Gray Fox Hunting and Calling

The gray fox can be found in many places but prefers to live in thicker areas consisting of woods and heavy brush.

Unlike other foxes a red fox can easily climb trees and will hunt for food and rest in trees. It makes its den in rocky crevices, caves, hollow logs, trees and brush piles. It will sometimes broaden a woodchuck burrow and use it as a den. The only time a gray fox will use a den is during mating season and the raising of pups.

Cottontail rabbit distress sounds, mouse an vole squeaks and gray fox pup distress sounds will cause them to respond.

Unlike a red fox, gray fox are known for aggressively responding to a distress call. Without fear or caution, a gray fox will rush in within those first few minutes of calling.  This doesn’t mean that their senses aren’t as keen as other predators such as coyotes. You can still spook them off if they get your scent or detect noise or movement. A gray fox will turn and bolt as quickly as they can in.

Wooded areas that border small grassy fields are some of the best places to hunt. You'll want to establish a calling position that is 30 to 40 yards away from the tree line. Tucking into some tall weeds or hiding up against a tree or hill is a good way to blend in. Movement is what will catch a predator's eyes but camouflage is important. Like hunting all predators the wind direction needs to be considered when setting up to call. Even though their sense of smell does not seem to be as keen as a coyote they will turn a run if they detect human scent.

Relatively high volume distress sounds seem to result in quick responses. It really doesn't seem to make a difference how you blow the call, continously or in a timed pattern. Gray fox will respond to both calling techniques.  If nothing responds in the first 10 minutes it usually means that no grays are present and it’s time to move to a new location.

Because of the smaller size of a gray fox smaller caliber guns starting with a 22 mag or a shotgun using a #4 load are great choices. The same load you use for turkey hunting will work fine.  A 22 mag is a good choice out to about 100 yards while the shotgun is a very good choice out to about 30 yards.

Just like hunting coyotes, bobcats and all other predators, the gray fox will challenge your hunting skills and provide some adrenaline filled fast paced predator calling excitement.

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