Hi Hob Nob,

I would recommend getting in touch with the experts and chatting to them at the game fairs this summer... the ones that aren't rained off. James McKay or Simon Whitehead at Pakefield Ferrets will offer you sound advice and one or other of those two or other ferret-wise individuals are bound to be at a show near you. You'll definitely find them at The Midland Game Fair in September.

In terms of books, James McKay's Complete Guide to Ferrets, Simon Whitehead's Ferreting for the Future and Jackie Drakeford's Working Ferrets are all recommended reads among many others. You can get them online at www.countrybooksdirect.com and www.attacc.com (Attleborough Accessories).

One of the best ways, of course, to get into ferreting is to try and get hold of someone who will show you the ropes. A word in the right ear at your local shoot or in the right country pub will often pay dividends.

Yours, Alastair