Each year, my business gets more and more deer work enquiries for curbing deer numbers. With a booming population here in the south of England it’s hardly surprising. You don’t…
Edward Cook
What are the benefits of ferreting with hawks?
Ferreting with hawks is something that has interested me for a long time. I’ve flown a few different types over the years, from Harris hawks to red-tails and goshawks. They…
Hare coursing and the changing face of rural crime
The poacher is a fabled part of country life. I am sure many country people have known a poacher or, perhaps inadvertently, even indulged in poaching themselves. (Read more on…
Just how deep do rabbits burrow down?
When you’re out walking and you come across a rabbit warren, you may well have wondered how far the tunnels reach along and down. Just how deep is the average…
Lamping rabbits – what happens when they get lamp shy?
Lamping rabbits: The rabbits around here are definitely getting lamp shy and bolt as soon as I switch on. Have you come across this, and is there any way around…
Childhood airgunning
I recently dusted off my first airgun that my parents bought me for my ninth birthday. This gun, along with copious amounts of enthusiasm, taught me a lot about hunting,…
How to control rabbits in and around solar farms
Rabbit management on solar farms Over the years, solar farms have popped up all over the country in a bid to utilise renewable energy. The sites vary in size, along…
Controlling rabbits with firearms certificated air rifles (FAC)
So you need to carry out some rabbit control. But what’s the best way to do it? That will depend on: Local habitat Use of land Neighbouring land So there’s…
So what is lamping?
Lamping is a simple procedure of shining a light around an area until a rabbit (or rat) is spotted, and the dog is then sent to get it. Lamping with…
Why being a rabbit catcher is my perfect job
Rabbit control has been my job since 2000 and I can certainly say the past 18 years have gone quickly. People have said to me on numerous occasions, “That is…
Air rifles and rabbit shooting
How close do I need to be to kill a rabbit with a .22 air rifle?
5 ways of ferreting
Ferreting for rabbits can achieved in five different ways by a ferret bolting them. Some work better in certain situations, but they all have their place. Some of these methods…
How to start ferreting
Ferreting is one of those activities that can be as complicated or as simple as you make it. For a newcomer it can seem quite daunting when you consider all the bits and bobs that…
Rabbiting Admiration!
RABBITING I have been lucky enough to travel across the UK to control and remove rabbit populations from all manner of places, some more bizarre than others, and this is…
How to make your own nets for ferreting
Edward Cook recommends some books that will help you learn how to make your own nets for ferreting
Should I get my ferrets chipped and tattooed?
Their ears aren't really big enough to tattoo but a good working ferret is an asset and you should get yours chipped if you value it
Can I feed my ferrets too much fish?
Ferrets like fish, it makes their coats looks great and it's safe to feed them fish every other day
How everyone can enjoy hawking
Hawking is a fascinating, healthy sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. Edward Cook explains just how easy it is to get going
Does handling ferrets regularly make them less likely to work?
One reader asks if a warning that regular handling will stop a ferret from working is correct
How do you breed ferrets with different eye colourations?
Another student at school says it’s possible to breed ferrets with different eye colourations. Is this correct and, if so, how do you go about breeding to get the colours…