Drey poking kit guide: essential equipment for grey squirrel control

Invasive grey squirrels cause serious damage to British woodland. Their numbers must be controlled. Therefore, having the right equipment is essential.

Grey squirrel control through drey poking remains one of the most effective management methods. It is especially useful in winter when leaf fall exposes nests and squirrels are less active.

Greys are classed as an invasive non-native species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Once caught, it is illegal to release them.

Their impact is severe. They strip bark from trees, kill broadleaf species, and outcompete native red squirrels. They also predate songbirds and cause economic damage to forestry and farming.

As a result, population control is a vital part of responsible woodland management.

What is drey poking?

Drey poking involves locating squirrel nests and disturbing them using long poles. Shooters then take squirrels as they bolt from cover.

The method requires teamwork, planning, and specialist equipment. It must be carried out outside the bird nesting season.

It is physically demanding work. Conditions are often cold, wet, and rough underfoot. Therefore, reliable kit is critical.

Essential equipment for drey poking

This traditional approach requires:

• A lightweight shotgun
• Hearing protection
• Cold-weather gloves with good dexterity
• Suitable cartridges for overhead shots
• Lofting poles long enough to reach high dreys

Success also depends on methodical coverage of woodland and landowner permission. Clear communication between Guns is vital.

EB Arms Blackthorn shotgun

The EB Arms Blackthorn is built specifically for the British market.

Unlike many designs, it is not adapted from other quarry shooting styles. Instead, it is purpose-designed for woodland vermin control.

Key features:

• Single-barrel semi-automatic shotgun
• 12-bore only
• 3in magnum chamber
• 28in barrel
• Five multichokes
• Weight: approx. 2.5kg

The lightweight build makes it easy to carry all day. However, it still manages recoil well with heavier loads.

The break-action offers clear safety when working close to other Guns. You can instantly see the chamber status.

Synthetic stock options also suit wet woodland conditions.

RRP from £410

Cartridges for drey poking – Hull Cartridge

Hull Cartridge has manufactured ammunition in the UK since 1947. It remains one of the country’s few domestic producers.

For squirrel control, Hull recommends two main options.

Hull Superfast Pigeon – No.6 shot

Best for traditional drey poking when targeting escaping squirrels.

Specifications:

• 29g load
• No.6 shot (2.6mm)
• Approx. 270 pellets
• Biodegradable fibre wad
• Semi-auto friendly

It offers dense patterns and reliable energy at woodland ranges. The fibre wad also avoids plastic litter in sensitive habitats.

RRP £90 per 250 slab

Hull Ultramax BB

Designed for shooting directly into dreys to destroy nests or dislodge squirrels.

This heavier load provides increased penetration and impact. It is useful where nests are solid or positioned high in tree forks.

RRP £180 per 250 slab

Bisley Active hearing protection

Woodland shooting creates a unique problem. You must hear companions clearly, yet protect your ears from reflected muzzle blast.

Bisley Active electronic defenders solve this.

Features:

• Amplifies quiet sounds
• Suppresses noise above 85dB instantly
• Slim, foldable design
• Independent volume control for each ear

This allows whispered warnings and clear communication during drives. Traditional passive defenders block too much sound.

They also fold flat for easy storage in a gamebag.

RRP £79.95

Ogden’s gamebags

A proper gamebag is essential for drey poking.

It should:

• Keep squirrels clean
• Allow airflow to cool carcasses
• Remain comfortable when full

Ogden’s Shooting Supplies is based in Oldham and designs bags specifically for field sports.

Design features:

• Three-layer canvas construction
• Waterproof internal membrane
• Removable washable liner
• 2in wide shoulder strap
• Separate waist strap
• Deep front netting that holds real game

Models:

Cambridge gamebag – RRP £89.99
Windsor gamebag – RRP £99.99

MacWet Climatec gloves

MacWet is a Scottish manufacturer known for grip in wet conditions.

The Climatec range is designed for winter use. It adds insulation while keeping excellent dexterity.

Why they suit drey poking:

• Aquatec material grips even when soaked
• Long cuff protects wrists and forearms
• Excellent trigger control
• Machine washable
• Designed to perform best when damp

Traditional leather gloves become slippery and bulky. Climatec gloves avoid this problem.

They allow safe gun handling while working in brambles and dense cover.

RRP £34.99

Agrigame sectional lofting poles

Agrigame offers sectional lofting poles rather than telescopic designs.

They are available up to 30ft long.

Advantages:

• Much greater rigidity
• Better control at height
• Threaded sections do not collapse
• Ideal for mature hardwood woodland

The drawback is portability. Sections must be assembled at each drey or carried pre-built.

They are aimed at professional pest controllers and serious squirrel control teams.

30ft set (six poles plus head): RRP £310.80

Safety in woodland shooting

Safety must always come first.

Key points:

• Use break-action guns when moving
• Confirm chambers are empty
• Maintain clear lines of fire
• Communicate constantly
• Wear hearing and eye protection

Woodland environments reduce visibility and amplify sound. Therefore, discipline and teamwork are essential.

Using harvested squirrels Grey squirrels are excellent eating and should not be wasted.

Young squirrels are tender and suit quick cooking. Older animals benefit from slow cooking. Their tails are also valued by fly-tiers.