Mid-Winter Maine Fox Hunt

[Old No7]

"No fur" this morning...

...but it was a beautiful sunrise out in the Maine woods, despite the lack of fox, or a coyote or bobcat. I'm sure that's why they call it "hunting" and not "shooting". I did find some very promising fox sign though -- out in my backyard after I returned home!

Hmmm... Maybe I shouldn't walk 3 miles on snowshoes the next time...

Ah well, still it was great to be out in the Maine woods enjoying our sporting heritage and freedom. Plus the Snow Camo looks really cool!

Here's a few pix, with a nod to Nath for his inspiration -- but alas, without Tia or a Fox.

Fox Field
- Without the fox...

Jan 5th '13 (1) (Medium).jpg

Snowshoe trail
- Made my yours truly...

Jan 5th '13 (2) (Medium).jpg

Ready, aim
- But no fire...

Jan 5th '13 (3) (Medium).jpg

Tools of the Trade...
- Snow Camo'd CZ Bobwhite 20ga, #2 shot loads
- FoxPro Spitfire e-call
- StoneyPoint Polecat hiking pole/gun rest

Jan 5th '13 (5) (Medium).jpg

Tight groups, and good huntin' to those still out enjoying the fair chase.

Old No7

[TedH]

Great way to spend the day.

[Pete44ru]

.

Brer' Fox was prolly wonderin' jes what thet shakin' & chatterin' snowdrift was............ (BRRrrrrrrrrrrr)




.

[86er]

Looks like fun!

[eric65]

How do you like that CZ? I have been considering one for some time now.

[ollogger]

To bad nothing came in, but still that aint all bad, What brand of call is that?

and do you like it? been thinking bout one, so many options versus a hand call


ollogger

[BenT]

I was out snowshoeing and calling yotes with the same luck. But what a great day it was.

The snow camo is worth it , I was using an old bed sheet poncho til last year, and then I got the snow camo, nice improvement. Of course I'm still using the kids white hockey tape on the gun.

[Old No7]

How do you like that CZ? I have been considering one for some time now.

I like it a lot, thanks. Yes, there are much better and fancier SXSs out there, but for $600 and change (back then), she looks OK and shoots like a dream. I do wish the triggers weren’t 6+ pounds, but they’re better now than when I first got it. For more info on these, search the “Huglu” (the Turkish maker) forum over on shotgunworld.com. More good reports there on the CZ Bobwhites.

What brand of call is that? and do you like it? been thinking bout one, so many options versus a hand call

That’s a FoxPro “Spitfire”, which I paid $200 for 2 years ago. There’s a new model for the same price point that holds 35 sounds (mine holds 20), plus room for more, and it has an even better remote; it's the Wildfire, which improves on the earlier Spitfire model I have. I thought about upgrading, but my late father actually used to work on "Spitfires" in the RAF (Eagle Squadrons, before the Yanks took over operations) so I'm partial to that name. FoxPro also makes many more serious/advanced (and expensive) models too, but this one works well for me – and was more affordable when I got it.

The snow camo is worth it , I was using an old bed sheet poncho til last year, and then I got the snow camo, nice improvement. Of course I'm still using the kids white hockey tape on the gun.

You’re right, the Snow Camo provides great cover/concealment. My CZ is covered with the Camo Wrap from Cabela’s, which is non-stick and wraps on and is secured with black electrical tape. Leaves no mess/residue on the gun, but I remove after each outing just in case it got wet. It is actually a non-sticky “Vet Wrap” that they use on horses legs to cover wounds, from what I’ve read. You can get it in other camo colors too.

Thanks to all for looking, tight groups!

Old No7

[Nath]

Excellent Sir

Looks like a nice spot.

Tote a 20g my self, nice n' lite

Nath.

[gamekeeper]

Beautiful country! and yes I guess we do spend far more time hunting than shooting, it would quickly lose something if it were the other way round....

I love the camouflage, sadly, we do not get enough snow in the south of England to warrant it,..

[Mainehunter]

but it was a beautiful sunrise out in the Maine woods, despite the lack of fox, or a coyote or bobcat. I'm sure that's why they call it "hunting" and not "shooting". I did find some very promising fox sign though -- out in my backyard after I returned home!

There are quite few of them hanging around in my area. I might have two or three near my house, seen one maybe a few days ago, looks like he was coming out of my apple orchard.

I do remember talking to an old timer who grew up here in this area and he said there is a cycle between the fox and coyote. When I first moved here there were plenty of coyote but now it's all fox. I rather have the fox here, they keep my mole population down to nil and they really don't bother the deer herd from what I can see.

Mainehunter

[2ndovc]

Very nice! I've been eyeing one of those for a while too, though I have a tough time leaving my Model 12/ 20 ga. @ home.

jb

[BenT]

I've checked out the the horse section at the Farm & Fleet store , but all their leg wrap stuff comes in pretty colors for the little girls , no white.

Didn't go out this morning calling , the wind was a blowing. Fed the horses and then came in, maybe go after some crows this afternoon.

[JReed]

Way cool or should I say cold . Will have to get out and do some predator hunting now that deer season is over.

[FLINT]

Very pretty woods - I love the northeast.

I had two red foxes running around under the tree I was in on Saturday - it was fun to watch them. I always forget how small foxes really are.

[Ysabel Kid]

I seem to dimly remember that white stuff from my youth. What do you call it again?

I read that the bobcats in Maine are biting. Better take them out!