Fox Hunting in Nebraska: Fence Rows and Wind Edges
Introduction to Fox Hunting
Fox hunting is a thrilling and challenging pursuit that requires a deep understanding of both the hunt and the hunted, much like whitetail hunting from a tree stand. The season for fox hunting typically runs from November to the middle of winter, with the peak season being in the months of November and December. During this time, bucks are prowling for does in feeding areas, adding an extra layer of excitement to the hunt.
Hunters who prefer to hunt foxes must be prepared for a long and exciting trip. Often, this involves a pack of dogs and a knowledgeable guide to navigate the terrain and avoid obstacles like holes and fences. The excitement of the hunt is palpable as the pack gives chase, and the hunter must be ready to swing into action at a moment’s notice. Taking into account the wind direction and sun position is crucial to staying ahead of the game.
Fox hunting is a popular sport around the world, with many hunters traveling to different countries to experience the thrill of the hunt in new and varied environments. These environments can range from hot to cool climates, each offering unique challenges and rewards. The hunt typically begins at dawn, with the hunter and their pack setting out to track their quarry. Using subtle patterns and routes, they stay on track and avoid detection.
As the morning wears on, the excitement builds. The hunter must be prepared to make quick decisions when the chance to harvest their prey arises. This involves considering the number of deer in the area and the anticipated action. Fox hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport that requires a great deal of skill and patience. It also demands a deep respect for the natural world and the animals that inhabit it, including the whitetail deer.
The hunter must be prepared to spend long hours in the field, often in challenging weather conditions. They must vary their approach as the hunt unfolds, using different stands and tactics to outsmart their quarry. Despite the challenges, many hunters find fox hunting to be a deeply rewarding experience. It allows them to connect with nature and test their skills in a unique and exciting way, whether from a tree stand or on the ground.
Open Terrain and Fox Movement
Nebraska’s blend of prairie, crop ground, and shelterbelts provides ideal terrain for hunting foxes. Red foxes are the most common target, thriving along the edges of harvested fields, pastures, and grassy fencerows where prey like mice, voles, and birds are abundant. These animals move with stealth, often using the landscape to their advantage by hugging low spots, brush lines, and wind-blown cover as they travel. They carefully select their route to minimize exposure and avoid detection. Understanding where foxes move and how they use Nebraska’s open terrain is key to setting up a productive hunt. Additionally, sloughs serve as funnel areas, guiding foxes between their bedding and feeding locations, making them prime spots for hunters to position themselves.
Fence Rows as Travel Routes
Foxes frequently use fence lines as travel corridors, especially when they connect feeding areas to cover. These narrow strips of grass and brush provide concealment and are often used to cross otherwise open ground. Understanding the course that foxes take along these fence lines can significantly improve hunting success. Setups along these lines should focus on spots where cover thickens near intersections with drainages, field corners, or shelterbelts. Foxes use these areas during early morning and evening hours when they’re actively hunting or returning to their dens. Positioning downwind with a clear shooting lane along the fencerow increases chances of success. Additionally, selecting the least disruptive route to your hunting stand is crucial to minimize scent and avoid alerting foxes.
Wind Edges and Calling Position
In Nebraska’s flat, open terrain, wind plays a critical role in how foxes approach a call. Foxes often circle downwind before committing, so setting up on the edge of a crosswind or quartering wind helps manage scent and anticipate movement. Testing the air for scent detection is crucial, as bucks rely on their sense of smell to detect estrus does. Using the wind to position your call slightly upwind and away from your stand creates a natural path for the fox that places it in your shooting lane. Fields with stubble, short grass, or low hills are good places to position calls and allow sound to travel clearly. Additionally, paying attention to west winds, especially southwest winds, can significantly affect deer movement and help in making optimal positioning decisions during the rut season.
Effective Calling Strategies
Distressed rodent or rabbit sounds are reliable choices when targeting foxes. High-pitched bird cries can also be effective, particularly in areas with thick cover nearby. Calls should be used with short pauses and subtle changes in tone to mimic a struggling animal. Foxes are curious but cautious, so keep stands quiet and movements minimal. The snap of branches can indicate nearby movement, heightening the anticipation of a fox's approach. The crack of a branch can signal the approach of a fox, creating a vivid moment filled with excitement before a potential shot. Electronic calls are preferred for sound consistency and distance, but hand calls can work well when used with care. Stand duration should be fifteen to twenty minutes in open country where visibility is high.
Best Times to Hunt Foxes
Winter is the most productive time for fox hunting in Nebraska, particularly from late December through February. Snow cover helps with visibility and tracking, and colder temperatures increase daytime movement. Foxes are most active during the first and last light of the day, though cloudy, calm afternoons can also produce results. Approaching your stand mid-morning can be advantageous as it allows for better visibility and reduces the likelihood of disturbing the foxes. Additionally, foxes seek places to rest after active periods, often taking breaks to recover before continuing their activities. Hunting shortly after fresh snow or when temperatures drop following a front often improves odds.
Gear for Prairie Setups
A flat-shooting rifle in .17 caliber or .223 offers accuracy at the longer ranges typical of open country. Bipods or shooting sticks help with steady shots in seated positions. Camouflage clothing suited to dry grass and winter tones provides concealment, while warm, windproof layers keep hunters comfortable during long sits. Binoculars are useful for spotting approaching foxes from a distance. An electronic caller, a cushioned seat, and a rangefinder round out a complete fox hunting kit for Nebraska.
When setting up your stand, consider placing it at a height of 15 to 20 feet to gain a better vantage point and reduce the risk of detection. Additionally, navigating through high foliage carefully is crucial to avoid spooking foxes.
Legal Access and Considerations
Nebraska offers public access through walk-in areas and state-managed lands. Many productive fox hunting spots are found on private ground, so gaining landowner permission is important. Fox hunting is legal during designated seasons, and hunters must hold a valid license. All regulations regarding equipment, shooting hours, and harvest reporting should be followed carefully. One reason for these regulations is to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and fair chase principles. Ethical hunting also includes avoiding unnecessary shots and ensuring clear target identification. It is a fact that most successful hunts occur during the peak season, making it crucial to understand and adhere to these guidelines.
Conclusion
Fox hunting in Nebraska’s open country requires attention to wind, terrain, and movement. Fence rows and wind edges serve as the framework for smart setups that take advantage of how foxes use the land. To be successful, hunters must understand fox behavior, including their movement patterns and responses to different calls. With the right call, patient positioning, and proper gear, hunters can enjoy a traditional winter pursuit that challenges both instinct and strategy in equal measure. Additionally, evaluating the age of a fox can be crucial; sometimes, a younger fox may be worth holding off on for future hunts, as it could become a better target in the following season.
FAQs
Where should I set up to hunt foxes in Nebraska?
Focus on fencerows, field corners, and wind breaks that connect feeding and bedding areas in open terrain. When planning your setup, consider the route foxes take through the landscape. Foxes often use these natural features as travel corridors, so positioning yourself along their route can increase your chances of success. By understanding and utilizing the least disruptive path, you can minimize your scent and avoid alerting the foxes while en route to your stand.
What calls work best for fox hunting?
Distressed rodent, rabbit, and bird calls are all effective, with high-pitched sounds often drawing quick responses. The snap of branches can also indicate nearby movement, creating a moment of tension and anticipation as you await the arrival of a buck.
What time of day is best for fox hunting?
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most movement, especially during colder winter months. However, approaching your stand mid-morning allows for better visibility and reduces the likelihood of bumping deer, thereby minimizing scent and increasing hunting success during the critical rutting period.
What gear is recommended for fox hunting in Nebraska?
Use a flat-shooting rifle, camouflage suited for grassland, shooting sticks, an electronic caller, and warm clothing. Position your tree stand at a height of 15 to 20 feet to gain a better vantage point and reduce the risk of detection. Additionally, be mindful of navigating through high foliage to avoid spooking foxes and ensure a successful hunt.
Do I need permission to hunt foxes on private land?
Yes, permission is required on private land. Nebraska also offers walk-in and public access areas where hunting is allowed with a license.
It's a fact that most successful hunts occur during the peak season, particularly the primary rut, when bucks are more vulnerable. The reason behind certain hunting regulations, such as requiring permission on private land, is to ensure ethical hunting practices and to protect wildlife populations.