Catching the culprit

A chance encounter while stalking provides an opportunity to outsmart some always-impressive creatures

- MARK RIPLEY

I watched the two youngsters rolling and play fighting in the grass little more than 80 yards in front of me. The early evening brought with it a cool breeze that no doubt would be refreshing for the cubs that had hidden in their earth through the long summer's day. I adjusted the scope to see them a little better and enjoyed watching their antics as they chased each other in a puppyish way. I had no intention of culling these young tearaways as they were far from the lambing fields and this year's lambs were now well-grown and out of danger.

In the crosshairs

I knew full well, however, that there was every chance that these cubs would eventually leave the area as young adults in search of territories of their own and might well stand under my crosshairs next lambing season. But that was months away, and for now they were doing little harm.

It's an odd thing with many of us in that although we shoot foxes, few of us can truly say we dislike them. I for one admire them for what they are: intelligent, beautiful and very resourceful creatures. However, they are also extremely efficient killing machines, which is both their saving grace and their downfall.

Although I'm rather fond of the fox, it's his cunning ability and intellect that, for me, makes him the most challenging creature to pit one's wits against in the field, and each time he gets one up on me, I can't help but smile and tip my hat to him. I continued to watch the pair playing before they were joined by a third cub, which immediately joined in the rough and tumble before a scolding bark came from nettles and the vixen showed her face briefly as the cubs vanished into the nettles beside her.