by Melanie Denyer

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: March 06, 2009

Ferrets, often a source of humour to us Brits, are a much under-rated hunting partner. Perhaps it's the stereotypical image of a slightly dim poacher keeping ferrets in deep trouser pockets - and suffering injury to his nether regions as a result - that means they're not taken seriously. Or maybe it's the lack of success novices have with their ferrets, losing them at the first trip, that makes them seem less reliable and hence less desirable for regular hunting, but in the right hands, a ferret is as reliable as a terrier and far less likely to get stuck down rabbit holes.

1. Choosing your prey
Ferrets are commonly used to hunt rabbits and other animals that live either in burrows or enclosed spaces, such as rats. Naturally, much depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you're an amateur trying to get shot of a serious rat infestation, don't even think about using a ferret: get the exterminator out and let him deal with the problem. By the time you've shelled out for a ferret, built a run, a hutch for sleeping and then got your new friend accustomed to you and its new environment, you're far better off getting the professionals in to do the job. On the other hand, if you happen to be partial to eating some wild rabbit, but are not so keen on shooting or trapping, ferrets are a good longer term bet.

2. Preparing the hunting trip
Assuming you've decided to hunt rabbits with your ferret, you're well advised to recce the area you've chosen for your hunting some time in advance. Head to where you're planning on hunting in the late afternoon or early evening and watch carefully from a distance (use binoculars if need be) to see how many entrances and exits there are to the warren, and make a rough note of where they are.

Once you're confident you've got the lay of things, make sure have either enough nets or noose traps (either is fine) to cover all the holes you've identified, plus half a dozen more for those you find on the day that weren't apparent on your recce. On the day of the hunt, give your ferret a small meal before you leave, and take a snack to feed it once you reach the hunting ground. Feeding the ferret beforehand is important because, should the ferret be too hungry, it will simply kill the first rabbit it gets its teeth on and then spend a long time satisfying its hunger and then, in all probability, sleeping off its meal. This is the main cause of lost ferrets. But its important not to feed your ferret so much it just wants to sleep when you reach

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