stevematthews79

Thanks everyone for your supportive comments.

Sorry if this is not the place for this post, I just want other people views on taking their kids with them, this is not an ex-bashing post or somewhere for me to vent my frustrations.

Probably not, but in reality she has me over a barrel as she already withheld contact for 5 months, and I only got access with the interim court order if I agreed that she would not be brought into contact with any weapons. This being despite the fact that she was bringing her up Jehova's Witness against my will, tried to move to canada, etc (I managed to block that) , even though I have parental responsiblity. I thought if contacting the GNAS regarding archery - my view is that if my daughter wants to try it it is her choice. Best I can hope for is a shooting fishing falconry judge that isn't too backwards, but as I say I don't want to lose the access I already have again.

When you see a list of dog attacks by breed, I seem to remember that sheep dogs are one of the worst. I used to own the most beautiful staffordshire who was temperamental with other dogs (therfore I kept her on a lead at all times), however once my daughter who was about three at the time stood on her tail, Simba whined at just looked at me with no hint of agression. My ex wife did the same on a labrador when she was ten and got bitten. I would say that I am more in agreement with the bad owner rather than a bad breed.

To cut a long story short, my ex wife is trying to stop me taking our daughter hunting when she stays with me, so she is making me basically sign a weapons ban when I am with my daughter (I enjoy air rifles and Archery). As I have to stick to the temporary court order I took my daughter ferreting at easter (we only got one rabbit but the pressure I was under to catch it was unbelievable - my daughter (6 at the time) kept muttering "I only want to get one rabbit, I hope we catch one rabbit".), and doing some falconry for for her 7th birthday which she said was the best present she had ever had, it was even better than when she got her nintendo ds! I took her for a Hawk walk where, 1 to 1, she flew a harris hawk, a barn owl and the most beautiful kestrel I' d ever seen. Anyone here take their kids out with them when they are enjoying whatever country sport is their thing? My daughter would love to give archery a go, but sticking to my guns may mean I lose the access I already have? Love to hear from anyone with any advice. Regards Steve

i thought that the rabbits bolted when they could smell the ferret's smell rather than because it confronts the rabbit. This theoretically should reduce lay ups as the rabbit has a few seconds to bolt. Take your point that u are making though i'm not a vet and there may health or recovery issues. Removal of scent glands is very much an american practice from what i can tell, i had considered it but for the reasons above but decided about looking any further into it.

hi not going 2 get his scent gland removed as that would be for my benefit rather than the hob. I'm going to stick to good cleanliness routine and try out some essential oils in a burner rather than a sydnthetic fragrance if they can cause problems.

my ferret is being kept indoors in my flat in a large cage and is let out for a few hours a day to play about. Decided on a change of name after it escaped and drew blood on my flatmate after terrorising her when she couldn't catch him. Either houdini or asbo can't quite decide yet. The next few days will tell which name i go for! Cage has now been secured. Definite design flaw considering it was advertised as ferret cage. Had to cable tie the removable tray as the ferret also found it to be removable and squeezed underneath!

you may want to check out ebay for nets and boxes. I managed to get 30 hemp nets for 50 squid a few years ago. Hemp all the way far fewer tangles than nylon just make sure they are dry b4 u pack them away as they can rot. Well worth paying the extra for hemp imho. Just ordered a new box from the ferret box company check em out on ebay 2. i wouldn't buy a ferret locator from ebay tho just dubious about electrical goods and their reliability. Sure u'll get some good advice on here from some more experienced ferreters. Most importantly have fun when u get going! Regards steve

One of the funniest films I've seen in years, one for golfers and non-golfers alike!

hi people finally got my new ferret today, a 6 month poley hob. He is a rescue from sid's ferret welfare in bradford. They had him brought in cos he didn't get on with other ferrets and was full of beans and a bit lively for the previous owner. I've never seen a ferret dance as much as this one when if gets excited, and was straight into tunnels and small spaces when i got him home so looking good for when i work him and man is he quick. He doesn't smell too much but was curious what air freshness people used, or oil burners or whatever to minimise smell. I'm having him castrated as soon as his bits drop and using decent litter recommended by pet shop. Any other tips for me and my new flatmate/ daughters new pet welcome. And she has given him his name. Big boy

Hi hopefully not a daft question, but as you can rest a gas ram on a fence post when out shooting, would it be possible to shoot one from a bipod? The rabbits around here are shy as they come and I could do with getting one over them! any advice appreciated.

buying second hand you can get a lot more gun for your money. A lot of older guns that were silly money in there day can be had for a very reasonable price and often have seen very little use. There is also very little in accuracy difference between a high quality, well maintained 10-15 year old rifle and a new one for the same money IMHO. I am having as much success with my 1983 Theoben Sirocco Deluxe gas ram as my friend using a similar priced PCP now I have got my technique sussed, and my theoben feels so much more comfortable in the shoulder and satisfying to shoot. The walnut woodwork also puts my friends PCP to shame. Keep an eye out in the classifieds, or ask around at your local gun club. you never know what someone may have in the back of their gun cabinet that they are no longer using and from a gun club is more likely to have been well maintained with. Avoid anything that has had a T R Robb kit fitted. Chances are the seals will be damaged and the work has been carried out by an amateur, not to mention any other problems you get with "fiddling".

I'm not too got at DIY but I cobbled one together out of a piece of wood I found in my dads shed. 2 hours later I took it with pride to show my old man (1st thing I've made since woodwork at school). For some reason he wasn't too happy with it. Turns out I used a very expensive sheet of mahogany to make it! Did the job tho!

No, was gonna handle them both just heard that there may be a problem with the pet wanting to play more than go down the burrows. I always handle my ferrets daily never been bitten yet! That's why I'm here for advice! May just go for one hob although was concerned that as they are social creatures they may kind of miss the company. Any advice appreciated.

Hi I'm back 4 some ferret advice again. I have been told by my landlord that I can keep pets in cages at my flat, so looks like me and ferrets are going to become acquainted again. Just have a few questions that need answered. Would I be able to keep a kit and a yearling in the same cage. I am wanting to be able to work one and keep the other as a pet for myself and my daughter, and would like to be able to work one this winter coming. The kit would be brought up to be the pet and for my daughter to walk on a lead and play with, the other I intend to keep a little more wild so it is more eager to work. I will be getting both neutered to reduce the smell, would like a jill to work and a hob as a pet. Could I keep the 2 in the same cage? If not I would go for 2 jills as I prefer jills for working. Any advice would be welcome. TIA Steve

"That is an American practise and if you go to a British vet asking for it to be done you will be chased, because the operation is for your benefit not the ferrets. " Fair comment well made. Thought it was a bit dubious myself but wanted the views of more experienced ferret owners. Another thing, the hob would be a house pet, however when I go on holiday would it be ok to keep it outdoors for a period. I have a large hutch at my parents however they are not so keen on keeping a ferret indoors? Just want to make sure the shock of indoors to outdoors would not be an issue. Just covering all the bases at the min, so appreciate advice. Thanks in advance

I am considering taking on a hob as a house pet for my daughters birthday, keeping it in a 3 Tier ferret cage. My question is would the ferret still be suitable for working or is it going to be too domesticated. My understanding is that they are very inquisitive and the hunting instinct should still be there but would appreciate any advice. Also where do people stand with removal of the scent gland? Is this necessary? Appreciate any advice. Thanks Steve

I bought this knife when I was going through one of my impulsive buying moods about 5 years ago with the intention of collecting interesting old knives. Focussing on Air Rifles now so its up for grabs. I’ll try to describe as best I can. If you are interested in acquiring this knife for your collection or as an unusual gift, please email me for pics. They are too big to put on the post here. 1950s/60s - 7 in 1 sportsmans knife made by Conboy Craftsmen, inc - Utica New York (more aimed at the Fisherman) Carbon Steel - no rust and only light marks. Plastic or Bakelite handles Full tang Boxed Leather Sheath Original Instruction Leaflet Looks like its only ever been out of the box a few times in its life From leaflet it’s a : 1. Keen Edged Knife of finest High Carbon Cutlery Steel 2. Leader and wire snipper 3. Disgorger 4. Fish Scaler 5. Skinning Hook (Fish or Game) 6. Long nose pliers 7. Sinker Crimper “The Sportsman’s knife you’ve hoped someone will build†If anyone is interested price is £35 including postage to anywhere in the uk (email me for postage costs outside the UK), or would swap for bipod (or night vision scope - no harm in asking! ) Fairly new here but have excellent score on Ebay - username stevematthewsuk if you want to check me out. Usual applies - will only mail when funds have cleared - Cash, Cheque or postal order. Thanks for your interest Steve

Thanks for replying, you both have PMs.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Haven't had enough ferrets to answer that fairly, would be better advice from a more experienced ferreter. I got mine for free off someone that used to mate his ferretsand then give them away rather than spay his jill. I'd advise spaying them rather than having to breed them every year as rehoming 8 ferrets can be rather difficult and then can become an ethical decision as what to do with them.

I rescued an albino and a silver. Albino was useless as hunting but friendly so I gave her to my daughter as a pet, however the silver was a great little worker and still friedly enough. Its great fun when you get into it. Good luck with it!

Hi people. When I lived up in Cumbria I got into ferreting (got shown the basics by a friend), however I'll health and other circumstances meant a move back to yorkshire and I couldn't keep my ferrets. I used to take my duaghter with me from the age of 18 months, and she absolutely loved it. In fact, rabbit was the only meat she'd eat for 2 years and only then if she had caught them, cleaned them and helped me cook them. I was wondering if there was anyone that ferrets in the local area that would fancy coming to my permission one day when I have my daughter for a bit of ferreting (She is 5 now). I know its a bit cheeky, but as they say up North, shy bairns get nowt! I have about 30 hemps net that I could bring along, and tho I don't drive were you able to come here I would pay your petrol as a thank you. I would love to see the knowledge of traditional country sports suchg as ferreting and Air Rifles passed on to the next generation. Look forward to getting any replies. Thanks in advance Steve

THe first permission is the hardest, but once you have the first others should follow. I used to shoot on a farm, and focussed on his rabbit problem, and after making a dent in them with ferrets and the air rifle, I mentioned that the rabbits were wising up and running into neighbouring farms. As it is illegal to allow your your pellet to leave your boundaries of permission land, I asked if he could speak to the neighbouring farms so I could shoot the rabbits on their land. He was happy to return the favour (I'd dented his rabbit population) and asked his friends who owned the neighbouring land (farmers are a close knit group) and my permission trebled over a few weeks. Treat your request for permission as a job interview and things should fall into place given time. The obvious thing after getting permission is to be polite and drop of a bottle/crate of the farmers favourite tipple at Christmas to keep him happy. Good luck with your shooting. Steve