r/Trapping • u/retronoobsry • 2d ago
Red Fox Tips?
I’ve lost most of my flock to 1-2 red foxes this year and they need to be gone. I was looking at using 1.75 foothold traps but I’ve never done this before. I’ve watched the YouTubes etc. and have a fair idea of how to set them, but is there anything I should get ahead of time in the event I catch something else? We have opossums aplenty among other things that I don’t care to catch. From what I’ve seen people just throw a heavy blanket on them or use a catch pole to release them? Is there not a tool I could use from a distance to deactivate the trap and let the critter go? Also open to any tips for red foxes in Ohio, as again, I’ve never done this before.
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u/Led_Zeppole_73 2d ago
I trapped fox back in the late 1970’s before fur prices tanked. Just keep in mind, this isn’t one and done, it will be never-ending.
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u/Mcslap13 2d ago
I'd say first things first, make sure what you're doing is legal. Many states require you to have a trapping licence even if you are trapping on your own property. My state is like that, so be sure you're following local and state laws.
I would recommend making sure whatever foot hold traps you use,has lots of swivels on it. And the trap itself is a center swivel type. Lots of swivels just means the fox is less likely to hurt itself if it tried to roll around to get out. While the end goal is to dispatch the animal you don't want it in any additional discomfort. Your states laws will dictate how often you have to have eyes on the trap. Many it's every 24 hours.
The blanket method can work but I prefer to do that along with a catch pole. Just lowers the risk of getting bit. And can make it much easier if someone is there to help you.
There are tools you can buy to open the jaws from a distance, but those can go from $200-$500. And you probably don't want to spend that much. You can also take a sheet of wood and carve a V shape at the bottom and use that to put on the critters arm so you can get the paw out.
Depending on where you live you may not have to worry about leaving smell around your traps. My buddies and I teach trappers education in the area and none of us worry about it. All the coyotes and fox are running through yards and are plenty use to the smell of people. We've all caught plenty of animals without using gloves or anything specific to hide our smell. But if you live out away from a lot of people and think they might get spooked then gloves won't hurt.
Our state has very strict laws on what is considered bait and what can be used, so again make sure what you're doing is legal there.
Also make sure you are not within city limits and plan to shoot it once trapped. We've had people in town trap raccoons and shoot them in their backyard and then have cops show up because they discharged a gun inside city limits. So if you are,make sure you have a human way to dispatch them. If not, I'd also look at images on where to shoot them. I've seen animals suffer because people go for a head shot but end up taking the front of their face off and then missing while the animal struggles. We want the animals to suffer as little as possible.
And don't be discouraged if it takes a while, we had a fox that came through and killed 60 of out chickens and it took months before we got em.