Foxes can be found in farmland throughout the country. Keep your back to cover while you call so that approaching game will have a tough time making you out

"It's extremely important to sit really still, because a red may come in off to the side and you may never know he's there. That happens pretty often. That's why I'm a firm believer in complete camouflage and scent control. I'll put some fox urine on my clothes to help mask my scent, and I also think that helps pull foxes in closer because they smell another fox and feel more comfortable," he said.

All predators will try to circle downwind given the opportunity, which is why both Prudhomme and Carr will set up where they can see at least a little ways downwind. When they hunt with a partner, both will sit where one hunter can see anything that might come in from a different direction. Two hunters usually have better success than one.

Predator Guns
Prudhomme typically carries a custom-made rifle with a Remington action chambered in 6.5x284 when he chases cats and coyotes, but he admitted that a shotgun is sometimes the best tool. Bobcats, in particular, can show up without any warning, and he's missed shot opportunities as a result. When he's hunting with a friend, he favors a shotgun/rifle combination so one hunter can cover long shots while the other can take advantage of in-your-face opportunities. Carr also likes to double up when he's hunting with a partner.

"I started with a .223, but I switched to a .17 HMR, which is surprisingly accurate out to longer ranges. I've never had a shot at a fox beyond 100 yards, but I've taken plenty of woodchucks out to 200 and I'm confident a .17 HMR will do the job on a fox at that range as well," noted Carr.

When he carries a shotgun, he typically loads it with 3-inch No. 4 buckshot, but he hunts with friends who favor Hevi-Shot Dead Coyote loads or BBs. The key to shotgunning predators is simply knowing the limitations of each gun and load.

Prime Time
Like just about any game animal, Eastern foxes, bobcats and coyotes are far more active during the early morning, late evening and at night, but they will respond to calls on dark, overcast days, especially during periods of cold weather. Prudhomme doesn't know why, but he has the best success on Carolina coyotes in the mornings. Carr scores both in the mornings and evenings, and he also hunts at night.

"Night hunting is tough because you can't see into the cover very well, not even with a light, and it's harder to find the right place to set up and call from," he said. "I'd much rather hunt in the last hour of daylight and the first hour than at night, but I certainly do call in foxes at night."

No matter when they choose to hunt, Prudhomme and Carr said the most important ingredient to a successful predator hunt is to simply hunt with confidence. It may take one stand or it may take five or six before the first fox or cat sneaks in to gun range, but when it happens, you'll be hooked.