Red fox

Hi all, I understand we can hunt red fox in season under a small game licence. Has any one got any experience and or tips? I was out bunny hunting today and came across what I believe to be a fox den. Ideally, I would call it out and get some nice pictures of it and then decide whether to take it or not.

I'm thinking a .22LR, as the shot would be in the 50-75 yard range, maybe closer, depending on where I can set up with the wind and whatnot. My only other options are 12g, .7.62x54r, .303 Brit. Or .35 Whelen. I think the last three would be way overkill, but the shotgun might work if I can get closer and use BB shot.

Should I try setting some bait out? Predator call or just sit patiently and wait?

I used to live where foxes are like coyotes here...
Shot it with whatever I had at hand. I wouldn't use a .22lr intentionally. At close distance #4 or #2 lead does a good job. Any .22 centre fire is good.
However, don't worry too much about using 7mm or .300 with regard to pelt destruction. Hunting bullets in those calibres are not made for varmints and will perform not too different than full metal jacket bullets; i.e. very limited destruction of pelt - but, regardless of your shot, the fox may actually run farther than you think.
Good luck

If you can get in that fifty yard range, try using a lip squeak call. Just pucker your lips and make the sound of a mouse. A 22lr does a good job on foxes, as long as you hit the vitals, which are small. For the shotgun id go with #4 or #5 lead. Mod choke.

50 to 60 yds 12 ga #2 shot lead.

larger size gives you some down range punch without sacrificing too thin a pattern. It does not take a lot to knock down a fox.

before the coyote invasion I hunted fox every day darn near. I worked in a local factory for $3.75hr and cleared about $125/week.

That winter I shot 27 fox in front of an old black&tan/bluetick hound. I averaged $127 that winter.

One fox was worth more then 40 hrs working my azz off.

I shot at them with everything up to SSG's . found out that #2's had the longest downrange punch and left me with a hide that brought me top dollar.

Anyway good luck!