Fox hunting in Idaho?

J

JHK

New member
Hi, I haven't hunted in years but will be out for a deer soon... was looking at the Idaho Fish and Game website and saw that it's legal to shoot red fox year round - but are they to be found anywhere near Boise? Hunting them intrigues me.

Thanks...
 
I've seen them out in the fields near Kuna, and in Boise at night driving around so they're out there. I've never called one in but I usually hunt far from towns and agricultural fields. I'd try to get permission to hunt some farms if I were you. I think the coyotes chew them up if given a chance that's why I don't see them in the desert. I'd use rabbit or rodent distress sounds and set up just like you would for coyotes. Good luck!
 
I live about 50 mi. west of Boise and I've seen reds several times in the farm fields. I think the greys are more out in the desert. I did see a grey mousing in a field up by Weiser though. They're around if you just look for them.
 
If your willing to make a drive, fairfield area has a ton of foxes. However that is where alot of people that go there to find them. They are very truck shy, but they are callable.

But I have Found they stay close to the dairies of jerome and gooding. They are no as truck shy.
 
OH yes they are all over on the outskirts specially up on warm springs i believe it is. Come up to Idaho City fox are all over here in town... every winter theres one that lives near my house i just cant find its den, the sewer lagoon had a momma and 5 or 6 babies last year, in town this spirng i had 3 little ones run across the road momma had to still be around. if you can find them you will get them.
 
I think you guys in Western Idaho have more than we do in Eastern idaho. We got hit with mange and the population is down here. I still see a few, but not like 4-5 years ago. My brother lives in Star and he sees quite a few. They keep close to population cause the coyotes raise [beeep] with them. I've had success using bird sounds. Good Luck.
 
Wow! there are a bunch of us here in Idaho. Wonder how many there really are?

I have lived here since 02 and have not seen a fox yet. I have not been out hunting much but would really like to get one.
 
I have trapped several local farms (treasure valley) and it is nothing to trap 3-4 per farm, the best areas to hunt is the agricultural/desert interface. Where the farms but up against the sagebrush, I have also seen a lot around Arrowrock reservoir.
 
"It is Unlawful• To hunt any animal or bird by aid of a spotlight, flashlight or artificial light of any kind; except unprotected or predatory animals on private land after obtaining written permission and on public lands after obtaining a permit. It is lawful to hunt raccoons on public lands without a permit if such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances, or regulations." (page 34 in the furbearers pamphlet)
This is quoted out of the IDFG new rules and regulations, I would check into it but you may be able to spotlight foxes now with a permit, they are generally a nocturnal animal.
 
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I checked with IDFG Today they indicated the spotlight permit was very restrictive and showed me the list that could be spotlighted "Predatory wildlife is defined as the following species: coyote, raccoon, jackrabbit, skunk and weasel." Although raccoon has some restrictions on them and the permit cost $1.75; just an FYI.
 
I have been told several time that foxes may be taken with a firearm in only 2 counties in ID. Is this not true? This is huge for me if it is not true!
 
Was visiting Boise this weekend and saw a gray on Warm Springs right by Harris Ranch.
It was a good sign as I am an avid caller moving to the Boise/Star area soon from Oregon but have never hunted in Idaho.
 
Foxsmasher it is vice-versa:there are only two counties you can't hunt fox in

"Methods of Take — Hunting Furbearing Animals: No person shall take beaver, marten, mink, muskrat or otter by any method other than trapping. In Valley County and portions of Adams County, red fox may be taken only by trapping.
Hunting: In addition to predatory or unprotected wildlife, the following furbearers may be hunted: badger, bobcat and red fox.
Hunting: No person hunting permissible furbearing animals
(badger, bobcat and red fox) or predatory or unprotected
wildlife shall:
• Hunt with any weapon the possession of which is
prohibited by state or federal law.
 
Does this forum have local meetups? I'm in Boise and would be interested in one.

BTW does anyone know about electronic calls and fox hunting here? I can't find anything about electronic calls on the IDFG website.
 
Not many fox in north Idaho. I have seen quite a few south of salmon. The ones I have seen seem to stay pretty close to people, farm houses and such. I think its a survival strategy to avoid the coyotes.
 
JHK , I don't know of a meet up but if your interested in going out let me know, I usually won't start the coyote hunting until I see snow though.
 


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