Fox numbers on the rise

I’ve noticed that during October and at the start of November there seems to be more foxes than I would normally see around the estate. I regularly head out after foxes several nights a week and generally see very few, yet at this time of year I seem to shoot quite a lot. Why is that?

Around this time of year, foxes move around a lot more in search of new territories to mate and raise their young, meaning many territory voids are quickly filled. With shoots also now in full swing, there is the obvious attraction of gamebirds that may well draw in passing foxes. Beaters pushing cover may move foxes off one area of ground and on to another.

If you are surrounded by ground where fox numbers are not controlled, then you are more likely to find you are shooting foxes moving on to your ground from these areas. This time of year is the perfect time to get out and take the opportunity to cull foxes that might potentially stray on to your ground later in the year when harder pushed while feeding cubs. MR

ONLINE: Subscribe online at shootingtimessubs.co.uk/x517 CALL: 0330 333 1113, Quote code: X517

Monday-friday 8.30am-7pm and Saturday 10am-3pm

POST: Complete the coupon on page 60

*by Post

Foxes tend to move around at this time of year in the search for new territories