Fox Hunting in Tennessee: Hills and Fence Line Tips
Introduction to Fox Hunting
Fox hunting is a thrilling and challenging experience that requires patience, skill, and knowledge of the terrain and the habits of the fox. In Tennessee, fox hunting is a popular activity, with many hunters taking to the fields and forests to pursue these cunning creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, fox hunting can be a fun and exciting experience. With the right techniques and equipment, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your hunt. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the world of fox hunting, including the different types of foxes found in Tennessee, the best times and places to hunt, and the regulations and laws that govern this activity.
Ridge Country and Rolling Cover
Tennessee’s landscape of wooded ridges, creek valleys, hayfields, and fencerow corridors creates an ideal setting for fox hunting. Both red and gray foxes can be found throughout the state, and each requires a slightly different approach. Red foxes tend to roam along open fields and pasture edges, while gray foxes are more likely to stick to heavy timber and thick draws. For hunters looking to work the hills and hidden lanes of Tennessee, knowing where to set up and when to call is the key to success. Additionally, designated dog training periods from September 1 to March 15 are crucial for preparing for fox hunting, ensuring compliance with regional wildlife management rules.
The varied elevation and mix of open and covered ground throughout much of central and eastern Tennessee allows for multiple calling strategies. Fence lines, wooded field edges, and benches on the hillsides can all produce action when scouted and hunted properly. Certain activities are prohibited during hunting seasons to maintain wildlife safety and habitat integrity, including the use of motorized vehicles and unauthorized entry.
Where to Focus in Tennessee Terrain
Red foxes in Tennessee often run fence lines that border pastures, hayfields, and thinned woodlots. These boundaries provide the cover they need to move during daylight and easy access to rodents and rabbits. Gray foxes, on the other hand, are usually tucked away in thicker brush or forested ridges where they feel more secure. Certain areas may have posted signs indicating specific regulations.
Focus on transitional areas where food, cover, and terrain features intersect. Old barns, hedgerows, overgrown fencerows, and low hollows between ridgelines are worth checking. Travel corridors are easy to spot in wet weather, with tracks showing up well in mud near cattle trails, along roads, or around pond edges.
When and How to Call
The best time to call foxes in Tennessee is during the early morning and evening hours, particularly in the winter months when the animals are actively foraging and less pressured. Use a high-pitched distress sound like a rabbit or rodent squeal. Mouth calls are effective in close cover, while electronic calls provide flexibility and distance in open areas. Certain hunting activities continue into April, especially for other game.
Planning your hunts around specific dates in April is crucial, as foxes are quick to respond when conditions are right, often appearing within ten to twenty minutes. Stay still, avoid unnecessary movement, and watch your downwind side—foxes may circle wide to catch a whiff of your setup before committing.
A simple visual decoy hung near your call helps draw a fox’s attention and hold it steady for a shot. This is especially helpful when calling in wide hollows or at the base of a slope where sound carries well but visibility is limited.
Productive Locations to Try
Hillsides with south-facing benches, long fence lines that border brush, and open hollows with multiple drainage routes all offer solid stand choices. In middle and east Tennessee, wildlife management areas, leased timberland, and agricultural edges are excellent starting points. Certain areas follow the statewide season regulations.
Creek crossings, overgrown logging roads, and small wooded patches that break open into fields also serve as natural travel routes for foxes. Certain hunting activities are permitted only on Saturdays, making it crucial to plan your hunts accordingly. A stand that provides good cover and a long view down one of these corridors often pays off.
Pre-Hunt Preparation
Before you head out on your fox hunt, it’s essential to prepare yourself and your equipment. This includes checking the statewide regulations and bag limits for fox hunting in Tennessee, as well as obtaining any necessary permits or licenses. You’ll also want to make sure you have the right gear, including a shotgun, traps, and comfortable clothing and footwear. In addition, it’s a good idea to scout out the area you plan to hunt, looking for signs of fox activity such as tracks, scat, and dens. By doing your research and preparing ahead of time, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your hunt. The TWRA also provides information on turkey quota hunt, deer hunting, and bear hunting regulations, which may be relevant to your fox hunting trip.
Gear Setup for Tennessee Hunts
A .17 or .22 centerfire rifle is ideal for longer shots across fields or open hillsides. For close-in setups in tight timber or thick brush, a 12-gauge shotgun with a tight choke and small game loads offers a quick and clean option. Certain regulations have been removed to simplify hunting rules.
Wear quiet, weather-appropriate clothing that blends in with Tennessee’s winter landscape—muted browns, grays, and woodland camo work best. Bring a comfortable seat, shooting sticks, calls, scent control, and a headlamp for early morning or dusk hunts. Feeding practices, such as providing raw chicken or leftovers, can attract foxes and enhance your chances of spotting them.
Footing in this part of the country can be rough, so sturdy boots are essential for navigating slopes, creek bottoms, and rocky ground.
Licensing and Legal Details
A valid Tennessee hunting license is required to hunt foxes, and the season typically opens in late fall and runs through the end of winter. Electronic calls are legal during daylight hours, but night hunting requires additional permissions and equipment. Always check with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for the most current regulations. Regulations for antlered deer hunting may also apply to fox hunting areas.
Certain public lands may have specific restrictions or hours of access. Review maps and seasonal guidelines before heading into any state-managed area. Additionally, certain hunting activities are regulated in December, so be sure to check the specific dates and rules for that month.
Fox Hunting Techniques
There are several techniques you can use to hunt foxes, including calling, trapping, and hunting with dogs. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach will depend on the specific circumstances of your hunt. For example, if you’re hunting in an area with heavy vegetation, you may want to use a fox pro caller to lure the fox out into the open. On the other hand, if you’re hunting in a more open area, you may want to use a shotgun or rifle to take down the fox. Trapping is also a popular method, especially for those interested in harvesting the fox’s fur. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s essential to follow all relevant regulations and laws, including those related to gun season, trapping seasons, and bag limits. The Catoosa WMA and other wildlife management areas in Tennessee also have specific regulations and restrictions on fox hunting, so be sure to check those before your hunt.
Why Tennessee Delivers for Fox Hunters
With its mix of ridges, fields, creeks, and timbered draws, Tennessee offers fox hunters a wide range of options. The terrain changes quickly, allowing for different strategies in a single morning. One stand might look over a quiet pasture fence, while the next backs against a hillside thicket. Hunters should leave certain areas undisturbed to maintain wildlife balance.
The thrill comes from never knowing exactly how a fox will appear—slinking along a fence line, popping out at the edge of a brush pile, or circling wide through the woods. Each successful call-in is a reward for choosing the right spot, playing the right sound, and staying still just long enough. The hunting season often aligns with Thanksgiving, adding a traditional element to the experience.
Conclusion and Resources
Fox hunting can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset and preparation. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this section, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your hunt. Remember to always follow the statewide regulations and laws governing fox hunting in Tennessee, and to respect the animals and the environment. For more information on fox hunting and other outdoor activities, be sure to check out the TWRA website and other resources, such as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s guide to hunting and trapping. You can also find information on deer season, turkey season, and bear hunting, as well as tips and techniques for hunting small game like coyote and bobcat. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can have a successful and enjoyable fox hunting experience in Tennessee. Additionally, you can log your harvest and report your hunting activity to the TWRA to help with conservation efforts and management of wildlife populations.
FAQs
When is fox season in Tennessee?
Fox season in Tennessee typically begins in late fall and runs through the end of winter. Always confirm specific dates with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
What kind of license do I need?
You’ll need a valid Tennessee hunting license. Additional requirements may apply for night hunting or specific WMAs. It's important to note that there are specific bag limits per person, which dictate the permissible limits of certain game each individual hunter can harvest during specific hunting periods. Always ensure compliance with these regulations to avoid penalties.
Can I use electronic calls?
Yes, electronic calls are allowed for fox hunting during legal daylight hours. However, their use is prohibited during certain seasons and in specific areas to ensure wildlife safety and habitat integrity. Night use may also be restricted.
What’s the best time of day to hunt foxes?
Early morning and late evening are the most productive times, especially during cold, calm days. Hunting activities often continue into these times, as regulations allow for extended hunting hours under certain conditions.
Where should I set up?
Focus on fence lines, wooded field edges, benches on hillsides, and creek bottoms with clear travel routes for foxes.