Goose,
As I mentioned, I went out yesterday (Monday) morning. Got into the area right at sunup (a little later than I like). As we were heading in, we rounded a corner to see a Silver Fox crossing an open alfalfa field at around 450-500yds.
Too long for a good shot really, as it was trotting towards a block of pines, but being so very rare, it was fantastic to see one.
My hunting partner is 61, and he's only seen two in his lifetime. In appearance, their "jet black" at that distance, but their guard hairs are silver tipped, giving them the name.
The light was still low, and I knew it was a fox, but when I checked it through the scope, I about crapped my knickers. "Holy Sh*t, I said, it's BLACK, ALL BLACK". My partner said, "REALLY.....!" You could see that he was very excited......"
I had the only gun (.22-250) that could've realistically reached the animal, and we had gone prone at the sight of it, ready to shoot. I called on my new electronic rig, nice and low, but loud enough for the fox to hear it....he wasn't buying it, and probably looking for love, as it's mating season.
If the fox had stopped for a brief moment, I could've made a pretty decent shot.
We're both pretty heavy shooter's & loader's, and we normally practice during the off season at long ranges, but this range was very honestly stretching it.
At 48, it was maybe the only Silver I'll ever see in my lifetime, but just the sight of it, not even getting the chance at shooting one, was reward enough, I guess.
The area we hunted was very secluded, and we found it during chuck season. I know the owners so we obtained permission. We hadn't seen coyote sign much while hunting chucks, and took a shot at it for fox & coyotes Sat.
With snow on the ground, it's filthy with fox sign, but you gotta be there before daylight. The fox that I missed on Sat., had a paw print that you'd have thought was a female coyote in size. It was huge for a fox.
We've got particular area's that we hunt specifically for coyotes, but we always search for new ones.
Hayzer,
Several of the guys here have mentioned the Rock River, Bushmaster, and Olympic AR's. For the money, it appears that the Rock River seems the better buy, performance and cost wise.
I don't know personally as I don't own one now. I did have an Olympic years ago, but I sold it when I was a Deputy.
I've heard stories of coyote attacks in the past, but nothing confirmed. Mostly hunting tales around the campfire stuff.
Although we've thought about semi auto's for fox & coyotes, we personally still prefer single shots, and bolt guns for now. The only semi auto I've got now is a 10/22 Magnum that I converted into a .17HMR...very nice for fox, and the occasional coyote that get's within 100yds.
When shotguns are required, I use an 870, and my partner has a very nice Benelli. Any area's that are heavily populated with coyotes, and where a problem might exist in regards to attacks, personally, I'd pack a sidearm.
My only close call was about 10yrs. ago, or so, while getting down from a treestand in thorny cover over in the Geneseo, NY area.
A fire whistle from a nearby company went off and I was about ten feet from the ground, when several coyotes around me started in howling. The closest one was about 30yds. back in the brush behind me. There was at least four, and possibly more, all within 100 yds.
It was dusk and I strained to see them. I saw movement, but I really couldn't make them out well. Regardless, I knew what they were.
After making it to the ground, I knocked an arrow, and made my way out of the brush. I continued to look back down the path behind me, and every once in awhile I could see one just standing watching.
They followed me (about 400yds.) all the way to the edge of a horse pasture, and they held there. As I crossed the 200yds of pasture to my truck, I turned to look back and there stood three of them. Two sitting, one standing, curiously watching me........makes me wonder?
Take care,
Bob