During the last twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in the rabbit population and this development has, in turn, been accompanied by a renaissance in ferreting. The appearance of an up to date, informative and instructional guide to this traditional form of rabbit control is therefore timely, and will be welcomed by those with an interest in country pursuits.Ferreting - An Essential Guide contains all the vital information you require in order to work ferrets successfully to catch rabbits using tried and tested traditional methods. It is based on the author's considerable practical experience, gained over many years, of ferreting both professionally and for sport.Outlines how to acquire, care for, and manage ferrets; examines how to effectively work a team of ferrets; discusses in detail netting, digging and the role of the ferreter's dog; analyses the behaviour and characteristics of rabbits, their feeding habits, and how their warrens are constructed and laid out; considers the essential equipment that is required in order to catch rabbits efficiently; analyses the latest electronic ferret finder sets and how they can be used. Written by an experienced professional ferreter and countryman. Ferreting is experiencing a renaissance, with more ferreters practising their art throughout the country. This up to date, informative and instructional guide will be welcomed by those who already work with ferrets, or who are on the point of taking up ferreting. Brimming with practical advice and tips, it is based on the author's considerable practical experience. Beautifully illustrated with over 124 colour photographs and 9 diagrams. Simon Whitehead is a professional ferreter, author and regular contributor to country sport magazines.

Originally published in 1880, this classic manual on ferrets and ferreting contains a great deal of advice and information still of much practical use to today's ferreters. Many of the earliest sporting books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing the most important of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. Contents Include: The Ferret and its Congeners; Ferret Keeping; Ferret Hutches; Ferret Courts; Feeding and General Management; Breeding Ferrets; Crossing Training and Working Ferrets to Rabbits and Rats; Working Ferrets for Shooting; Hints on Shooting For Ferrets; Diseases of Ferrets

A book for the true countryman of all ages. First published in the early 1900s, now reprinted in a fine-quality paperback edition for a new generation. It will stir many nostalgic memories for older readers and teach younger ones some new and unusual methods of taking various kinds of quarry. Its seven illustrated chapters cover 166 pages and include details and instructions on a fascinating variety of subjects, many of them now long vanished. It's a truly readable book from a more innocent age when the country was a freer place. We've reprinted this with genuine pleasure. It describes the sporting activities of a generation only just removed from ours but now separated forever by new legislation and a change in attitudes amongst out-of-touch urbanites. My father described it as 'almost a diary of my country childhood'. It is without doubt the most interesting book we've ever sold and I defy anyone with even a passing interest in the countryside or field sports to be able to flick through it without becoming absorbed. I : SPORTS DEPENDING ON DOGS: Badger-hunting; Stoat-hunting; Rat-hunting; Squirrel-hunting; Water-vole and Moorhen hunting; Wild-rabbit coursing; Hedgehog finding; Dog-racing; "Hunting the clean boot" II: SPORTS DEPENDING ON FERRETS: Ratting; Rabbiting III: SPORTS DEPENDENT ON BIRDS: Hawking small birds; Trapping and netting sparrows; Pigeon-racing; Tippler-flying; Hawking insects with jackdaws IV: SPORTS REQUIRING A GUN OR RIFLE: Rook and rabbit shooting; Sparrow and starling shooting; Wood-pigeon shooting; Shooting game with a bow and arrows V: SPORT WITH FISHES: Wiring jack and pike; Sniggling and spearing eels; Minnow and gudgeon fishing; Crayfish catching VI: MISCELLANEOUS SPORTS: Finding the eggs of certain birds; Viper-killing; Millipede-racing; Beetle-fighting VII: SOME MAJOR FIELD SPORTS: In the hunting field; Fox-hunting

Drawing on a lifetime’s experience, David Bezzant answers the question of why in this day and age the modern ferreter still practices the art, and for those who do, offers a comprehensive study of the ferret. Topics covered include the origin of the ferret; equipment and housing; care, management, and feeding; breeding and rearing kits; working the ferret; and llnesses and injuries. Illustrated throughout with photographs and drawings, this comprehensive study of ferrets and ferreting will appeal to keepers and ferreters everywhere.

Everything you need to know about your playful new pet Thinking of getting a ferret? It’s not unusual—millions of people worldwide keep ferrets as pets, and they’ve been domesticated for around 2,500 years! While they’re quiet for a lot of the day (catching up on important beauty sleep), when they’re awake, they’re lively, affectionate, and curious—and require lots of quality interaction with their humans. And that’s why a happy ferret is a well-trained one, whose owner knows everything there is to know about its needs! Ferrets For Dummies, 3rd Edition is here to make sure you become just that kind of owner, fully equipped to give your little friend the best possible home. It’s packed with practical information on feeding, housing, health, medical care, and much more. You’ll also find the latest on diet, dental hygiene, common ailments, and how to build an enjoyable and engaging environment for your smart, energetic new pet. There’s even a section on how to get to know your ferret properly (spotting those little mood swings) and how to introduce it to play well with friends and family. Make sure a ferret’s the pet for you Ferret-proof your home Keep a clean house Find the right vet Whether you have a jill (female), a hob (male), or a full “business” of ferrets (several), Ferrets For Dummies helps you ferret out whatever you need to know—and ensure that your fuzzy new pal is a healthy, happy member of the household.

Examines ferrets as working animals and explains how to keep them. Includes details on breeding, hand-rearing, and the proper anesthetics to use during surgery.

To those faced with running a shoot, the difficulties are very substantial and they require imaginative solutions. Running A Shoot - A Complete Guide contains many of the answers and is essential reading for all those involved in organizing and running shoots. This invaluable book is probably the most comprehensive work on the subject, and considers how to find suitable land, rental options, preparing a budget, letting days, keeping records, insurance, health and safety, taking over new ground, buying in poults or rearing chicks, shoot transport and habitat improvement. It examines in detail predator control, springtime management, rearing and releasing, game crops and summer tasks, and discusses the necessary preparation for the shooting season, the shooting day itself and how to avoid problems. Along with information on health, hygiene, diseases and veterinary legislation and a useful month-by-month summary of tasks and duties, it is essential reading for all those running a shoot efficiently and prodcutively. Superbly illustrated in colour with 95 photographs and 14 line drawings.