Hi mate,
I went rabbiting for years with out locators,you just get to no with time and experience how your ferrets work,
but now i wouldnt go out with out it,it makes life a lot les stresful.
as for feeding,try dryed food and trimed flesh make sure theres no spent shot in the meet,and feed them the night before
you go out,take some food and water with you if it is going to be a long day.
A healthy ferret is a good ferret,(you cant beat them)
hope you have lots of good luk.
keep your powder dry.