The principles of making a fox or sniper hole are all pretty much the same: Dig and cover. However, there are some things to consider as you are designing yours. You can make one that is big enough for more than one person, deep enough to stand in or one that simply allows you to lay on the ground undetected. No matter what, it will require a lot of shoveling and the creation of some sort of covering that will camouflage your position.
Scouting the Location
The first step is to determine exactly where you want to put the foxhole. Ideally, it will be in a place that gives you the strategic advantage when it comes to seeing someone approaching from a distance. In the woods, you should try to place your hole on an elevated part of the terrain so you can have a good vantage point of what’s happening below. The hill doesn’t need to be tall, and one that rises just a few feet above the surrounding terrain will significantly improve your visibility.
You also want to make sure that you are placing the gap from where you will be looking in the direction that you expect intruders to come from. However, if you are digging a hole on a flat surface, this is not as important because you can swivel to any direction.
Determining the Type of Hole
The next step is to determine the type of hole that you want to create. The most important factor to consider is not whether or not you want to do a lot of digging. It needs to center on whether or not you will be using the hole for a long period of time or as a short-term shooting position. Shallow sniper holes are intended to enable the shooter to blend into the scenery while minimizing exposure. However, they are not intended to be permanent or semi-permanent installations.
Deep fox holes are ideal for positions around an established perimeter that will be used for an extended period of time. They are designed to accommodate more than one person if necessary, house supplies and provide some room to move around. If you are placing the fox hole in an area where you will be establishing a presence for a while, then this may be the better option.
Building the Hole
In any case, the first step is to mark out the dimensions of the hole. It should be at least twice as wide as your body, and between four and five feet deep if you will be standing inside. You want the crest of the hole to be at about shoulder length so that you can balance and shoot the weapon more effectively. It needs to be wide enough so that you can crouch down and take cover as well. Wider holes will be necessary if you plan on including more than one person at a time or if you need extra space for resting and supply storage.
If you are building a sniper hole, then really all you are doing is excavating a foot from the ground so that you can slither inside and be flush with the surroundings. Just remember to make the sniper hole face the area that you are observing and targeting.
You don’t need to worry about adding wood for framing unless you are making a large bunker or are in an area with sandy or very moist soil that can cave into the hole. However, you will need to construct some sort of covering in order to blend into the surroundings effectively. Some people use a tarp and stick twigs with leaves throughout the surface whereas others make a frame out of sticks and then cover it with forest debris.
The choice is up to you based on your needs and preferences, but it is highly recommended as opposed to just occupying a bare hole in the ground that can be more visible.
You may also want to raise the covering above the ground by placing it on logs, rocks or other supports that dot the perimeter of the hole. This will eliminate the need for you to hold the covering up with your shoulders. If you are laying in a sniper hole, then it is important that you wear clothing that blends into the surroundings while also covering yourself with debris that is attached to a tarp or blanket.
Finally, make sure that you scout, plan and build the hole when you are sure that nobody else is watching. The last thing you want to do is give away your position before you have established this defensive advantage. If you are building this for the purpose of hunting animals, make sure that you place it in a location that you know is traveled by the prey that you are seeking.
