TYPES OF HUNTING Fox Hunting

TYPES OF HUNTING 

Fox Hunting

Fox digging is often done from what is called an artificial burrow. Artificial burrows are fox burrows made of concrete pipes that are buried.

Most terrier handlers don't want their dogs in natural burrows because they risk collapsing on the dog. The fox generally stays in its den preferably during the cold winter months, or during the summer months when there are cubs, when this form of hunting is not permitted.

There are many good dog breeds for fox digging; the classic terrier and several different terriers. The dog is sent down the burrow to flush out the fox, and the experienced dog handler can tell from his dog whether the fox is in his burrow.

Every hunter knows that the fox can be harsh with other animals, birds and their offspring. Every day he walks along fences and hedgerows in fields or around waterholes and reed areas to satisfy his hunger. Levreaux, partridges, eggs and many other dishes are on the menu. But everyone must have something to eat, even if the fox is feared and despised on all sides. The fox, wolf, cat, crow, magpie and birds of prey are feared by other inhabitants of nature, who must be vigilant night and day to survive.

It can, however, be thrilling for the hunter to hunt the fox trying to slip unnoticed through a line of touts. Very silent, it moves in the vegetation, where it listens, sees and records the movements of the hunter. Yes, you generally have to pass the same place several times to flush out Goupil. If you like fox hunting, you will also appreciate being assigned a position in the back.

The fox prowls behind the hunter, who sits and waits towards a path at the corner of the forest. The rifle hunter must be careful! With his sharp senses, the fox is well equipped for the duel! Early in the morning, you must be in place where the fox passes every day.

But personally, I prefer terrier hunting. Nothing is better than a snowy landscape, surrounded by bare trees with ice crystals on every branch. The tracks are clearly visible in the snow, and they can be followed to a burrow that you would not have discovered. We stand near the burrow with hunters at all the exits. The dog, agitated by tension and excitement, knows, just like us, what is going to happen!

Only footsteps in the snow are heard before the dog is released. We wait. Footsteps are heard in the burrow and suddenly a red flash shoots out, awake and watchful, a fox in its finest winter fur. The dense coat is bristling with frost, and in a short time it will continue on the path, where the hunter is posted. Sometimes he stops just outside the burrow before continuing, sometimes he bolts off with the dog in pursuit.

It's part of the game, when you're a fox hunter, to be able to shoot it by touching it, as we say when you remove its fur. All hunted animals and birds must be used as food or fur, and there is nothing more beautiful than a living room decorated with a trophy like the winter fur of a fox.

You can be sly or cunning like a fox, but can you imagine being called fox fur! Poor Goupil the fox, he bequeathed his name a lot, and rarely for the better.

When you start fox hunting, you first learn about fox tricks. Because it's not always easy. Many times he managed to escape, despite the careful preparation of the hunter. His success despite everything commands respect.