Rabbits not bolting properly

[B.A. 2]

I just went out ferreting yesterday caught nothing because every time I bolted a rabbit it would run straight into the net end not get stuck in it it looked like they were just brushing them away as they bolted. the nets were set out properly just rabbits weren't getting stuck in them is this something im doing wrong or is it normal for ferreting this time of year?

Edited September 4, 2011 by B.A.

[mattydski 560]

I need to see the pictures of the set nets, but I'd say you were doing something wrong..

[The one 8,482]

You cant go wrong setting a net a good bit of net into the burrow and spread the rest on the outside (only a rough guide) and when the rabbit steps on the net it should be yours . But it depends what gauge your nets are etc

[dymented 2,220]

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ferreter/working1.htm tutorial on Setting Purse Nets

[Malt 379]

I need to see the pictures of the set nets, but I'd say you were doing something wrong..

 

Yeah, I'd say the same. Rabbits don't get special net evading powers at certain times of the year..

 

 

 

What sort of ground are you ferreting? Sometimes if the net is set over heavy cover, long grass and other growth can impede the pursing action of the net.

[Jamie m 668]

You have to clear out twigs and cut back any roots or brambles or they dont purse right even more so if there the green Bisley type nets the really fine ones , and as said get your net hold peg end drop ring with no peg into hole a bit spread net over hole leaving ring In hole and peg out , I'm sure if you look on you tube theres probs a couple of vids ; )

[simonrocco 175]

heres how i set my nets pal the peg at the top of the hole the bottom ring at the botttom of the hole and spread the net over the hole you should clear away any branches or brambles that the net could get caught on hope this helps pal

[Plong 21]

Nets not set properly or they would just purse around the rabbit.

[Rake aboot 4,935]

My guess!

 

You`re ferreting in long grass ???,, If so, the nets never lie right ,the rabbits slip under then net cause they are slightly raised from the ground by the long grass!?/

 

Maybe mate,, just a thought

 

ATB

[stealthy1 3,964]

Tell me your not putting a peg through the top ring?

[muddy210 34]

have had youngsters come to the net and go back down agian as they havent had the force to purse the net but then the usuall squealing underground happens as ferrtes get them but never had a normal coney bounce of the net even when poorly set they usually purse to some extent as said if they are snarled up a bit they wont purse.

[Plong 21]

If not set properly they will not purse enough to catch a rabbit pursing to some extent is not good enough.

[Ideation 8,216]

Just thought i would add a couple of things that i find help -

 

- Set the draw cord as tightly as possible, that way there is no travel when the rabbit hits the net and it will begin pursing as soon as bunny hits it.

 

- Push the extra netting back into the hole, that way it's more likely to wrap around the rabbit.

 

- Stick the bottom ring of the net down the hole and dig the ring into the soil a bit, spread the netting across the floor of the hole evenly, that way the rabbit is running on top of the netting and hitting the middle rather than the bottom edge.

 

- Make sure the draw cord runs around the hole rather than inside, if that makes sense.