The countryside doesn’t run itself. It needs help from all those who work the fields, the woodlands, rivers and those who manage and control the many pests that inhabit our countryside.
Fishing shooting and hunting help our rivers, hedgerows and woods to thrive. The benefits to all the wild birds, mammals, flora and other fauna from these pursuits is too long to mention, but this is easily forgotten by those who find it convenient to forget.
There are many more pieces to the jigsaw, some not as high profile as fishing, shooting or hunting but never the less they have their place, for without them the balance of nature would be upset.
Ferreting provides an environmentally friendly pest control service, the chance to look at the countryside and learn about nature, field craft and responsibility towards animals. It also provides an abundance of organic free range meat that has more protein and less fat content than pork, beef, lamb or chicken.
Ferreting is becoming ever more popular. To the ferreter, the ferret is as vital as the hound is to the huntsman, the gun and dog to the shooter and the fishing rod to the fisherman. But ferreting is often overlooked and forgotten about; we must never get complacent about the future of ferreting.
Like all other country pursuits it is under constant scrutiny in today’s society and we must develop and promote it appropriately and conduct it to the highest standards. The code of good ferreting practice unites these standards to make them easily available to all those who ferret and promote ferreting, showing the utmost respect for the quarry and environment. The code requires that ferreters, those who promote ferreting and ferret for sport or their livelihoods have a duty to abide by and remind others of the provisions of the code. The sponsoring organisations expect all ferreting in the UK to be provided and conducted to the letter and spirit of the code. Observation of the code will be a major factor in the enjoyment of ferreting as well as protecting its future. Breaches of the code may lead to the expulsion of those responsible from participating organisations
Rules to remember.
1. Treat your ferret with respect and provide first aid and veterinary care when necessary.
2. Ferrets are used to help control the rabbit population in an environmentally and economic manner, no action must bring this into disrepute.
3. Do not obtain a ferret without knowing how to care for it properly.
4. Promote ferreting in a responsible manner.
5. Use an electronic ferret finder when appropriate and use all reasonable efforts to avoid losing ferrets.
6. Ferreting must at all times be conducted within the law with the utmost respect for the rabbit, especially if using dogs in conjunction with the ferrets. Ensure the rabbit is despatched as quickly and humanely as possible
7. Ensure you leave the countryside as you find it, fill in any holes dug, restore any work done to hedges etc. remembering it isn’t just you but the whole of ferreting you are representing.
Ferreting behaviour
Ferreting and those who participate will be judged by the way participants and providers behave. All those who are involved in ferreting must act as ambassadors for ferreting by complying with the code and encourage those who ferret to do the same.
Always seek to help and support those who represent and promote your sport or livelihood.
Responsible ferreting
When ferreting you must take into account the public’s reaction and maintain the highest standards at all times.
Ensure that you have public liability insurance. Membership of certain sporting organisations carries such benefits as well as helping to ensure the continuation of ferreting as one of our traditional pastimes and livelihoods.
Ferreting only to be carried out with the permission of the farmer/landowner/agent and if possible have the permission in writing or a telephone contact number to produce for inspection whenever required.
The welfare of the ferret is essential; work only fit and healthy ferrets and transport in a suitable carrying box to protect the ferret.
When entering ferrets to ground, if possible, fit each ferret with a ferret finder collar. If this is not possible use a trained “liner”, preferably fitted with a ferret finder collar fitted. Always ensure you have a method of locating and retrieving your ferrets.
The ferret finder was not only designed not only to reduce the number of lost ferrets, but, with practice, and a good spade to ensure your time in the countryside is spent doing what you set out to do, and not to spend hours waiting for your ferret to surface again. No ferret must be left underground unless it is absolutely unavoidable, in which case all concerned must be contacted.
When using nets, devise a fail-safe method to ensure that none are left behind.
If using dogs, ensure they are properly trained, stock broken and under control.
If shooting bolting rabbits, REMEMBER that safety is paramount. Shoot within the law and be aware of your surroundings and at those around you, including riders and walkers.
To ensure continued access, treat the countryside with the respect it deserves, back fill any holes, leave no rubbish and report any damage you may see, unwanted visitors or aggravation experienced to the landowner/farmer/agent.
When ferreting, a mobile phone with good coverage is advisable in case of emergencies and in particular if you get a visit from saboteurs targeting you while following the local hunt, shoot or fishing match.
After a days ferreting, always check your ferrets and dog for injuries and unwanted visitors(such as fleas or ticks).
Promoting ferreting
Promoting ferreting means giving the full picture. Remember that what you say and do are the public face of ferreting. we must all act responsibly. Many see a nice healthy placid ferret at an event and automatically want one, but have no hutch at home, no food and no knowledge whatsoever of how to keep a ferret. That is why this code is against the sale of ferrets at events.
The wild rabbit is classed as a pest because of the damage rabbits do to grassland, crops, trees and the environment. We want a future for ferreting and to encourage people who are willing and keen to go ferreting.
Ferreting and the law
When you are working your ferrets there are a number of laws that relate to you. These laws include the:
Pest act 1954 and Rabbit Clearance Orders(Under Section 1) in particular-
Rabbit Clearance Order no.148 also
Occupiers Responsibilities in Rabbit Clearance Area (under section 1)
Spread of Myxomatsosis (Under Section 12)
The Wild Mammals(Protection) Act 1996
Agriculture act 1947
The Abandonment of Animals Act 1960
The Hunting Act 2004
These provisions make the rabbit a pest specie and provide for it to be controlled. Permission must be obtained from the landowner or land occupier(tenant) to use ferrets and dogs on their land. All landowners and tenants by law have a responsibility to ensure that rabbit son their land are controlled.
Firearms Act:
All guns used in connection with ferreting must comply with the relevant firearms law, and, must be covered by the relevant certificates.
Keeping dogs and ferrets under control:
The 1953 Dogs(protection of livestock)Act and the 1971 Animals act require dogs and ferrets to be kept under control.
(S.68 CJPO Act 1994;S.5 PO Act 1986;S1. Criminal Damages Act 1971;Breach of the peace at Common Law)
Where saboteurs trespass upon private land (including water, footpaths, tow paths, bridleways and byways) WITH THE INTENTION of disrupting, obstructing or intimidating you, each saboteur commits an offence. E&O.E.
© Copyright Ferreting Man's Rabbit And Vermin Control 2012
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