Ferret Feature
The Independent Ferret Group organises this area and hopes to dispel some of the myths and to make magic for ferret fans old and new.
Twenty ferrets will be on this stand for the duration of the show. They will be doing things they like to do: eat, sleep and play and occasionally race each other. Ferrets are naturally intelligent and curious which makes them a lot of fun to watch.
Displays and Workshops
The Independent Ferret Group will be running a Seminar/Workshop on showing and judging and it is hoped that they will also be running Long Netting Displays.
Ferret Racing
This is always very entertaining and popular. All the ferrets that will be at the show are part of the charity race team. It is nice to be able to help organisations to raise funds but the aim of the Independent Ferret Group is to promote the ferret and field sports at all events.
Ferrets will not be for sale at this event.
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.
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.
