Riflescopes and Scope Accessories

Hunting and calling Gray Fox with Dogbreath Predator calls

The gray fox lives in a wide variety of habitats but prefers areas with lots of brush or woods.

Different than the red fox, the gray fox can climb trees and will frequently hunt for food or rest in a tree. A gray fox will make a den in caves, hollow logs, tress and thick brush piles. It will sometimes broaden a woodchuck burrow and use it as a den. Dens are usually used only during the mating season and when raising young.

A Gray fox will respond to a number of distress sounds such as cottontail rabbit, mouse squeaks and gray fox pup distress.

Unlike a red fox, gray fox are known for aggressively responding to a distress call. A gray fox will often charge in within a few minutes of calling without any signs of concern.  This doesn’t mean that their senses aren’t as keen as other predators such as coyotes. A gray fox will still spook if they detect any movement or strange sounds. They’ll disappear as fast as they came in.

Wooded areas that border small grassy fields are some of the best places to hunt. You'll want to establish a calling position that is 30 to 40 yards away from the tree line. Tucking into some tall weeds or hiding up against a tree or hill is a good way to blend in. Camouflage is also a good idea although it’s usually movement that will give you away. Like hunting all predators the wind direction needs to be considered when setting up to call. Maybe their nose isn’t as sensitive as a coyotes, or doesn’t seem to be, they will turn and run if they catch your scent.

Producing a distress sound at a high volume usually results in a fast response from the fox. It doesn’t seem to matter if you blow the distress call in a sequence or continuously. Both techniques seem to work on a gray fox. If they are in the area gray's usually respond in the first 10 minutes.

Because of the smaller size of a gray fox smaller caliber guns starting with a 22 mag or a shotgun using a #4 load are great choices. A turkey load using #4 shot will work.  A 22 mag is a good choice out to about 100 yards while the shotgun is a very good choice out to about 30 yards.

Just like hunting coyotes, bobcats and all other predators, the gray fox will challenge your hunting skills and provide some adrenaline filled fast paced predator calling excitement.

Filed under: Rifles and Shotguns on June 10th, 2009