fox caught in trap

stef22

Installed recently a fox trap , caught a cub last night.
Might sound like a stupid question but how do you dispatch them ?

I do not want to use the shotgun or my rifle ( .270 ) in case i damage the trap. I do not have a small calibre rifle to do the job.

So how can it be done quickly and humanly ?

Phil_Lives

You let it go and hope it finds its mother again.
For adults, you put them in the back of your car and drive them to a remote location which hopefully should be a sustainable habitat and let them take their chances.

sniperman

well if were me,id open the trap door,when it bolts,use the shottie.

stef22

sniperman wrote: »

well if were me,id open the trap door,when it bolts,use the shottie.

very high grass and a lot of trees so a no go.

Phil_Lives

stef22 wrote: »

very high grass and a lot of trees so a no go.

so "catch and release" was never on the agenda?

sniperman

stef22 wrote: »

very high grass and a lot of trees so a no go.

maybe someone on here with a .22 might live near you,and do the job?no harm in asking.

Grizzly 45

AH! The classic case of where a HANDGUN for stalkers[ASSuming you are one] would be ideal!OR a sub caliber device for the shotgun that would allow you to fire a .22/.32/9mm round from your 12 GA for humane dispatch.BUT seeing that "wiser and better knowing" people in the shooting and Gardai communities nixed those ideas for humane dispatch ,you are rather limited as to what you can do.

1] Get a large tough material bag,like an old mail bag or a surplus gunny sack/kit bag that is big enough to go over the trap. Empty contents of trap into gunny sack tie off and dispatch from a safe distance with your 12 GA.

2]Take trap to open ground get someone to open trap and when the fox is at a safe distance dispatch with shotgun.BB shot in both cases should be enough.

3] If very young,you can raise them like a dog pupand have a very unique albiet rather smelly pet.:D

meathstevie

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

AH! The classic case of where a HANDGUN for stalkers[ASSuming you are one] would be ideal!OR a sub caliber device for the shotgun that would allow you to fire a .22/.32/9mm round from your 12 GA for humane dispatch.BUT seeing that "wiser and better knowing" people in the shooting and Gardai communities nixed those ideas for humane dispatch ,you are rather limited as to what you can do.

1] Get a large tough material bag,like an old mail bag or a surplus gunny sack/kit bag that is big enough to go over the trap. Empty contents of trap into gunny sack tie off and dispatch from a safe distance with your 12 GA.

2]Take trap to open ground get someone to open trap and when the fox is at a safe distance dispatch with shotgun.BB shot in both cases should be enough.

3] If very young,you can raise them like a dog pupand have a very unique albiet rather smelly pet.:D

Even a restricted single shot .22 wmr or .22 hornet revolver would be perfect for that sort of job.

Phil_Lives

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

1] Get a large tough material bag,like an old mail bag or a surplus gunny sack/kit bag that is big enough to go over the trap. Empty contents of trap into gunny sack tie off and dispatch from a safe distance with your 12 GA.

2]Take trap to open ground get someone to open trap and when the fox is at a safe distance dispatch with shotgun.BB shot in both cases should be enough.

Do either of these qualify as "ethical hunting" or just an inconvenient element of the hobby posters here engage in?

meathstevie

Phil_Lives wrote: »

Do either of these qualify as "ethical hunting" or just an inconvenient element of the hobby posters here engage in?

It actually does as folks are actually looking for a swift and safe method to despatch a trapped fox. I can understand that you say that practicality could have been sorted before putting out the trap but after all they're looking for a quick and instant way. Releasing it on another fox's territory would be cruel as it would be torn to bits before the next morning sun rises over the horizon.

Vegeta

Mod Reminder: Debate on ethics here is extremely limited, posts which cross the line will be removed without further warning. Anyone has a problem with this then PM me.

stef22

Yes i am a stalker and a handgun would indeed be handy to have to dispatch wounded deer and trapped foxes. But i doubt it will happen soon , we even need a Garda letter for starter pistols so handguns ...
Thanks

Birdnuts

stef22 wrote: »

Yes i am a stalker and a handgun would indeed be handy to have to dispatch wounded deer and trapped foxes. But i doubt it will happen soon , we even need a Garda letter for starter pistols so handguns ...
Thanks

Probably best to suspend you trapping till you can dispatch in a humane and hassel free way. A suiteable caliber is well worth the investment and commitment if you intend to get full use out of your fox trap.

stef22

a lad from the gun club had a .22 but he just sold it , that's the reason why i am stuck.

Rosahane

Phil_Lives wrote: »

so "catch and release" was never on the agenda?

Of course it is ...and I for one will implement it when the fox does

stef22

Rosahane wrote: »

Of course it is ...and I for one will implement it when the fox does

I will release him when he gives me back my 2 hens ....i promise

MayoSalmon

Jaysis no need to blast the poor fella to high heaven!

deerhunter1

Phil_Lives wrote: »

You let it go and hope it finds its mother again.
For adults, you put them in the back of your car and drive them to a remote location which hopefully should be a sustainable habitat and let them take their chances.

Your on the wrong forum mate:rolleyes::D

sniperman

deerhunter1 wrote: »

Your on the wrong forum mate:rolleyes::D

+1

td5

I am in Armagh and have a .22 pistol on my Cert. for exactly that purpose humane dispatch. Very handy for Squirrels and foxes etc.

Ghost.

If you dont have a suitable method to dispatch him and you keep him in the cage too long he might get lonely.
You could put in 1 or 2 good terriers to keep him company until you can find a suitable location to relocate and release him. He might even become friends with them and tell them where hes keeping your two hens.:P

Seriously though if you don't have a suitable method of dispatch maybe hold off trapping them until you do. The 22lr is the best tool for the job. Someone local to you must have one or another rimfire.

But other than that you should just move the trap to a suitable location with short grass and get a friend to open it and you have your shotgun at the ready. Job done.

dodderangler

Question? Why are you trapping foxes without full knowing a proper way of dispatching them after they've been caught.
It's Kinda like buying a car without knowing how to drive it isn't it.

robertpatterson

Stick your location up (nothing too specific) if youre near anyone id say theyd give you a hand

stef22

the 12 G did the job , end of the story.

tisgrand

dodderangler wrote: »

Question? Why are you trapping foxes without full knowing a proper way of dispatching them after they've been caught.
It's Kinda like buying a car without knowing how to drive it isn't it.

or buying a hawk without knowing how to care for it....