Mole trapping for rough shooting.

[vole]

I have been trying to get some permission closer to home.I have penned a few polite letters I think saying all the right things to farms nearby where the moles seem to be running (or burrowing ) riot. Not a single reply. Are farmers less bothered by moles as I think its a fair deal myself. Could understand if its someone elses shooting but thought I might have a bit of success. I considered visiting but dont like to bother busy folk and driving a banger didnt want to put them off. What you fellers think,please?

Edited March 13, 2008 by vole21

[CharlieT]

Did you enclose a SAE for their reply ?

[vole]

I did on the first few then just phone numbers and email address. Thought it may have seemed pushy to include a SAE.Am open to suggestions though as am relatively new to this. In my past you were allowed to shoot your air rifle anywhere on the land around my village as long as you lived there .

[vole]

So is this a worthwhile approach to offer mole trapping? I think it worked on my main shooting permission.I thought that the little black blighters on the barbed wire made a good impression.In fact some days I didnt even take the gun,just concentrated on the moles,especially the visible ones. May try another couple of farms then jack it in if no offers.

Edited March 14, 2008 by vole21

[Cranfield]

There are few approaches that beat the face to face, the Farmer/Landowner is going to want to know what you look like before making any decisions.

Writing a letter is a good idea, but you must follow it up.

Call at the farms and refer to your letter, then offer to do any small jobs (like mole clearing), in exchange for some vermin shooting.

 

Think like the Farmer, his land is his back garden, would you let someone in your back garden without first having the chance to meet them and suss them out ?

[vole]

Thanks Cranfield,may well pop a shirt on and break the ice then.Is it worth mentioning I can use air rifle or Hushpower if they prefer? Cheers.

[Cranfield]

Most Farmers with large arable fields expect you to be using a standard shotgun, but if there are problems near Farm buildings, livestock, or sensitive neighbours, it wouldn't hurt to mention that you also use air weapons and a hushpower.

[mel b3]

i've found that offering to trap / poison moles , is the fastest way to get shooting permission.

over the last few years , i've even been in the fortunate position of being able to turn down shooting.

one thing that you do need to be mindfull of is the fact that someone else might be shooting the land , this may well end up with you doing the hard work and some other shooter getting all the sport .

killing moles is a very good way in , just be carefull that your not just being a busy fool.

 

edited to add , i'm not sure if you have experience of mole clearance or not , if you want someone to show you the ropes , give me a shout , you're not a million miles away so you could pop down for a few hours and i'll take you to one of my farms to show you how it's done.

Edited March 16, 2008 by mel b3

[vole]

Thanks Mel.I would not like to tread on any other shooters toes and would not even ask the landowner if I knew someone else shot it.Neither would I like to be used as you suggest could happen.I am actally ok at the trapping,thanks for the offer tho.Done it since in my teens and find it quite fun.When I see a field full of molehills as I drive along I feel like hopping over the fence to get among them.Am always keen to improve tho so might give a shout one day.Good points thankyou.

Edited March 18, 2008 by vole21