Advice for a lone ferreter

[chrismdd 787]

Hi folks,

 

Second post after new members section. I'm just rekindling my joy of ferreting from when I was a lad. I've got the gear and last year did my first outing on our own bit of land and managed a few rabbits for both first time ferrets.

 

However, my dilemma is that I've now been given plenty of local land and permission but I don't really have anyone dedicated enough to come along and help.

 

All the warrens are situated in thick hedgerows and small fields and when I was a lad you needed two to ferret them properly. So my question is does anyone have any helpful advice or ideas on how to ferret this places by oneself (I don't want to let the local landowners down).

 

Failing that is there anyone in the South Somerset area that wants to team up?

 

Regards

 

Chris.

 

P.S. I do have a parsons jack russell but he is a bit nutty pet and I don't think I would trust him loose when the action gets going.

[Marksman 934]

If only you were closer mate....a lot closer.... lol

 

I'm sure you'll find someone on here local who'll team with you mate!!

 

atb in finding someone and welcome to THL

 

Darryl

[runforyourlife 361]

Therws not much advice really anyone can give to a single guy but get a good ferreting dog. Get yourself a locator, or find some younger kids who fancy a dabble. Dont take on the unknown, and dont net and ferret holes that cant be seen....

[stealthy1 3,964]

Get your self some stop nets, place them between the hedges at various points, rabbits in hedges normaly run the lengh of the hedge, making them easy to catch, get a dog trained to wait on the other side of the hedge to pick up runners, or take your Mrs

[Born Hunter 17,751]

Dont be affraid to turn away from warrens that are just too tricky for a lone ferreter. Ive done alot of ferreting on my own (lukily now i have a couple of good mates who gladly help) and its a horrible feeling not being able to see or get to the whole warren with thick foliage around and the locator not picking up your ferrets! Ive never lost any ferrets but many experiences like that will eventually lead to it. So dont feel you have to just to please the land owner, as long as your showing willing and trying your best 99% will be very happy with you and understanding.

[Quixote 9]

Not got a lot to add except to suggest that a longnet surrounding any tricky buries can be a godsend!

 

Definately stick to the smaller buries, though........it's amazing how many rabbits they'll hold once the weather gets really cold, & you'll find you can make a real difference to the numbers without running yourself ragged trying to clear awkward areas.

 

Don't worry about letting the landowners down too much. Each & every rabbit you take off their land is going to be equal to at least ten come spring

[John-B 4]

From what you describe a ferreting partner is going to be your best bet, not just for the ferreting but also if god forbid anything was to happen to you while you're out

[JoeD 24]

I go alone most of the time, all I would say is be confident but don't be stupid.

Make sure you net up all the holes, once you have checked once, check again, and then once more to be sure.

And don't work any warrens that you aren't comfortable doing alone, just tell whoever gave the permission 1st and that way more than likely he will respect you more for being honest.

 

Have fun out ferreting mate,

 

JoeD

[andy s410c 59]

I ferret 99% of the time by meself...by choice.Once you get to know the land,sets & rabbit habits ie were their (likely) to bolt from you can set nets,stop nets & longnets accordingly.If you have the avantage of a marking running dog all the better .

Yes it's full on by yourself but that's the way i like it...keeps you on your toes.However when i ferret in company i do enjoy it the problem is finding a person with the same commitment to be out regular as everyone's social/family & work life is different.

[comanche 2,942]

I love ferreting on my own .Big warrens need a bit of a survey first .Decide what is the worst that can happen ,where the ferrets might wander out from ,whether it is best for you to stand in one position that gives a good overall veiw or is it best to walk quietly about checking from different angles .

A dog is a great help .It can be placed as an observer to cover part of the warren and if it moves or shows a reaction either a ferret is out or a rabbit is in the net .

Perhaps the best advice about doing big warrens on your own is to start early so you have plenty of time to locate ferrets and pick-up nets and do not be tempted to tackle buries as the afternoon draws on .

[The one 8,467]

Get stuck in mate it wont be the first or last time ive ferreted a hedgerow with a locator box at each end of a burrow to hear if the ferrets are trying to sneak off and you would be amazed at the small sized gaps you can push your self threw in a hedge to get a netted rabbit

[John-B 4]

I ferret 99% of the time by meself...by choice.Once you get to know the land,sets & rabbit habits ie were their (likely) to bolt from you can set nets,stop nets & longnets accordingly.If you have the avantage of a marking running dog all the better .

Yes it's full on by yourself but that's the way i like it...keeps you on your toes.However when i ferret in company i do enjoy it the problem is finding a person with the same commitment to be out regular as everyone's social/family & work life is different.

 

 

I'm on holidays now

[runforyourlife 361]

Are we all a bunch of parrots on here.

[runforyourlife 361]

Are we all a bunch of parrots on here.

[The one 8,467]

No youve got a stttuuuttter mate