Pugs and Drummers
Simon Whithead of Pakefield Ferrets is one of only a handful of professional ferreters in this country who uses ancient field craft to control rabbits in an environmentally friendly way. He is resurrecting the name Pugs and Drummers which was used at The CLA Game Fair in the early 1970's for a display featuring this pursuit. 'Pug' is another name for ferret and 'Drummer', a name for the rabbit which, when alarmed, makes a drumming noise by stamping its feet to warn others.
Simon Whithead of Pakefield Ferrets is one of only a handful of professional ferreters in this country who uses ancient field craft to control rabbits in an environmentally friendly way. He is resurrecting the name Pugs and Drummers which was used at The CLA Game Fair in the early 1970's for a display featuring this pursuit. 'Pug' is another name for ferret and 'Drummer', a name for the rabbit which, when alarmed, makes a drumming noise by stamping its feet to warn others.
Ferreting was a traditional country pursuit popular with our ancestors and a route into the countryside for thousands of people in towns. Today the professional ferreter still uses a dog, net and ferret with methods based on those used 100 years ago but the addition of a few modern electronics now aids efficiency.
Twice a day there will be demonstrations in a small ring to educate, entertain and demonstrate the craft. Between demonstrations Simon or one of his team will show a variety of different aspects of ferreting such as how to make or lay nets and to answer any questions.
