Advise On Getting Started

[luke22nda 1]

Hi,

I'm interested in taking up ferreting looks a brilliant way to hunt I live out in the sticks of oxfordshire and im surrounded by farms and allotments etc and I don't think I'll struggle to find somewhere to catch rabbits and rats.

 

I was wondering if anybody could offer me any advice on what's the essential equipment needEd?

 

I'm looking to have 3 ferrets is this a good idea too many or not enough?

 

Does anybody have any current working ferrets forsale?

 

Is there anybody on here from oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire who ferrets maybe I could tag along get some hands on.

 

So if anybody has some advise I would much appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance

[Nobby8126 96]

As a newcomer myself mate the advice you'll get on here is great, but do your homework yourself aswell. Read up (loads of books out there) plenty of stuff on YouTube aswell. Make sure you have the time to put into your ferrets and unless you get a bunch of seasoned workers don't be expecting big numbers. Personally I've enjoyed learning at my kits pace it's been great to watch them progress and you'll soon find out that missed rabbits are generally your fault. As I say mate read up and take the advice on here these guys really look after thier ferts. Kit plays a big part aswell.

 

I won't advise on numbers and set up as I'm learning myself but I have 2 Jill's and a hob and find them manageable.

 

One thing I will say is you'll chuffin love it. Get your self around local farms searching for permissions and read up on the fieldcraft side of things.

Edited February 1, 2015 by Nobby8126

[threelander 81]

your gonna need some nets luke.i can ix you up with some of those mate

[Gaj1612 99]

couple ferrets a locator some nets a carry box and and a nice shovel. marking dog is also helpful but not essential

 

id keep at least 2 ferrets as they like company, you might struggle to get a few that are working at this time of year. might be better off waiting and getting a couple of kits and start next season. kits are good fun anyway and gives you time to buy the gear in bits. alot of people sell up in the summer so might get a few bargains.

 

go for some heavy nets and not the bisley 4oz crap or youll be forever untangling the things. theres people on here that make them to whatever size and colour you want, brighter colours are better as you can see them easier and dont tend to leave any behind.

 

locator is the most expensive thing youll have to get and to me they are essential as when the ferret kills underground your not sat around all day waiting for it to pop out again just a quick dig and your away. dont forget if you working more than one ferret youll need a collar for each ferret and theyre about quid each.

 

carry box you can pick up a decent one on eblay for about 20 quid wether you want a single, double of tripple is up to you and depends on how many ferrets you get.

 

youll want a decent spade, most people recommend a bulldog as theyre good quality solid spades that last a lifetime. im tight so ive got a cheapy one but my i dont have to dig very often.

 

if you have a dog thats working rabbits and will mark then they make life ten times easier as you dont have to ferret any empty sets and can waste most of the day. with a dog marking for you, you can just ferret the occupied sets and get a few more in the bag. i use my little lakie x russell bitch and she also works cover for my lurcher. dont forget the break the dog to the ferrets before you try and work them together, also livestock if theres any around where your planning to go ferreting.

 

 

best advice is to just go and have a go. theres no substitute for experience just go and have fun. i dont know if you know anyone who is on here but a lot of people wont take strangers on their permission and they can ruin it for them or go back without you knowing so probably be worthwile trying to get your own perm before you start.

 

 

best of luck

[luke22nda 1]

Thanks for the reply, I've been considering it for a while now. Been doing my research online and youtube but I thought it was probably a good idea to speak to peoplE

 

I think I just need to get out there give it ago and learn from my mistakes. Like I said Im surrounded by farms and land so hopefully I'll find somewhere the village shop have an advertisement board so I think I'll stick an advert up if something comes up before I have ferrets I'll just take the rifle and Patterdale down there so could be a win win.

 

Once again thanks for the advise.

[Gaz6br 193]

Yes start with 2 ferrets see how you get on then build your team as you need them, get young ferrets handle every day if only for 5 mins, locator and 2 collars, bag of purse nets I'd say 40/50 to start with see how you get on you can all ways get more. A nice box to carry the ferrets in when out and a good digging spade.

Longnets and dogs can come at a later date when your sure you like what your doing

Also extra pair of hands in a team is very useful very hard work on your own

 

But be warned it can be addictive

 

Gaz