Dirt Hole Set For Fox

Fox are very sly and can be hard to catch. One of the most popular sets trappers use to catch fox is a dirt hole set. A dirt hole set has probably caught more fox than any other set.

A dirt hole set for fox works very similarly to a dirt hole set for catching coyotes. The idea is to get the fox to think that another animal has buried food down in a hole that he can steal. A concealed or buried trap will be placed in front of the dirt hole so when a fox comes to investigate it steps on the trap and gets caught.

To learn more about fox trapping you may consider reading our article on fox trapping sets, bait, and traps. It gives more detail on how to trap a fox.

When picking a location for your trap you will want something such as a log, rock, or tuft of grass to back your set. This is called backing. A backing is used to keep the animal on the trap side of the dirt hole thus making it more likely to step on the trap.

Another thing to remember is to try to make sure that the smell of the bait will blow across the trail or path the fox is taking. A fox will follow his nose right to the set.

Trap Placement For Dirt Hole Set

The dirt hole should be fairly close to the trap. A few inches away is usually the best location. This allows you to catch fox that is coming in from any direction to investigate the set.

Some trappers like to offset the trap to the right or left a few inches from the direction they think the fox will come to the set. This can work some of the time but many times a fox may work a set from the back.

Another article that would be helpful would be our article on dirt hole sets for coyotes. It covers similar material but when setting for coyotes.

Tips For Making A Dirt Hole Set

• Find locations to set dirt hole sets along dirt roads, field edges, fences, other land barriers. Where many of these meet and cross is an excellent location.
• Look for fox scat and tracks in these locations. You may also find coyote scat in these locations. Setting on sign will increase your odds of a catch.
• Dig a dirt hole and a bed or indentation for your trap. Stake your trap with earth anchors in the bottom of the trap bed. Using a drill and auger can make digging a dirt hole more effective.
• Bed your trap extremely well. This means that when your trap is sitting in the trap bed and you push down on any part other than the pan and the trap does not rock or move. This can cause the fox to dig up the trap.
• Place a pan cover over the trap and then sift about an eight to a quarter-inch over the trap. Making the pan or trigger of the trap the lowest part of the set can guide the fox to step on the trap.
• Use bait, lure, and urine on this set. Bait can be placed in the hole, lure and urine can go on the backing right above the hole.
• Adding fox scat to the set may help the fox feel more comfortable.
• This set can work for furbearers such as fox, coyote, bobcat, and badger.
• Check out all the other coyote trapping sets we recommend in our trapping sets article.
• You can use a foothold trap on a flat set such as the MB 450 for fox or the MB 550 if you have lots of coyotes. Check out our article about MB 450s.
• Another set for trapping fox would be a flat set. You can read more about flat sets for fox in our article