Caught a small young red fox today about the size of a house cat with fur about as long. Not being worth much if anything and reds numbers being somewhat low, I let the little guy go. Then on the way home I got to thinking, will he avoid dirt holes sets the rest of his life like a coyote does if it gets pinched and get loose ? No big deal, just wondered if as years go by if he will avoid that kind of set from being caught. Just curious. -thanks

I doubt it.


Dustin

Doubt it.

I doubt that a fox or coyote has a high enough IQ to retain that sort of information for long. Sooner or later, hunger will overcome fear.

you should read some of the stories that some of the real wolfers have had to do to try to catch some individual problem coyotes.

He can be caught again

You may catch him again this year. I let some go every year and still catch a lot in those areas.

Good for you letting the little guy go. Much more valuable for seed. Don't worry they are not that smart and when he is big and prime next December you will catch him again.

, If either coyote or fox avoid dirt-holes they will starve from not eating rodents and they will go crazy from running away from the billions of natural holes.
You did a good thing and he will be in your trap next season big and prime.

I have caught the same farm dog at least twenty times and I suspect they are about as smart as the average animal. Some wolfer's stories are like the fish story with lantern still burning.

I have caught a fox with three feet. The nub looked like it was healed over for about a month or two. Granted 60 below for a week can make a fox lose some fat reserves. The need to have calories in wintertime is a constant risk. I say you have a chance!

Those stories are exactly that. BS! Just need to be smarter than your prey. If not? There’s always golf

Handi, do you think "wolfers" would fib?

I always wonder "what is a 'real wolfer' ?" Who sets the standards and qualifications? Most times it seems to be a self designation by someone selling something?

[quote=tjm]Handi, do you think "wolfers" would fib?

ABSOLUTELY!!! How else are they gonna market the books and videos they make.

Best answer of the bunch in my opinion.
I would suggest, so what if this fox is trap shy, weary, elusive or what ever you want to call it. It may become good breeding stock. Not every place is like PA Brown land of milk and honey, that is the truth.

For those that think fox cannot be educated it would suggest that you have only trapped in times of little competition and low prices or out West. Fox can become extremely shy. Can they be caught? Of course but typically it will take a change of methods.
I have frigged up on a couple of coyotes. Ya, those are a breeze to catch again, what a crock.
You did the right thing.
Mac

Anybody here try to catch a trap shy Beaver? That can be a real pain. I'd argue that the average Fox is more clever/paranoid than most beaver. I've caught my dogs in footholds before. It's darn tough to catch em again