See you later, my ally Gator
Shooting Times & Country|March 29, 2023
Strong they may be but rabbits are no match for a big polecat hob,
Simon Whitehead
See you later, my ally Gator

It was a bitter day; the wind was strong and it carried with it the threat of snow. The avenue of ancient stone walls channelled Tawny, Dotty and me to the grassy field on the other side, with rabbits to the left and rabbits to the right keeping both dogs on their toes.

The silence was abruptly broken by my gargantuan polecat hob, Gator, scratching urgently at the lid of his ferret box. It is a sound that never fails to raise my hackles and transport me back to when the excitement and anticipation of a day out was often better than the actual ferreting itself. It was a time when I was constantly questioning what I was doing and the decisions I was making. Tens of thousands of words later, here we are again, but this time both hardware and software have been updated.

Bobbing scuts

It was a chilled day in more ways than one and the only money changing hands was when I bought a cappuccino. Relaxation was the order of the day and all I carried was a box of ferrets, a spade and a bagful of enthusiasm. I approached the ground gingerly because, on the horizon, I could see a fair few scuts bobbing and weaving about. Today was going to be a good day. Cast off into the wind, my lurchers, Dotty and Tawny, got to work immediately. I am yet to witness any finer sight than that of watching your own dogs work in the environment for which you bred them. They ran elegantly with their noses held high, tasting the scent in the air as they stepped up a gear or two.

Noses down, tails wagging frantically, they worked methodically among the tussocks and reeds. Although they found plenty of fresh scent, no rabbits were out feeding, but a rock-solid mark signalled the appearance of the ferrets, Gator and Gracey.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023