Fox Hunting in Texas: Gray Fox and Night Setup Tips
Brush Country and After-Dark Action
Texas is a top destination for predator hunters, and gray foxes provide an exciting challenge across the state’s mesquite flats, oak scrub, and rough draws. With legal night hunting, long seasons, and healthy fox populations, Texas is an ideal place to hone your skills and enjoy fast-paced nighttime calling. Gray foxes are curious and aggressive by nature, which makes them highly responsive to the right setup when trying to catch them after the sun goes down. These clever predators are often hunted using various techniques, including call selection and scouting.
Hunters often feel lucky when they set up their hunts during prime times, leading to successful captures.
Shooting plays a crucial role in the hunting experience, especially when targeting gray foxes and coyotes at night.
Where to Find Gray Foxes
Gray foxes in Texas thrive in dense brush, rocky ridges, and thickets near water. Various fox species, including the gray fox, exhibit unique behaviors and adaptations to their environments. They prefer broken terrain where they can hunt small game and move unseen. The red fox, in particular, is often compared to the gray fox due to its adaptability to urban areas and nocturnal hunting habits. South and central Texas, with their thick brush country, offer some of the best fox habitat in the country. Old fence lines, dry creek beds, and edge cover near fields are solid places to set up. Look for tracks, scat, and signs of feeding activity like feathers or small bones.
Night Hunting Advantage
Night hunting is where Texas fox hunters shine. Legal use of lights and thermal optics in many areas allows for effective predator control and thrilling hunts. Gray foxes often respond quickly to calls, making them ideal for short stands with fast action. Using a rifle is crucial for taking precise shots at these quick predators. However, a shotgun is important for making quick shots when predators come in too close for a rifle. Use red or green lights to avoid spooking incoming animals, and keep light movement slow and steady. Thermal gear helps locate movement before animals hit the light, giving you more time to prepare for the shots.
Calling Strategy for Foxes
Distress sounds like rabbits or rodents are go-to options for gray foxes. Effective calls like the cottontail can significantly increase your chances of attracting a fox. They respond quickly but can lose interest if sequences drag on. Keep call sequences short and focused, with brief pauses. A fox may come racing in or sneak along the edge, so be ready. Adding a few vocalizations like gray fox pup distress can trigger aggressive behavior during mating or territorial times. Understanding the importance of using various sounds, such as distress calls, is crucial for effective hunting strategies. Keep volume moderate in thick brush to avoid pushing animals too far.
Choosing Stand Locations
Set up where you have clear lanes and a good backdrop. Putting hunters in optimal locations, such as elevated ground, open pockets in the brush, or wide senderos, can significantly increase their chances of encountering gray foxes. Elevated ground, open pockets in the brush, or wide senderos all offer improved visibility. Wind direction is just as important at night—gray foxes use their nose first and will circle downwind if given the chance. Use natural barriers like cliffs, fences, or water sources to your advantage, limiting their ability to scent you. Stay still, sit quietly, and scan constantly to be ready for a close encounter. After an initial call, wait patiently before calling again to maximize your chances of attracting foxes.
Timing and Tactics
Late evening into the first few hours of darkness tends to produce the best fox activity. Early morning is also a prime time, as foxes are crepuscular animals and are particularly active during these hours. Cooler months increase movement and responsiveness to calls. Mating season adds another layer of aggression, especially from January through March. Night hunts require patience and a steady hand, but gray foxes often deliver fast results when conditions are right. Be ready at first light, as some foxes respond within the first minute.
The Texas Experience
There’s something electric about a silent night suddenly broken by the appearance of a set of eyes in your beam. Gray foxes are quick, agile, and curious, making each encounter unpredictable and thrilling. The fun and excitement of hunting in Texas are unmatched, providing an exhilarating experience for all. Hunters often celebrate their successes by showing off the number of foxes collected in the bed of their truck. In the heart of Texas brush country, with the stars overhead and the call echoing into the dark, you’ll find that this kind of hunting is more than just a sport—it’s a connection to the land and the predators that move through it, creating memories you’ll never forget.
FAQs
When is the best time to hunt gray foxes in Texas?
Late fall through early spring is ideal, especially in the first few hours after dark and during the breeding season from January to March. During these prime times, hunters can expect to encounter high levels of animal activity and multiple shooting opportunities, enhancing the overall enjoyment and action of the hunt.
Foxes are primarily nocturnal animals, using the darkness not only for hunting and avoiding predators but also for grooming themselves and their cubs, as well as finding time to rest and sleep.
Can you hunt foxes at night in Texas?
Yes, night hunting is legal in many Texas counties with the proper licenses and gear, including lights and thermal optics. Being prepared with the right gear and strategies is crucial for successful night hunts, as it can significantly improve your hunting skills and outcomes.
What calls are most effective for gray foxes?
Rabbit distress, rodent squeaks, and gray fox pup distress sounds are all effective, especially when used in short, focused sequences.
One trick to enhance your calling technique is to vary the pitch and duration of the calls to mimic the natural sounds more closely. Additionally, utilizing the 'On' switch of an electronic caller can provide a practical advantage, allowing for precise control over the timing and sequence of your calls.
What kind of terrain do gray foxes prefer?
Dense brush, rocky ridges, and thickets near water or field edges are prime habitat for gray foxes in Texas. During a hunt, gray foxes might hang up at a distance, complicating the shooting process for hunters.
What gear is needed for night fox hunting?
A predator call, red or green light, thermal optic or night vision scope, and quiet camouflage clothing are essential for successful night hunts. Turning your head to spot movement or potential prey is crucial during night hunts. Additionally, choosing the right gun and ammunition is crucial for effectively hunting foxes and coyotes, whether during the day or at night.