The three farmers angrily inspect the huge crater which failed to expose Mr. Fox and his family. They vow to not return to their farms until they have caught and killed Mr. Fox. Bean suggests that Bunce, the smallest of the three, climb into the hole to find the foxes, but the latter is reluctant. Bean decides to send for tents and supplies. He explains that they should wait outside the hole until the foxes emerge, reasoning that they will have to come out eventually.

Boggis, Bunce, and Bean set up their tents and turn the headlights of their tractors towards the tunnel entrance. They eat their supper, intentionally allowing the smells to waft down the tunnel. The four Small Foxes voice their hunger.

The farmers instruct their dozens of employees to surround the hill outside the crater, so the foxes can’t dig their way out the sides. The men organize shifts among themselves to watch the tunnel entrance.