Ferreting(Hunting with ferrets)probably started around the same time of the ferret domestication. Ferret Keepers were able to keep track of there ferrets by bells on their collar and/or a line attached to them. Today, ferret keepers use a ferret finder(a radio collar). The Countryside Alliance recommends that no ferret should enter the ground unless they are wearing a working radio collar. This is the change in how Ferreting was performed in the 14th century and the way it is done today. How is it done? The Hunters or Ferret Keepers would release a couple of ferrets near the burrows of rabbits. The ferrets would then enter the burrows in search. The purpose of the ferret was to locate the prey and chase them out. Once the rabbit was out it would be caught in nets and killed by the hunter. Sometimes nets weren't used and hunters would send out their dogs or a hawk after the prey. As Ferreting became more popular and the ferret gained respect, highly educated people took up the sport. Ferreting is still enjoyed by many people in Australia and Europe. In the UK, they believe ferreting is an effient and important service of controlling the rabbit population. It is sometimes the only method available for rabbit control, as it can be used in areas such as banks and verges adjacent to footpaths and roads. BUT, Ferreting however is ILLEGAL in the USA and Canada. Some Questions and Answers These were found on Countryside Alliance. All credit goes to them. I only post these here for informational purposes. Why do rabbits need to be killed at all? There are now almost 60 million rabbits in the UK approx. Rabbits are considered agricultural pests and cause substantial losses to farmers and growers. Are there more humane ways of killing rabbits? The main alternative method is gassing. It is very expensive and unlike Ferreting it kills everything else that may be in the rabbit's warren. Is Ferreting cruel to Ferrets? No. It simply makes use of the Ferrets natural hunting ability. It is impossible to force a ferret to work. Experienced ferreters value their animals and take considerable care to ensure their health and safety. Electronic ferret finders ensure that a ferret is not lost. Ferreting Links Fowlers Ferrets Countryside Alliance National Ferret Welfare Society Ferrets & Ferreting Ferretting.Net Pakefield Ferrets BACK TO MAIN PAGE