How to Use a Fox Whistle
The fox has long been described as sly and cunning. Foxes are predominantly carnivores. Their main diet is rabbits and mice, although they also eat insects and fruit. The fox breeds once a year, with cubs being born between August and September, according to huntingsociety.org. In addition, their mortality rate has been affected by drought, road accidents, trapping and shooting. Tracking a fox can be difficult, since its paw prints closely resemble those of a dog. However, using a hand, mouth, button or e-caller whistle can bring them out of hiding easily. A fox whistle produces a squeal similar to a rabbit in distress. With practice, the hunter can use the whistle to emit a variety of distress calls, adding to its versatility.
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Instructions
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Find a secluded location and position yourself against a log, tree or rock, with nothing behind you. Choose an area that will allow you to view the large area clearly, provides adequate cover for hiding and enables you to blend into your surroundings.
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Be still. A fox can distinguish quick and sudden movements from at least 1 mile away.
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Blow into the whistle slowly, making short puffs as opposed to long ones. That will mimic the short squeals of a rabbit in distress. Do not whistle in patterns. Making variations as you whistle will sound more realistic to the fox.
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Whistle in a series of loud, piercing shrieks for approximately 30 seconds, gradually bringing the whistle down to a low, faint sound and pause for two minutes. That will resemble a rabbit that is helpless and defenseless.
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Stop and wait quietly. Allow the fox to come out from hiding before attempting to whistle again.
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Observe the area for movement for five minutes. If you do see a fox coming toward you, do not whistle again unless it appears to have lost interest and you need to give it more encouragement. A fox will run toward you as opposed to walking, and may come from the side or rear of where you are standing.
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Repeat the whistling process again if you still don't see a fox. If no foxes appear after the third time, move to a different location at least 500 yards away.
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Tips & Warnings
The best time to use a fox whistle is at dawn or one to two hours before dark.
Foxes will not respond to a whistle during breeding season.
In windy conditions, ensure that the wind is coming toward and not at your back. That will ensure the fox does not detect your scent.
References
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