male or an older vixen is as smart or smarter than a yearling coyote though.

Thank you for this information sir.

 

[Exhumis]

I’ll add my 2 cents as I regularly hunt them on a farm. They are incredibly wary, when you start your set be ready for them to come in. Most times they’ll be on top of you before you realize it. You’ll most likely only get one chance so make it count.

 

[CZMark]

I've done some rifle hunting for foxes. I think bow hunting for them may be more of a challenge than you realize--they're very wary animals, incredibly quick, and fairly small (when you skin your first one you discover they are almost as much fur as flesh).

My best tip would be: use an electronic caller/ decoy that can be placed away from you. If you use a mouth-blown call, they will be fixated on your location and you won't be able to draw.

I wish you a great hunt and hope you report back with the results/ pictures.

 

[Zero One Actual]

I've done some rifle hunting for foxes. I think bow hunting for them may be more of a challenge than you realize--they're very wary animals, incredibly quick, and fairly small (when you skin your first one you discover they are almost as much fur as flesh).

My best tip would be: use an electronic caller/ decoy that can be placed away from you. If you use a mouth-blown call, they will be fixated on your location and you won't be able to draw.

I wish you a great hunt and hope you report back with the results/ pictures.

I fully expect this challenge. I have been lucky enough to see several on public land hunts running by randomly, so I am fully anticipating the challenge. Thank you for your information.

 

[kbetts]

Mating season....great time to hunt them, poor time for pelts. Their fur will be rubbed and/or missing from the festivities.

Equipment doesn't matter. Getting close enough and hitting them does. I've shot the handful of mine with stickbows.

 

[BackSpasm]

Mating season....great time to hunt them, poor time for pelts. Their fur will be rubbed and/or missing from the festivities.

Equipment doesn't matter. Getting close enough and hitting them does. I've shot the handful of mine with stickbows.

Wow sounds like a lot of friction

 

[kbetts]

Wow sounds like a lot of friction

And fighting. I can hear them almost nightly.

 

[Zero One Actual]

I saw three come though but was never able to get a shot off. Oh well. I tried.