I'm looking for someone who can get me close to a swift fox. I want one with my bow. I've tried contacting some outfits up that way but haven't heard back from anyone.

swift fox? Not sure what that is but there are foxes in the neighborhood and on the golf course...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_fox

They are a little different from a gray fox but are considered their own species. From what the wildlife biologists have told me they're more likely to be found on the plains far from trees or other possible perches for birds of prey.

Not surprised.

That is going to be a tough request to fill.

You'd first have to find a property with decent numbers of the Fox.

The Swift Fox is known to be mostly Nocturnal or Crepuscular at best, so hunting one most likely means 'Calling' one into range and 'Spot-Lighting' it. With Archery equipment we are looking at distances of 40 yards and under (realistically) for such a small target.

I would focus on folks/outfits that specialize in Varmint hunting at night and solicit their opinion as to how 'feasible' your endeavor might be.

It could well be something with a decent chance of success (or at least a sighting), or it might be a Unicorn hunt.

Best of luck, hope you find someone that can accommodate you.

I hear what you're saying but I haven't even gotten to the part where I want a swift fox. I haven't been able to get ahold of any predator hunting outfits in the panhandle. Although in all honesty, I haven't called very many yet.

I managed a large ranch in the panhandle for 20 years and we did a lot of predator hunting. I can think of one time we ever called in what was probably a swift fox, and it got a pass that night since we were focused on coyotes. You really don't even see that many gray's. Don't want to crush a dream, but this would be an almost impossible deal to close with a bow IMO.

I was afraid I'd hear something like that.

Foxes I see are becoming urban, follow loose cats and squirrel populations around. Some set on peoples houses to hunt. I have never seen a swift fox.

Swift Fox, with a bow. That is gonna be tough. I'm not saying Captain Ahab and the White Whale kind of tough, but tough enough you have to decide if it is just a passing fancy or something you may spend multiple trips and/or years trying to complete. Finding one and somehow calling it in would be hard enough with a rifle. Killing shot and recovery with a bow, at night? Insanely tough. Swift fox are tiny, very small vital area. Open country, probably a long shot, potentially in the wind, on a very active little animal, with sketchy light.

I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm just saying either you are going to have to get lucky, or put a lot of though and effort in to how to make it happen.

Swift fox are not common, even within the core of their known range, which is the northern and western TX Panhandle. Basically, up on top of the caprock, high plains, in the short to mid grass prairies. I've never seen one in person. They are secretive. Population density is low. It would take a specific kind of person who knew them well and had a line on an actual active population of them to get you on one I would think.

I live in the Panhandle and call predators a lot. But I am in the SE corner. We don't have them here. I am no help to you, and have no idea on anyone who might be.

Me personally, I would focus on Jackalopes.

There's a guy who lives in Dickens, Tx named Wyman Meinzer that has hunted all over the Panhandle, contact via his website or faceless book.

There's a pretty good population of them north of Dryden. I have called up quite a few there over the years. Before they subdivided the greasewood flats on the Paint Mare Ranch, you would see them just driving the ranch roads.
Going to be quite a challenge with a bow as they are a very small target and don't hold still very long. I have not called one up in the Panhandle.
Adios,
Gary

You mean Benjamin?

Good podcast with Wyman and ONEILLOPS. Very interesting guy, tons of knowledge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFx0gm4XtQ8

if they are that rare, why?, shoot something else, Farrel cats would be my first choice

I hadn't revisited this thread in a while and didn't realize it had more replies. I reached out to Meinzer and will see if he responds. Gary, I appreciate the input. I may have to make it out to that are this summer and ask around. You never know. Thanks.

Pablo

Swift fox are not rare, just not big numbers in Texas.
We see them quite often up here but they are not to be taken.
If caught as incidental; catch and injured you can get a permit to keep them.
Pretty little foxes, unfortunately they like to get hit on the highway too.
We have plenty around our area, they are really cute when the kits are out of the den playing.