Calling and Baiting Fox Hunting

Time and habitat:
Fox calling is most effective during the winter months (December–March), when foxes are active during daylight and constantly searching for food.
The best times are early morning and late evening, but cold, clear days can also be productive.
The hunt is usually carried out in open farmland, forest edges, clear-cuts, or fields where foxes hunt and move regularly.

Equipment:

• Calling whistle or predator call imitating a distressed hare, rodent, or fox bark.
• Class 1 or 2 rifle, typically .222, .223 Rem, or 6.5×55 mm.
• Camouflage clothing, steady shooting rest, and wind in your face.
• Optionally, a bait site (bait station) with butcher scraps, offal, or carcasses to attract foxes over a longer period.

Method:

• Sit in a concealed position with a clear view and safe backstop.
• Wait 5–10 minutes before calling to let the surroundings settle.
• Use short calling sequences (10–30 seconds), then pause for 1–2 minutes.
• Call for about 15–20 minutes per location. If nothing appears, move to a new spot.
• When a fox is spotted, stay perfectly still – let it approach and wait for a broadside and stationary position before firing.

Calls and baiting:

• Rodent squeak – attracts curious or hunting foxes nearby.
• Hare distress call – mimics an injured prey animal; highly effective in winter.
• Fox bark or mating call – used during breeding season (January–February) to attract territorial foxes.
• Baiting (using food attractants) – involves placing offal, butcher scraps, fish, or carcasses at a chosen bait site.
  The foxes often visit the site at night; a hunter may use a call when the fox approaches.
  Baiting is commonly combined with trail cameras and red-filtered lights for safe night hunting.

Advantages:

• Highly exciting and effective form of hunting.
• Can be done alone and on small areas.
• Baiting allows for regular predator control and wildlife management.

Challenges:

• Foxes have excellent hearing, sight, and sense of smell.
• Any mistake in wind direction or movement will alert them.
• Requires careful planning, patience, and perfect timing.

Think for the hunting exam:

• Calling = imitating the sounds of prey or other foxes.
• Baiting = attracting foxes with food remains or carcasses.
• Key factors: wind direction, silence, camouflage, and patience.
• Firearm: Class 1 or 2 rifle (e.g., .222, .223, or 6.5×55 mm).
• Shot only at stationary, broadside animals with a safe backstop.
• Most effective in winter, particularly in open terrain or at bait sites.