How to Make a Dirt Hole Trap for a Fox

A well-set trap is sure to catch any foxes in the area.

Dirt-hole traps are ideal for catching both grey and red foxes. They work by using the fox's natural propensity for digging. Foxes look for holes as they travel; the holes may contain food that another fox or animal has stored for later, or a burrowing animal that may be good to eat. If a fox passes by a well-set dirt-hole trap, it's sure to investigate.

Things You'll Need

• Trowel
• Coil-spring trap (1-3/4 or 2 inches)
• Dirt sifter
• Plastic sheeting
• Fox bait
• Dry leaves
• Fox lure
• Spray bottle
• Fox urine
• 2 Sticks

Instructions

1. Look for an ideal spot to place the trap. For the fox to investigate the hole, it must be in an area where the fox is known to or is likely to frequent. Look for wide-open areas; they shouldn't be obscured by brush or tall grasses for at least 20 to 30 yards on any side. The best place to hide a trap is in front of "backing." Backing is a tuft of grass, large rock (no bigger than soccer-ball size), stump or any larger object standing alone in a relatively open area. The backing will keep the fox from investigating the hole from the wrong side.

2. Dig a hole right in front of the backing that's roughly 3 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 inches deep. It should slant underneath the backing at a 45- to 60-degree angle. Dump the excavated dirt into a sifter.

3. Dig a bed for the trap, just in front of the hole. Make the hole 2 to 3 inches deep, and 1 inch wider in diameter than the diameter of the trap. Keep the bottom as flat and level as possible.

4. Place the set trap down in the hole. The top of the trap must be roughly 1/2 inch below the surrounding grade. Secure the trap to the ground according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually via a stake).

5. Put a square of plastic sheeting over the pan of the trap (cut and measure it before you get out into the field).

6. Cover the trap with dirt from the sifter. Smooth the dirt out with your hand so that it's level with the ground.

7. Use a long stick to place your fox bait in the bottom of the hole. Don't drop any bait on the dirt on top of the trap.

8. Wad up some leaves (or other dry matter) and push them into the bottom of the hole to cover the bait.

9. Daub some fox lure on the inside wall of the hole, just inside the lip. Use a fresh stick.

10. Apply a few squirts of fox urine to the top of the backing with a spray bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• Foxes are very sensitive to scent. Wear clean (odor-neutralized or masked if possible) clothes, rubber gloves and rubber boots when setting the trap. Clean the trap and trowel thoroughly to remove any odors.

• Take large steps to and away from the trap site to disturb it as little as possible.

• Store your bait and lure far away from your trap at all times.

• Red foxes only feel comfortable investigating in open areas. Grey foxes may check out more protected places. In wooded areas, set your trap where trails cross. On farmland, place the trap near where fences meet or anywhere where rodents are abundant.

References

• TheFurBearer.com: The Dirt Hole Set
• "Guide to Trapping"; Jim Spencer; 2007