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…
Edward Cook
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…
What’s the best shot size and rimfire ammunition for shooting rabbits?
In your opinion, which is the best shot size for killing rabbits cleanly? I use one ounce Trap 7.1/2s but two 'keeper friends say I should be using 5s because…
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 deep is the average rabbit burrow?
How deep is the average burrow and what's the deepest set you've ever come across? Also, how high above the ground should you set the noose on a rabbit snare?
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…
Controlling rabbits with firearms certificated air rifles (FAC)
What’s the best way to approach rabbit control? That depends on a considerable amount of factors, including habitat, land use, neighbouring land, and so on, for each job. On very few occasions can you…
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…
Is gassing rabbit burrows as good as ferreting them?
Over the years I have given several people permission to go ferreting on my land, but none have ever really got on top of the job.
What causes colour variations in the rabbits I’m ferreting?
I have taken on some new ground just four miles from farms which I’ve been ferreting for several years. Apart from two black rabbits netted in the 15 years I’ve…
Are my rabbiting purse nets ok for working in cover?
Rabbiting purse nets: I buy ready-made 4ft purse nets which work fine on grass and other open ground but I seem to lose a lot of rabbits in any cover.…
I would like to start hawking for rabbits with a bird of prey
I would like to start using a hawk on rabbits, but don’t mind admitting I know nothing at all about the sport, having only seen birds flown at game fairs.…