I intend to have a shooting expedition over my ferrets and have invited some friends along. Do you have any tips that I can pass on for the day ahead?
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Simon Whitehead
I used to do a great deal of shooting over ferrets, but nowadays I rarely pick up a gun.
I would rather let some good friends do the shooting so that I can concentrate fully on my ferrets.
My top tip would be to pick your Guns carefully, as few things will excite a normally steady shooter like bolting rabbits.
Use white ferrets to help with identification, and give a talk beforehand to set the parameters of what is, and what is not, acceptable.
Get the safe arcs of fire established and make sure the rabbits have a chance to bolt well clear before any shooting begins.
Always ensure wounded rabbits are retrieved quickly and despatched humanely.
Many Guns underestimate the testing shot offered by a rabbit, and there is a considerable drain on the Guns, who have to be in a constant state of alertness.
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