Fox hunting in Australia
Vulpes vulpes
Whistling red foxes at last light
The European red fox is one of Australia's most damaging predators, killing lambs, poultry and huge numbers of native animals every night of the year. Fox control is welcomed on virtually every sheep and mixed farm in southern Australia, and whistling a fox into range at last light is one of the great traditions of Australian shooting.
Fox whistling is heart-in-mouth hunting where the quarry comes to you. A dying-rabbit whistle carried on a still evening can pull a fox at a run from a kilometre away, and the sight of a red dog coming in fast across a frosty paddock never gets old.
For hosts, fox nights are among the most valuable work a visiting hunter can do, especially in the weeks before and during lambing. Many properties on this site welcome fox shooters year round and permit spotlighting by arrangement.
Where to hunt foxes
Sheep and cropping country across NSW, Victoria, South Australia, southern Queensland and the southern half of WA. Tasmania is fox free, and any suspected sighting there should be reported.
When to go
Year round. Winter pelts are prime, autumn cubs respond eagerly to the whistle, and lambing time, winter into spring, is when landholders most want foxes controlled.
Methods & gear
Whistling at dawn and dusk with a rabbit-distress call, spotlighting where the host permits it, and calling over open paddocks with a rest and a flat-shooting rifle. A .223 or .22-250 with light projectiles is the classic fox outfit.
Best regions for foxes
Riverina NSW
Red gum river country for pigs, foxes and evening rabbits
Western Victoria VIC
Volcanic plains and ranges with fallow, reds and autumn ducks
WA Wheatbelt WA
Fox whistling and rabbit country across the golden paddocks
New England Tablelands NSW
Rolling granite country thick with fallow and red deer
Fox hunting: common questions
What is fox whistling?
Fox whistling imitates the distress cry of a rabbit to draw foxes into shooting range. Hunters set up at dawn or dusk overlooking open country, whistle in sequences, and watch downwind. A responding fox often comes at a run, which makes it one of the most exciting forms of shooting in Australia.
When is the best time to shoot foxes?
Foxes are active year round, but late autumn and winter are prime: pelts are at their best, young foxes respond hard to the whistle, and hosts most value control in the lead-up to lambing. Still, cold evenings produce the most action.
Is spotlighting foxes legal?
On private land, spotlighting foxes is generally lawful with the landholder's permission, but it is always the host's call and some properties do not allow night shooting. Each listing states its night shooting rules, and safe zones are agreed in daylight first.
Properties with foxes
No listed properties for foxes yet
Landholders with foxes on their country can list free and keep 85% of every booking.
List a property