Prime Time Predators

By Freddie Knight

The period from October through December is the prime time for hunting in our region. Whitetail deer come to mind as the biggest draw at that time of year, with many other game birds and animals falling somewhere in between outings for deer. With so many animals from which to choose, predators hardly get a second thought, as they are more often sought during the winter months of January through March. However, the actual prime time for calling for fur is happening right now.

November is my peak month for calling fox. I will take more animals in this month than I do later in the year. The reason is simple; there are just more animals out during this time. Like many of my fellow fur hunters, I am also an avid trapper. November and December are the prime months for taking furs because of the weather. After that, it is a guessing game as to whether or not a trapline will work. Regardless, this time period sees the bulk of the surplus animals being taken, so it only makes sense that you will get the most action when the most animals are present.

Unlike other hunting, nighttime is the best time to pursue fox, where it is legal. Hunting in Pennsylvania, I can pursue these critters every night of the week under the cover of darkness. While some nights produce better than others, I have not found a consistent pattern to differentiate between the good and the bad nights. If I feel like hunting fox, I go and let the Red Gods of the hunt determine what will happen.