Ferreting is the popular field sport that uses ferrets, a relative of the European Polecat and a member of the "mustelid" family, to control rabbits to reduce the damage rabbits cause to agricultural and forestry crops in the United Kingdom. Unchecked, rabbits can cause millions of pounds in lost revenue for the UK's farmers and the use of ferrets is an effective control mechanism to manage the population of wild rabbits.
The use of ferrets to hunt rabbits has a long history, there are accounts of ferreting described as far back as the ancient Greeks. The first mention of ferrets in the UK come from the 12th century when owning a ferret seemed to hold some status in society.
So, what does ferreting involve?
There are a number of ways that ferrets can be used, below is a brief summary of the main methods. Most ferreting takes place in the winter months as vegetation will have died back making access to the burrow entrances easier and reducing the chance of a ferret coming across a nest of young rabbit kits underground which often results in a holed up ferret.
Purse Netting
This is by far the most common way to use ferrets and involves introducing the ferret into the tunnel network that rabbits use whilst all entrances to the tunnels are covered with a purse net:
A purse net is a net which is pegged at one corner with a running loop around the edge. The nets are placed over the entrance to holes and secured in place with pegs
The ferret is then entered into one of the holes:
And will work its way through the burrow complex and in the process flush rabbits out and into the nets. When the rabbit hits the net, it tightens and holds the rabbit so it can't escape. The rabbit is then humanely dispatched and the net reset as the ferret will continue to work the burrows flushing further rabbits if they are in residence. When the ferret is finished working the burrow it usually comes to the surface and then the ferreter moves on to the next burrow complex.
Long Netting
Similar to the method used in purse netting but instead of netting the individual holes, a net up to 100 yards long is used to surround the area around a set of holes/warren that the ferret is to be introduced to. The setting of the net needs to be perfect so that the rabbits get caught in it and not bounce off. This involves not having a tight net and a net will therefore decrease in length quite considerably. The net is attached to poles roughly five paces apart. The ferrets are then entered into the burrow and flush rabbits out. The rabbits are then dispatched humanely and ferreting continues until the ferreter feels that the burrow is empty.
Both forms of netting mean that the rabbits are quickly and efficiently dispatched with no meat damage meaning they can fetch premium prices at the game dealer when sold.
Shooting
If no nets are available or the position of the burrow complex means netting is not an option due to the terrain or level of cover shooting may be an option. Guns stand in safe positions around the area the ferret will be working and shoot any rabbits that are bolted/flushed by the ferret. This form of shooting is often fast paced and requires excellent marksmanship and reactions. Great attention to safety must also be taken to ensure all guns are aware of safe arcs of fire and the position of all the people taking part
Hawking and Using Dogs
Ferreting can also be done with the help of hawks and dogs, these taking the place of a shooter. The ferret is entered into the hole/warren and the rabbits are flushed. Then if you are using a hawk, it is released so it can pursue the rabbit and hopefully make the kill. This is best done in open areas as hawking in areas of dense cover will be difficult.
Using dogs is similar to using hawks. The dogs are used to catch the rabbit as they bolt from the hole after the ferret has been entered.
Dogs, hawks and shooters can all be used in conjunction with nets as they enable any rabbit that avoids a net to be added to the bag.
The most frustrating part of any ferreting trip is the possibility that the ferret will corner a rabbit under ground in a dead end tunnel and kill the rabbit. Often the ferret will then stay with the rabbit to eat it’s fill. This can result in a long wait or lots of digging to locate the ferret.
Basic Equipment and Advice
Ferreters use a wooden carrying box to carry their ferrets around the field and transport them form home. This ensures that the ferrets are safe and warm when not being worked.
A ferreter must also carry a spade to dig out any ferret which stays with a kill it has made. A useful piece of equipment in such a situation is a radio locator and locater collar. A collar is placed around the neck of the ferret with a radio transmitter attached to it. This transmitter can then be picked up by the locater which tells the ferreter exactly where the ferret is in the burrow.
