STAKE OUT??????? I need help on how to do it, I NEED TO KILL THESE FOX

[Germaine_11.20]

Hi,

I have all the birds locked up except some culls and once again have noticed them being picked off one at a time. Either Fox or Coyote or both. I have tried everything to trap them but they don't fall for it.

So, I need to know HOW do I do a Stake Out?

Can someone please give me a step by step for it or at least a general idea of how to do this with some kind of success? I know there are hunters out there who could do this no problem, but I don't hunt. I am a pretty good shot when target shooting and even managed to take out a feral cat but that was during the day.

I think I know the main path they are taking but I have literally 100's and 100's of open land around me and they are on at least 3 of the 4 sides surrounding me. 2 areas are the most traveled. I can see the thick path in the back of the coop (North) and a whole bunch to the East.

What is better to shoot them with, 22 rifle with a scope or a shotgun? And how close to the path should I be and where am I supposed to sit/hide?

Should I stake a cull bird out to lure it and if so, where should I stake it out? In the natural path or out in the open? I won't know which direction it is coming from so will staking the cull out in the open be better?

If I am going to get a good shot, I will need a moment to site in and it's dark outside. How do you get off a good shot in the dark?

Do people just sit outside all night waiting? Dang, it is getting cold too. How do I know when to go out there and when to come in? If I wait until the birds are cackling then it will most likely hear me and run, right?

Any all all help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

 

[Tinkspirit70]

You could use a night scope to help ya get a better shot....whatever you do be careful! I have never done a stake-out but I did once sit across the pond having a staring contest with a mama fox who was after the duck swimming ...with the corn and the treats the duck did eventually come to me and not her..good luck /this should bump you I think

 

[7L Farm]

You could use a call . A rabbit in distress call. A 22 caliber with a scope will work. Best action is usually dawn or dusk.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

My husband heard the birds go off at about 2 this morning. He went out with the gun and took a few shot off but doesn't think he got anything.

He works an 11 hour day so he needs to sleep. That leaves this up to me.

Night scope? Ok I will check that out! Rabbit call on the list too! Thank you.

 

[coq au vin]

I have to admire your "go get 'em" attitude, but I also have to wonder if this is really a worthwhile endeavor. I mean, you obviously live out in the sticks, right? So what is the use in shooting any given predator? You can't get them all.

Why not invest that time/money/effort into securing your coops/runs? A couple months back, I was having some raccoon problems and everybody suggested I wait up and shoot it. An hour's worth of work on the run = problem solved. No need to stay up, waiting in the dark, shivering in the cold, looking for an animal that does not want to be seen.

I would bet that a series of hotwires could be installed for less money than a night scope and rabbit call, and in less time.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Quote:
I am totally in agreement with you but it will take some time, money and alot of effort to get the hot wired fence up (which I am hoping will be a birthday present!)

Until then, any less predators are a plus and I am willing to give it a try!

 

[lovemelovemybirds]

believe me...if it be a fox there are many. At our place....we have the free roam dog....but still the foxes come. They watch and learn...very very formidable opponent. They are usually slight of build and very fast...hard to get a shot....not much of a target with lots of thick fur. I have found the only real deterrent to be a dog....a dog and a secure coop. Shooting, trapping...poisons....too risky and usually unreliable. My husband and I disagree on this... if the birds are out and free ranging and begin to alert...I run to let the dog s loose. He runs for the gun. He did shoot one earlier this week... (.22 hollow point, no scope) but we cannot be home all the time to listen for the alert. So therefore the dog is my best choice.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Quote:
Well my dog isn't the brightest so I think I can count her out, but thank you!

 

[lovemelovemybirds]

well then....wait for the racket and take a shot!! That's what happens at our place most...we have lived trapped 3..then disposed of them. The others were straight shots off the back porch as the little sneaky bastards are running away. The trap should be on a known path..camoflaged if possible w/whatever. Wear gloves to keep your scent off if possible.... Ours have always been baited with the remains of the chicken the darn thing got in the first place. Comes back for the carcass...bye bye fox. We have found if one has been chased off whether if was successful or not? it waits a few days before a return....but then others come back that same morning/evening... it is a game..for sure. And they keep coming. The one the husband got Monday came at 9 AM...broad daylight. Good luck. Feel free to quiz me with fox questions....that is what we have at our place...foxes.

 

[bobbi-j]

I think you'd be better off trying to trap it first, then killing it. It's really hard to shoot something in the dark. Especially if you spook it first and it's running. There are lots of other things to consider. When you're shooting at any time of the day, you need to know what's on the other side of your target in case you miss (shooting a moving animal is WAY different than target shooting!). You need to know exactly what you're shooting at. Maybe the hot wire could be an EARLY birthday present? Good luck.