I called in a resident fox with a call that is a fox "geckering" sound.  Normally in late winter weather it calls them really well....not sure why bldut it works.

So now is kind of early for that call to work, and I called in a red who saw me and ran off....  am I right to think as the fall sets in he would be easier to call back in?

I mainly trap for them, but here is my take on the seasons and thier response to different stimuli.

The spring they are denned up trying to feed thier young so they are hunting fast, however they also have an abundance of ready food in the spring and summer. More food means less desire to chase after things. They eat a lot more insects than people realize and here in the south spring and summer is a non stop food buffet. As fall starts to roll in and the young leave you start to see more ranging. Which means you might see a fox in one area today and not see him there again.
As winter rolls in, food is more scarce, they will react more readily to investigate sounds, smells, and other stimuli in the chance of getting a meal.

While I can get them in the off months (I trap year round for nuisance wildlife) if there are specific foxes I am targeting and they are in a known territory, winter is always the best time to try to get them.

This is just what I've experienced. YMMV of course.

I think you are right on target!  Thanks, and I will keep trying.