Fox Hunting in Oklahoma: Red Fox Calling Tactics
Introduction to Predator Hunting
Predator hunting is a popular activity in Oklahoma, targeting a variety of wild animals such as foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. The Oklahoma Wildlife Department oversees predator hunting, ensuring hunters adhere to specific guidelines and regulations for a safe and successful hunt. Among the most commonly hunted predators is the red fox, easily recognized by its distinctive white-tipped tail. Red foxes, along with other species like the gray fox, swift fox, and kit fox, are known to carry rabies, making it crucial for hunters to handle them with care. Understanding the behavior and habitat of these predators is essential for effective hunting and control.
Types of Foxes in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to several species of foxes, each with unique characteristics and habitats. The red fox, one of the most common species, is found throughout the state and is easily identified by its white-tipped tail. The red fox also exhibits different color phases, including the silver and cross fox, which are distinct variations within the species. The gray fox, with its salt-and-pepper gray coat, is more prevalent in eastern and central Oklahoma. In contrast, the swift fox and kit fox are less common but can be spotted in the western parts of the state. Recognizing these differences is crucial for effective predator hunting, as each species may require different tactics and approaches.
Brushy Fields and Fast Predators
Oklahoma’s varied landscape, with its mix of open plains, brush-covered draws, and timber-lined creeks, makes for prime red fox hunting country. These quick, sharp-eyed predators thrive in transitional zones between fields and cover, making them a favorite target for hunters who enjoy calling and quick shooting opportunities. The state’s mild winters and accessible land only add to the appeal. Electric fences are an effective method for protecting livestock from foxes.
Box traps are also a viable method for trapping foxes and mitigating problems caused to livestock and poultry.
Hunting red foxes here means paying attention to terrain, time of day, and how calls carry through the open or semi-covered spaces. Whether you’re hunting farmland edges, pasture breaks, or creek bottoms, success starts with a solid plan and the discipline to execute it.
Locating Red Fox Habitat
Red foxes in Oklahoma favor areas where small game like mice, rabbits, and birds are plentiful. Look for signs of activity along fence lines, near brush piles, at the edge of woodlots, and around abandoned barns or homesteads. These predators use cover for bedding and stalk the open edges for food.
Morning and evening are the best times to spot movement. Tracks in soft dirt or snow, scat along trails, and den sites near field edges are all indicators of fox activity. When foxes kill prey, the remains are often taken back to a den site, making it challenging to determine the location and extent of the damage. In regions with a mix of agriculture and scattered timber, red foxes use hedgerows and creek lines as travel corridors. Most states allow for fox control measures to protect private property, so it’s important for property owners to be aware of local regulations regarding fox management.
Red Fox Hunting Strategies
Red fox hunting strategies involve a combination of knowledge, skill, and the right equipment. To successfully hunt red foxes, it’s essential to understand their behavior, habitat, and patterns. Red foxes are found in various habitats, including open country, forests, and urban areas, and are known to be active at night, making night time calling an effective strategy.
When planning a hunt, consider the time of day. Red foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late evening. However, they can also be active at night, especially in urban areas where they adapt to human activity patterns. Night time calling can be particularly effective, as the cover of darkness provides a sense of security for these wary predators.
Using an electronic caller with high-pitched distress sounds, such as those mimicking small rodents or birds, can attract red foxes from a distance. Position yourself in areas where foxes are likely to travel, such as along fence lines, field edges, and near water sources. Ensure you have a clear line of sight and minimal obstructions for a clean shot.
In urban areas, red foxes often use green spaces, parks, and even backyards as hunting grounds. Be mindful of local regulations and always prioritize safety when hunting in or near populated areas. By understanding the behavior and habitat preferences of red foxes, you can develop effective strategies that increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Calling Techniques for Red Foxes
Calling is one of the most effective tactics for hunting red foxes. High-pitched distress calls—especially those that mimic cottontail rabbits or small rodents—can bring foxes in from a distance. Mouth calls work well for short sessions and control, while electronic callers offer consistency and volume, maintaining the fox’s interest and reducing the likelihood of it wandering off.
Woodpecker distress calls are particularly effective for attracting bobcats, as smaller prey like birds are a significant part of their diet.
Red foxes respond quickly when they commit, often within five to fifteen minutes. Setups should be made with good visibility and downwind lanes. Keep movement to a minimum, and be ready as soon as you start calling. A fox may appear suddenly and without warning.
A visual decoy such as a feather or light fur strip hanging from a branch can help hold a fox’s attention long enough for a clean shot. A motion decoy can also be an effective tool for attracting red foxes by mimicking the movements of their prey. In more open country, use a low profile to avoid detection—tall grass, brush piles, or small rises make excellent natural blinds.
Setting Up for a Shot
Foxes often circle downwind before fully committing to a call. Set up with open shooting lanes both upwind and crosswind. Avoid skylining yourself on hills or in open fields. A slight depression or low brush patch offers cover without limiting visibility.
Shots are usually quick and require good reflexes. Many come within thirty yards before stopping to look. Use a small caliber rifle or a shotgun with tight choke and small shot for clean, efficient kills. Accuracy is more important than power when targeting red foxes.
Ideal Gear for Oklahoma Conditions
A light rifle in .17 to .223 range provides excellent accuracy for small predator hunting. Night time calling can be particularly effective, as the darkness provides a sense of security for bobcats, making them more likely to appear in the open. When calling bobcats at night, it's crucial to use different strategies compared to daylight hours, such as selecting optimal setup locations, using specific sound calls, and considering potential decoys to attract them. Shotguns with #4 or smaller shot are ideal in tighter brush or for close-range setups. Camo patterns that match winter grass and brush help you stay hidden.
Wear quiet clothing and bring a padded seat, binoculars, and a rangefinder. Use shooting sticks for stability, especially in windy conditions. A lightweight pack with spare calls, including a mouth call to mimic prey sounds, gloves, and extra ammo rounds out your gear list.
Rules and Regulations
Oklahoma allows predator hunting with relatively flexible rules, but a valid hunting license is required. Public land offers accessible locations for hunting bobcats, with regulations that may vary by state. There are open seasons for furbearers like red foxes, with restrictions varying by zone and method, especially on private land where access may be limited and fees might apply. Electronic calls are legal for fox hunting in Oklahoma.
Raccoon hunting is also regulated under state laws, with specific seasons and conditions under which hunting or chasing these animals is permitted. Always check the latest guidelines to ensure compliance with wildlife regulations.
Night hunting is permitted in some counties under specific guidelines. Always consult the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for current regulations, particularly concerning night hunting equipment and season dates.
Why Oklahoma Red Fox Hunts Deliver
Hunting red foxes in Oklahoma is fast-paced and strategy-driven, offering hunters a thrilling experience. These predators are smart, quick, and wary—but they’re also curious. A well-placed call and a clean setup can bring one racing in, offering the kind of shot that gets the heart pumping.
Understanding the relationships between bobcats and other predators, such as coyotes and foxes, is crucial in the hunting environment. The presence of other predators can indicate a rich hunting ground and affect the behavior of the wildlife.
The mix of cover, accessibility, and generous hunting opportunities makes Oklahoma a strong option for new and experienced predator hunters alike. In most states, hunting opportunities can vary, but Oklahoma stands out for its abundance of red foxes. With a little scouting and a good call, the red fox becomes one of the most satisfying predators to pursue.
FAQs
When is red fox season in Oklahoma?
Red fox season generally runs through the winter months. Check with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for current dates and regulations. Understanding the behavior of most bobcats during these seasonal hunting opportunities can also enhance your chances of a successful hunt.
In addition to Oklahoma, New Mexico offers hunting opportunities for various types of foxes and bobcats. The geographic range and hunting regulations can vary by state, so it's important to be aware of the specific rules in New Mexico.
Are electronic calls allowed?
Yes. Electronic calls are legal for red fox hunting and are commonly used across the state.
Foxes can pose a significant threat to small pets and livestock, including young pigs and lambs, causing concern for pet owners regarding the presence of foxes near their homes.
Using specific sound frequencies, such as higher-pitched calls, can be particularly effective in attracting predators like bobcats, which rely heavily on sounds as part of their hunting strategy.
What terrain is best for hunting red foxes?
Focus on transitional areas with cover and open fields—brush edges, creek lines, field borders, and fence rows are top spots. Foxes have also adapted to urban areas, establishing breeding populations in cities across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
What’s the best time of day to hunt?
Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best chance of catching red foxes on the move.
In a snowy, mountainous region, a bobcat might track and kill a yearling mule deer, showcasing its impressive hunting skills and the intricate relationship between predator and prey.
Do I need a special license to hunt red foxes?
A valid Oklahoma hunting license is required. Review current furbearer regulations to ensure compliance with all rules. Regulations also cover the sale and trade of carcasses or parts of legally acquired furbearing animals, excluding hides and pelts.
Landowners or agricultural lessees are prohibited from removing parts of raccoons killed while protecting livestock or poultry, emphasizing the legal considerations surrounding wildlife management and furbearer seasons.