HUNTING TALES
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Fox hunting has become a very popular sport in Australia. Foxes are regarded as vermin by farmers but for hunters they are the perfect game target. When in pursuit of that fox there are different methods used that will surely suit someone.
Some hunters say it is the sound of the fox whistle squeal that you hear across the ground covered with bracken fern. Other hunters say its those cold nights with the spotlight that shines over the land and picks up those bright eyes. Some hunters prefer the excitement of a fox drive.
Jake Hawker with Jay & his Ibizan Hound, Breeze.
Fox Drives
This is when both human and canine come together and in the distance you will hear the “yip, yip, yip and the hey, ha, ha noises as the dog picks up the scent of a fox. This is where Hunters gather to socialise and make a plan whilst their dogs whine with excitement.
The sort of day you will have will depend on many factors such as:
- Shotguns
- Dogs
- Season
- Area
The only really suitable and safest gun to use for fox drives is a shotgun and the most important members of a fox drive team are the dogs.
Most drives are run through the football season - the months of April to September. These months mean that you are avoiding the warmer weather and the snakes. Winter will always be the best time as the coats of the foxes are at their thickest.
The best areas to hunt foxes are:
- Along Creeks: Popular if there is little cover out from the creek
- In Gullies: Contain cover – offer shelter from the wind
- Bush blocks: Ones that have an undergrowth of fern provides great cover
The two groups that make up a fox drive are “The Beaters” those that flush out the foxes, and “The Shooters” those that shoot the foxes.
It pays to place shooters as backstops on patches that are close to the one being driven as foxes can react to the sound or scent of beaters from far away and if they are disturbed they will most likely head to the next patch of cover.
Whistling up a Fox:
The most important factor about whistling up a fox is to get the wind in your face. Without it you may as well call it a night because as soon as they smell you they will turn around and run.
When it comes to calling start with a few quiet calls then follow it up with louder and longer calls. After a few calls….stop and assess and then repeat. This is a patience game it can take time but stay confident.
