How would I go about this.

[tdavepat 8]

I thought I would post this, even though I might prove wrong in my method of thinking.

 

I had a call from a farmer via somebody I already work for. He has asked me to ferret a single narrow field, about 400 yards long and 100 yards wide, which has a busy single carraigeway road running down on side.

 

Unfortunately it's this side that has all the burrowing, a hive of activity along the full length. The narrow ends of the field have a house boundary at one end and a hedgerow and field gate at the other end. Along the opposite side to the road runs a ditch full of water and beyond that ditch is a field full of planted saplings and heavy thick grass.

 

The burrowing activity is into the bank upon which the main road is laid and is in amongst blackthorn hedge and roots. standing in the field the road itself is just above head height. A double barbed wire fence runs along this side of the field, sometimes in front of the burrows, sometimes behind. The blackthorn has overgown the fence along a good proportion of its length. It puts purse nets beyond reasonable effectiveness.

 

I hope that is all clear to picture in everyones mind.

 

If I ferret only, I would hope to set a stop net on the field side, just enough for me to get in and work sections at a time. I might consider another stopnet along the fence in the field on the opposite side of the road, with a mate to help tend it. This field has less obvious digging activity, but I'd hate to loose any through that side because I just didn't bother.

 

However, my dilemma is that I am worried about putting the ferrets into that environment. Due to the proximity of the road, I have to be really on my toes if a ferret decides it wants to go walkabout. Thats why if I decide to to it, I'll only utilise one at a time and work slowly and carefully. If a dig is required, it's the boys from the black stuff I'll need, not a trench spade.

 

I can't use the dogs in the narrow field as I know the road will be their graveyard if a rabbit decides to take that route. But it is dog safe in the field on the other side of the road, due to a well maintained sheep wire fence all the way round. And the field extends to about 6 acres, so I might consider letting a dog run a couple of bolters.

 

I can't pick them off with my air rifle as the road runs too close, legally.

 

I can't even set the longnet and walk or lamp them in as the field is too narrow for them not to see me setting it out.

 

I think I've covered my difficulty. Any experience of this environment, or any other workable ideas would be appreciated.

 

Dave

[stubby 175]

I have done this type of area before, the answer is having loads of helpers, dont try it on your own, we would put a longnet/s bothsides of the hedgerow, plus a few stop nets where possible through the hedge, then simply have two or three people standing either side of the hedge, try using just albino's or silvers as they are easier to spot

[lift boy 0]

I have a similar sort of area to work, I have just been keeping an eye to see, but wait till xmas to work it. It`s a hedge about 1 mile long with a farm track on one side and a steep banking on the other. There are no holes in the bank though, so digging would be a nightmare, but as It`s so ling I will need plenty of nets. But I am the only ferreter in my area (as far as I know) so Il have to teach a neighbour so at least I stand a chance.

[lilpip1234 62]

get a couple of buddies together and set the longnets

[The one 8,524]

I did a bit last weekend with burrows under the main road i netted up my side under trees and my son jumped the fence to put nets on the bolt holes on the road side and just watch the ferret didn't come out his side

[skycat 6,174]

You'll need a damn sight more than one ferret in there by the sounds of things. As Stubby said: loads of helpers, long nets down both side of the hedge and as many purse nets as possible even to the extent of haning them in the hedge like mini stop nets: I've found that the rabbits tend to hole hop in these situations so unless you can net every single hole it is a waste of time.

 

As many ferrets as possible to panic the rabbits into bolting where they don't really want to go: good luck!!

[stealthy1 3,964]

Longnets either side of the hedge, three stopnets, work the hedge in sections, use your locator to keep an eye on your ferrets in case they get to near the road