Is it legal to shoot a fox?

[Nicole01]

We still have a fox around chasing our flock. It almost got my Maran. 2 weeks ago it did get my speckled Sussex.

My husband FINALLY picked up a trap today. He was in denial that a fox took my Maple. He was convinced it was a Hawk. Ugh..

Anyways, I'm going to try and trap it. There is very good information how to trap fox using a live trap. I want him to shoot it, but he says it might be illegal to do this.

How do I find out if it's okay to shoot a fox? My daughter wants to keep its fur, which I'm fine with. Heck, I wouldn't mind cooking it up to see if it tastes any good.lol. Only if it's legal.

We would never break the law here. I'm so thankful my flock is okay. It's freaking hot today and they are stuck in their coop and run. I'll keep a running hose inside the run for them to lay in the water. They love it. My run is manually shaded, but not like naturally under trees.

 

[skunknchatter]

Are you in a rural or more urban area? If you have close neighbors they might report a gunshot. However a .22 doesn't make much noise and can do the job if you're a good shot. Usually it's legal to protect your livestock. I don't know about your area exactly but I'd say go for it. I've got a bullet for the raccoon that got my chickens last night. Around here everyone understands you gotta do it sometimes.

 

[Greyfox Farm]

That's a State by State question, and the laws can seem contradictory. For example, there might be a trapping season for a fur-bearer and no hunting season, or there might be a hunting season and not a trapping season. AND there might be laws that trump this by allowing you to trap and or hunt "nuisance" predators, BUT you might not be able to shoot them due to local restrictions, etc.etc.etc. Best way to get a quick idea is to check out the game laws in your state, accessible via the Internet.

 

[Nicole01]

Thank you!