Fox dispatch?
- Thread starter beeza12
- Start date
Whilst relocating it might seem like the humane way to handle it, I have to disagree. Foxes cause severe damage and loss throughout the UK (where the OP is located). They're a major predator of livestock and wild birds and mammals, as well as a carrier of disease where they exist in more urban areas.
Additionally, foxes are territorial to an extent. If the OP simply throws the cage in the back of his truck, drives 30 miles and then releases it, there's a good chance he'll be releasing it into another fox territory, and it will have a fight on it's hands as a result. Plus, the livestock owners and gamekeepers in the area of release would be far from happy.
So the right thing to do is to despatch the animal, quickly and humanely. A sub 12ftlb air rifle is certainly a capable tool, but it's far from being the ideal tool. Hopefully the rifle in question is not smaller than a .22 calibre. At point blank, into the back of the head, it will do the job. I'd be inclined to swiftly follow up with another shot or two to ensure the brain is completely destroyed as quickly as possible.
As a side note, I'd really suggest that in future if you don't have a plan for how to deal with a trapped animal, you don't set a live catch trap.
Upvote 0
Place the barrel into the cage and wait for a perfect shot directly behind the ear and you should be fine. However be ready for a second shot just in case he moves at the last second. Then make a pair of gloves out of it. 
Upvote 0
G
Guest
Guest
In Massachusetts I believe it is illegal to capture/ transport and release . Doesn’t give a lot of options here.
Mitch
Mitch
Upvote 0
Major predator huh? Well around here,the good ole U,S,of A ,Ohio,they're kind of rare and are not a major predator. To small to be a threat to anything except a piglet or a chicken. They hunt mostly moles, mice,and rabbits. Someone once told me they will take on a skunk. So they are actually a benefit to have around.
Upvote 0
I think they're outcompeted by the growing coyote population. One has taken refuge inside my gated community where coyotes do not frequent.
Upvote 0
Being based in the UK I would agree foxes are a problem over here. They are getting bigger and bolder, the crafty buggers have already massacred some of my chickens this year. Having said that I would not use a sub 12ftlb gun to shoot a caged fox when there are much more definite ways to put the buggers down,each to their own but firepower tends to beat finesse. I have FAC rated airguns but still reach for my shotguns to deal with a fox. I would respectfully suggest you look at such alternatives before setting any traps.
Upvote 0
I think maybe you should get a 50 cal to be sure of the most humane kill possible, not really.
why do so many people think you need anything more than what is necessary to do what is needed? My trap line gun is a daisy 880, 4 pumps for a mink sized animal, 8 pumps for Fox coons, and 10 for a coyote.
being from USA I too let most all fox go because I really like them around and they don’t bother anything but I still get one from time to time that has to be dispatched and in that case I try to cause as little damage as possible to save the hides., why blow huge holes if not needed.
why do so many people think you need anything more than what is necessary to do what is needed? My trap line gun is a daisy 880, 4 pumps for a mink sized animal, 8 pumps for Fox coons, and 10 for a coyote.
being from USA I too let most all fox go because I really like them around and they don’t bother anything but I still get one from time to time that has to be dispatched and in that case I try to cause as little damage as possible to save the hides., why blow huge holes if not needed.
Upvote 0