ferrets no more

[jigsaw 11,863]

well after 30 years of keeping ferrets Ive decided(i think) to part with the workers.I havent used them in 6 months and the rabbit population has gone so low its hardly worth while going out these days.I used to get a decent bag alone a few years back,now if you get 6 -10 you'd be lucky.when you take into consideration the ammount of travelling/cost to get far enough out,and the effort against the end of day results its hardly worth it.im holding on to the nets and other bits for a while just in case i regret my decision,but its not fair on the ferrets either,they aint doing what they should be doing.Its strange even thinking about not having ferrets,but I think its the right thing to do.

[hunter bull X 23]

Its a shame to here that mate it is definately getting harder to get results around where i live 4 is a good day out but couldnt give it up i dont think

[ferretville 69]

A think theres alot on the brink of packing in jig

[bobcullen79 1,495]

Shite mate, I know the feeling.

[tsteve9999 456]

4 or 5 in a morning would be a decent bag here too, but I don't think I'll be giving up as it's still a nice way to pass the time.

In a strange way I think I'm lucky because I've never known big bags, what you don't know doesn't bother you and all that.

[paulus 26]

i came to the same conclusion a number of years ago

[fitchet 788]

When im ferreting it doesn't matter whether i catch 1 or 50 its all about being out hearing them rabbits thumping and watching the dogs or birds work as a team with the ferrets. Yes its nice when you catch a few but if you don't then oh well theres always next time. The populations might be low this season but who knows they might be booming next season ! You do what you think is best mate but once your bitten by the bug theres no 'giving it up' IMO.

[rob190364 2,594]

4 or 5 in a morning would be a decent bag here too, but I don't think I'll be giving up as it's still a nice way to pass the time.

In a strange way I think I'm lucky because I've never known big bags, what you don't know doesn't bother you and all that.

I'm the same pal, if I go out for 2 or 3 hours and come home with a couple I'm happy with that. Same as you though, I've never known big bags, if you've had 30 or 40 in a session in the past and then go out and get 3 I can imagine it would be a bit crap. Better than being plonked in front of the telly though if you ask me, on really nice winters mornings I'm not arsed if I don't catch anything!

[Country Joe 1,411]

I used to take big bags years ago, now six or 4 Rabbits is plenty for me.

Especially when being a solo Ferreter, and having to carry everything, I agree with Fitchet its just good to get out and watch the Dog and ferrets work.

Edited November 16, 2012 by Country Joe

[darbo 4,774]

since the 80s more so with lurchers i would travel to try and get decent bags of rabbits. the last bitch died 3 years ago and has not been replaced. just been ferreting with the terrier mainly woodland etc. get pure enjoyment just mooching about and ferreting. get the odd bird now and then. im nearly 50 and i hope im still getting out as long as i last. im happy with what i catch now sometimes get a decent bag sometimes not. being out is all that matters to me now.

[Kay 3,709]

Its a real shame , I hope its not fieldcraft thats going to be lost & left to demo's at fairs in 30 years time as history , sad really as rabbits a healthy meat as well

[Country Joe 1,411]

Carrying your bag, nets,ferrets and spade and your catch is not easy, especially at my age.

I started out years ago with a Lurcher and six nets in my pocket, I was happy to return with a rabbit.

A young 64 Ferreter.

Edited November 16, 2012 by Country Joe

[rob190364 2,594]

Carrying your bag, nets,ferrets and spade and your catch is not easy, especially at my age.

I started out years ago with a Lurcher and six nets in my pocket, I was happy to return with a rabbit.

A young 64 Ferreter.

no reason why you can't travel that light again.

[NEWKID 27,048]

That's shame mate, I ferrteted/ lamped etc all the time as a kid to my early 20's then I got into other things that took up my time so drifted out of it......... but once your bitten the desire to hunt never goes away, In the last 4 years or so I'm back into it more than ever, theres nothing quite like a frosty morning, ferrets, lurcher and nets and sometimes the size of the bag is outweighed by the out there and doing it feeling ( well it is for me anyway)...... The men who showed me the ropes as a kid are sadly gone and I supose there is some nostalgic connection to ferreting for me as well........ good luck in your descion mate, but you may miss it more than you realise

[stealthy1 3,964]

Your not alone in your decision, I know a lot of folk that are packing up, ferrets, shooting, running dogs, due to costs like fuel, ammo, or just because its not PC these days, keep a couple as pets, just work them when you get something for them to do