Arctic Fox

## Description

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small fox native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. It is well adapted to living in cold environments. It has a deep thick fur which is brown in summer and white in winter. Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 in), with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat.

The Arctic fox lives in some of the most frigid extremes on the planet but does not start to shiver until the temperature drops to −70 °C (−94 °F). Among its adaptations for survival in the cold is its dense, multilayered pelage, which provides excellent insulation, a system of counter-current heat exchange in the circulation within the paws to retain core temperature, and a good supply of body fat. The fox has a low surface area to volume ratio, as evidenced by its generally compact body shape, short muzzle and legs, and short, thick ears. Since less of its surface area is exposed to the Arctic cold, less heat escapes from its body.

Source: Wikipedia

## Hunting Tactics

*Introduction*

The Arctic Fox is a small but beautiful animal featuring a realistic looking fur, as opposed to the slightly larger Red Fox. It roams vast areas of the Whiterime Ridge reserve and is only really missing in the south. A natural protection of small animals is the high awareness of their environments, and the Arctic Fox does not stand back in this regard. Small foxes can be as heavy, or light, as large rabbits, and you need to plan your ambushes well. The Arctic Fox also blends nicely with the snowy backgrounds and you might oversee them walking around. However, they will in most cases see you before you see them.

*Spawning*

There is no group behavior. All foxes roam the areas on their own.

*Clothing*

You can hunt in Whiterime with the free  Basic Arctic Outfit, but this will a more difficult adventure than if you hunt them with the  Arctic camo clothes. Not only walking around and stalking them will be hard, but also when you call them in. With the Basic Outfit you will have to rely on longer shots. Bow hunting the small creatures will also be a challenge unless you are up in a Tree Stand or in a Ground Blind.

*Scent Eliminator and Wind Indicator*

This species has a sense of smell and will detect players around them. Especially when upwind, you will see close-by animals stick their nose into the wind, then run away. The  Scent Eliminator works against all animals with a sense of smell. Apply it when you want to get close to the animal of your choice. Also, make sure to pay attention to the wind direction by observing objects tossed around or by using  Wind Indicator. Use it and follow the smoke with your eyes to see in which direction it is blown. As a general rule of thumb, the wind will blow towards the North-East on all maps. If you are not sure about the wind conditions, apply the  Scent Eliminator just in case. It doesn't hurt to use it once too often if you want to be on the safe side and not regularly spook animals by your smell.

*Searching*

The weight of the Arctic Fox determines its score. Carefully follow tracks of heavy males. Glass ahead often when the Huntermate tells you that you have come close. Interestingly, if they are far away, they will appear as dark dots on the white background, and you might spot one from a great distance. If they are closer and you cannot clearly determine if you are looking at a fox, look for cold breath. Many times when you come in reach you will get a call from the fox. Even if you walk or run into fleeing tracks, when the estimation predicts a high weight, take the time to stalk that fox.

*Luring*

Use the  Predator "Jackrabbit" Caller to lure the fox to you. Many times foxes do not come in a straight line to your call. Move out of the wind and lay down so they cannot detect you. It can take a very long time until the fox arrives. It can trot or walk to the call. When it arrives, it circles the spot you called from. In that process the fox can come closer to you than you expected before returning to the calling location. Make sure to back up at least 32m (105ft) if you can. If you keep this distance, you can maneuver with your weapons and also get up from a prone position for a  bow shot without being detected too soon. Once you are up, don't waste time for the shot. Don't rush the shot, but be quick. It can take some practice until you have a good feeling for what is a safe distance for staying undetected while still being able to place a deadly shot. Always be aware of multiple foxes being in the area. When calling, wait a while after "your" fox has arrived, there might be more coming.

*Field Judging*

It is possible to tell large foxes from small ones. Females can also get nice scores as they are not much lighter than males, but for competitions always go after males.

*Shooting the animal*

The shot must be well prepared. Search a good place where you can stay undetected. Avoid hasty shots. A good  spotting skill  will support you picking the right animal if there are severals. Wait until the animal of your choice has come close enough for a good shot, or until you can safely hit a vital from the side. It is not always possible to set up an ambush, or to move away on time. Stay alert for other animals (e.g. from a group) that might have come very close to your lure, and make sure to go for a shot before one of these could spook and flush everything around them.

*If the animal flees*

If you spook the animal of your desire, follow the tracks crouching. Use your optics and try to spot it, and also look for tracks or vocal signs. Do not go too fast. The animal can stop fleeing abruptly and return to roaming, and the roaming can be in any direction including coming right back at you. If you end up bumping into the animal it will flee again. Take your time. If the animal is worth it, a few more minutes will pay off.

A spooked arctic fox is even more aware of you than it was already when in calm state. Immediately following all tracks might result in another fleeing. After a few fleeing tracks, wait and spot. Look for movements and cold breath, and listen for "barking" and walking sounds. When you have a small circle on the Huntermate, you have come too close and the fox will be on the run again. The safest method for winning this game is to wait a while, then slowly follow and hope for a call from it. You can then know it has calmed down again and can be lured back to you.

### Quick Start Locations

Start at the following lodge(s) for quickly finding this species.

## Organs and Bones

2 = Brain
3 = Neck bone 1
4 = Neck bone 2
5 = Neck bone 3
6 = Shoulder bone
7 = Spine bone 1
8 = Spine bone 2
9 = Spine bone 3
10 = Hip bone
11 = Heart
12 = Lungs
13 = Stomach
14 = Liver
15 = Intestines
16 = Body