CarlW
Well-Known Member
I think what @Fursty Ferret is saying is that you wouldn't need a defence if shooting a polecat.Interesting stuff - so could a reasonable defence be that you thought it was a feral ferret (alliteration) when you shot it?
Polecat Protected or not?
- Thread starter Foxyboy43
- Start date
I think that defence could hold water but it may have a noticeable hole in it if the whole article is entitled “Shooting Polecats “Interesting stuff - so could a reasonable defence be that you thought it was a feral ferret (alliteration) when you shot it?
I know we've got polecats in the FC woods nearby on the Clwydian hills, as I've previously caught the same one twice (in a space of 3 days, not the brightest bulb in the box !) in my fox cage trap.
They're grumpy and smelly. But I've never had any problems with them with our poultry, so they get released.
They're grumpy and smelly. But I've never had any problems with them with our poultry, so they get released.
palmer_mike
Well-Known Member
Forgive me if I’m wrong here, but I replied early on to this thread and the reply went missing.
I assumed that the reply I posted was removed by admin due to its content.
As it’s now been established that shooting polecats is not illegal will my reply be reinstated?
I assumed that the reply I posted was removed by admin due to its content.
As it’s now been established that shooting polecats is not illegal will my reply be reinstated?
Sonicdmb73
Well-Known Member
Certainly were, mine handled from a very young age made very good pets. They also worked their backsides off, I didn’t hold with the half starved idea of old. Well fed and good to handle, made for easier ferreting.
I had one in particular who spent more time in my pocket than his cage.
I would still have them but my wife says they’re smelly (ok maybe a bit) but the real downer is the lack of rabbits.
I used to make good money with them rabbit prices are about the same and numbers are a fraction of what they were.
On the OP topic I don’t think I have seen any true wild Polecats either where I grew up or round were I now live. I did see feral ferrets (used to cage trap a few) when I was growing up. We used to try catch them many ended up with their former owners.
I did once meet a lad who claimed to have first cross polecat/ferrets but in all honesty I think that they were poorly socialised ferrets.
CarlW
Well-Known Member
100% agree. The 'bread & milk, hungry ferrets hunt harder' brigade were idiots. They tended to be the same people who got bitten a lot...
I once had a fine white ferret called George, if he made a kill he would go to sleep but if you called long enough "George" he would come out. Anyway took him ferreting & did his usual kill, so I was on me hands & knees calling George down the rabbit hole, I didn't realise that the bank was next to a footpath, turned round to see 2 ramblers staring at me in disbelief, before making their sharp exit!. 
Fursty Ferret
Well-Known Member
I would also add that I actually welcome these awesome little predators in our countryside. We have a strong population here in east anglia and I am pleased to see them.
Sonicdmb73
Well-Known Member
Mine came to the whistle. A little lessI once had a fine white ferret called George, if he made a kill he would go to sleep but if you called long enough "George" he would come out. Anyway took him ferreting & did his usual kill, so I was on me hands & knees calling George down the rabbit hole, I didn't realise that the bank was next to a footpath, turned round to see 2 ramblers staring at me in disbelief, before making their sharp exit!.
to any onlookers
It was the blooming rabbits that bit me. Nearly cut through the tendon in my knuckle once. Got bitten pulled hand rapidly from hole. Warren was a Victorian tip, piece of pot stuck out. I still have the scar. I got the flipping thing though. Followed by a trip to the doctor for three stitches and back out ferreting.100% agree. The 'bread & milk, hungry ferrets hunt harder' brigade were idiots. They tended to be the same people who got bitten a lot...
Sonicdmb73
Well-Known Member
I would rather see them than Mink any day.
wildfowler1
Well-Known Member
We had a group from a local wildlife outfit of some sort release a load in Northamptonshire some years ago. I recall quite a few being run over. Havent't seen or heard of any for 15 years or so .Wf1
Protected. Just the same as the stock doves which robin foxer is shooting in his latest YouTube video. These people are the reason why this sports in so much bother
Foxyboy43
Well-Known Member
Call me old fashioned chaps but the more I read this thread the more I think “why, oh why would you shoot them?”. I may sound like a heretic to some but they surely are phenomenal creatures and if they do get into your henhouse does the blame not lie with you for not making it secure from such invaders?
May as well say the same about the subject of your username and signature emojiCall me old fashioned chaps but the more I read this thread the more I think “why, oh why would you shoot them?”. I may sound like a heretic to some but they surely are phenomenal creatures and if they do get into your henhouse does the blame not lie with you for not making it secure from such invaders?
Did you miss my post above yours? From the GWCT stating in certain circumstances shooting is legal.
For the majority of circumstances its not. I don't trap, shoot or kill them at all and I'm full time. There's not enough of them
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