Gray Fox Calling Up Close – Video Attached
Call ‘em close and keep ‘em close. Gray fox are just one predator that can be manipulated with animal vocalizations and distress sounds – watch this little guy talking back at us.
On one of my last trips to Central Arizona for a mountain lion scouting and calling trip, I found myself as I often do, in the middle of several gray fox. Because my focus is calling mountain lions, I rarely shoot fox these days. However, I’ve had some of the newer guys to predator calling ask me to do some educational videos of animals coming to the call. I thought this was an excellent idea.
Arizona Gray Fox
Because my intent is not to shoot/harvest a fox, I have the unique opportunity to film the behavior of the called animal from the time it arrives to the time it leaves. Also, while I have the fox in the area of the caller I have the opportunity to use the sounds from my Wildlife Technologies electronic predator caller to capture and keep the attention of the animal for long periods of time. The result is video that shows people some basic ways to scout for and to call a fox. The video clips also demonstrate how animals respond to being called and what happens during various sound changes on the caller.
In this video I call in a very vocal fox that comes in fast, stays for a long time, and puts on a great show.
If you are a photographer or hunter (archery, handgun, shotgun, or rifle), there were many opportunities to get shots at this fox.
By the way…
The high-pitched whistling noise that you hear from the caller is a juvenile cougar vocalization. You might have thought that playing mountain lions sounds would have scared an eight-pound fox away. Not so. You’ve got to love the tenacious manner of the gray fox.
Your comments are always welcome and questions can be directed to me personally at: mark@wildlifecallers.com
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As always – good calling and hunting to everyone,
Mark Healy
480-882-1210
MARK! Absolutely Amazing! Awesome! WOW!
Thanks Chad, he was one curious fox! He was given me all kinds of hell, wasn’t he!
Very cool video! Do you find that a fox will often stick around for a long time like that?
Good morning Tom,
Yes. I have excellent luck keeping foxes interested on most of my stands. Sometimes I can call them and keep them near the caller for several minutes, and other times I call them – they leave – I call them back – they leave – call ‘em back…
I had a bobcat come in and sit near the speaker, completely mesmerized, for a long time. I just wish I had video of it! I was carrying my .243 that day and he got shot.
I had a mountain lion (near Sedona Arizona) stay above the speaker on a rock ledge for between 10 and 15 minutes. Several sound changes kept him interested. He paced back a forth looking mighty confused. The guys who were with me (a real estate agent & a criminal defense attorney) looked absolutely stunned – priceless.
I do okay with coyotes, but Rich and Tyler Higgins of Predator Professionals, can get a coyote to pitch a tent and stay all day. Truly amazing what a little practice will do.
The trick is to leave the gun in your truck (I force myself not to shoot) on several stands and practice keeping critters “on scene” and keep time of how you do. Just like every other aspect of this predator calling sport, you’ll get good at it if you practice.
I’ll see you Monday night at XPC.
Mark Healy
Funny how he dismissed you as a non-threat. He just hug around sunning himself and barking. Great video.
I’m used to being dismissed – I’m married…