Huntin’ Fool - All
City hunt. Ferrets, terriers and rat hunters.
In the grimy, war-torn streets of 1930s and 1940s England — particularly in industrial cities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool — the rat catcher (sometimes called “rat hunter” or “rat man”) was not merely a pest controller, but a vital public health officer. Amid economic depression, overcrowded slums, bomb-damaged buildings, and wartime food rationing, rats thrived. Their numbers exploded, threatening food supplies, spreading disease (notably bubonic plague and leptospirosis), and gnawing through infrastructure. Rat catchers were thus essential frontline workers in the battle for urban hygiene and survival.
Why Ferrets?
Ferrets were the rat catcher’s secret weapon. Agile, slender, and fearless, ferrets could slip into burrows, sewers, cellars, and rubble where rats nested — places too narrow or dangerous for humans or dogs. Once inside, they would flush rats out into the open, where dogs or traps awaited. Ferrets didn’t always kill the rats themselves; their role was primarily to *drive* them out. They were trained to return to their handler or stay near the exit, often wearing small bells or collars for tracking. Their natural hunting instinct, combined with trainability, made them indispensable — especially in bombed-out Blitz sites where rats colonized the ruins.
Dog Breeds Used for Rat hunting.
Rat catchers relied heavily on terriers — small, tenacious, and bred for vermin control. The most common breeds included:
- Jack Russell Terrier – Agile, fearless, and tireless, ideal for chasing rats above and below ground.
- Fox Terrier (Smooth and Wire-haired) – Fast and sharp-eyed, used for flushing and killing.
- Bull Terrier (Miniature) – Strong-jawed and muscular, capable of dispatching larger rats quickly.
- Bedlington Terrier – Surprisingly fast and lethal, with a lamb-like appearance belying its ferocity.
- Lakeland Terrier & Border Terrier – Hardy breeds used in tougher urban and semi-rural environments.
These dogs worked in tandem with ferrets: while ferrets drove rats from hiding, the dogs would corner, catch, and kill them — often with astonishing speed. A good ratting dog could dispatch dozens of rats in a single outing.
Rat hunters Earnings and Working Conditions
Rat catchers were typically paid per rat — often a few pence each — or received a small weekly wage from municipal councils or private contracts. In the 1930s, earnings might range from £1 to £3 per week, depending on location and employer. During the war, some were employed directly by the Ministry of Health or local authorities, with slightly better pay and protective gear.
It was grueling, dangerous, and malodorous work. Rat catchers crawled through sewers, scaled bombed-out buildings, and risked bites, disease, and collapsing structures. Many wore heavy boots, leather gloves, and sometimes gas masks in particularly foul environments. Despite the risks, it was steady work — rats, after all, were recession- and war-proof.
Why Was It Important? Urban Hunting Defined
Rat catching was critical for three main reasons:
1. Public Health – Rats carried deadly diseases. Controlling their populations helped prevent epidemics.
2. Food Security – With rationing in place, every ounce of food mattered. Rats consumed and contaminated tons of food.
3. Morale & Infrastructure – Rats undermined morale and gnawed through electrical wires, wooden beams, and even gas lines — a serious fire and safety hazard.
This profession can rightly be called “urban hunter” — not for sport or sustenance, but for civic survival. Unlike rural hunting, it took place in alleyways, basements, tube stations, and rubble-strewn streets. The quarry was not deer or pheasant, but an intelligent, prolific, disease-ridden foe thriving in the shadows of civilization. The tools were not rifles but nets, traps, dogs, and ferrets — and the battleground was the city itself.
The Famous Photograph: Jim Fortey and Alf Greenwin at South Tottenham Station, September 1941.
One of the most iconic images of British wartime life was captured by photojournalist Bert Hardy in September 1941. The black-and-white photograph shows two London rat catchers — **Jim Fortey and Alf Greenwin** — standing proudly beside their tools of trade at South Tottenham Station.
They are dressed in worn work clothes: flat caps, heavy jackets, and sturdy boots. Between them are stacked wooden and wire cages containing alert, bright-eyed ferrets. At their feet sit two terriers — likely Jack Russells or similar — poised and ready. The men’s expressions are calm, almost stoic; they look like tradesmen who know the value of their grim work.
The setting is not rural or pastoral, but unmistakably urban, industrial, and war-torn. The image encapsulates the quiet heroism of civilian workers on the Home Front — not soldiers, but guardians of public health in a city under siege from both bombs and vermin.
Hardy’s composition is deliberate: the symmetry of the men, the cages, the waiting dogs — it’s almost a portrait of professionalism amid chaos. The photograph was published in *Picture Post*, Britain’s most popular photo magazine, and helped elevate the rat catcher from a shadowy figure to a symbol of resilience.
Rat Hunters Legacy
By the late 1940s, modern rodenticides, improved sanitation, and rebuilding efforts reduced the need for traditional rat catchers. The profession faded, replaced by pest control companies and poison baits. But in the 1930-40s, men like Fortey and Greenwin were unsung urban hunters — protecting cities not with guns or fire hoses, but with ferrets, terriers, and sheer grit.
Even the most humble professions can be heroic — and that sometimes, the fiercest battles are fought not on battlefields, but in basements, sewer, and railway stations, with a terrier at your heel and a ferret in your pocket.
https://m.uh.app/news/rat-hunter-dogs-ratters-during-the-first-world-war-terriers-were_KnziwKqDEe-Dsht7k2Ti7A
Hunting Season Dates in Mpigi: Regulatory Caps and Seasonal Closures, License Requirements, Penalties and Legal Outcomes for Infractions, Strategic Planning, Best Timing, Equipment Selection
1. Official Hunting Periods in Mpigi
Hunting in Mpigi is carefully structured to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with sustainable hunting practices. The region’s hunting calendar is divided into distinct seasons that correspond to ecological and behavioral patterns of the game species:
Big Game Season: June to October — This period is ideal for hunting species such as bushbuck, warthog, and duiker, as dry conditions concentrate animals near water sources, improving visibility and tracking success.
Small Game and Bird Season: November to February — Following the rains, this season focuses on species like guinea fowl, francolin, and hares, which are more abundant due to increased vegetation and food availability.
These seasons are influenced by climatic factors, including dry and wet cycles, as well as breeding patterns that necessitate temporary closures to protect vulnerable populations. Mpigi enforces stricter seasonal bans compared to some neighboring regions, emphasizing sustainability. Recent reforms have shortened big game seasons to safeguard declining antelope populations while extending bird hunting windows.
2. Game Seasons and Wildlife Behavior
The seasonal behavior of wildlife in Mpigi is closely tied to environmental conditions. During the dry season from June to October, water sources become focal points for big game species, making them easier to locate and hunt. Animals such as bushbuck and warthog tend to concentrate in these areas, increasing hunting efficiency. Conversely, the wet season brings abundant vegetation growth, which supports larger populations of small game and birds. Species like guinea fowl and francolin thrive during this time, providing excellent opportunities for hunters specializing in smaller game. Understanding these seasonal shifts is critical for planning effective hunts and ensuring ethical practices that do not disrupt breeding or migration.
Mpigi hosts several exciting hunting-related events that attract enthusiasts from across Uganda and beyond. The most notable is the Annual Mpigi Hunting Expo, held every July at the peak of the dry season. This event features guided hunts, marksmanship competitions, and workshops on sustainable hunting practices. Local guides and wildlife experts share insights on tracking game, legal regulations, and conservation efforts. Vendors also showcase the latest hunting gear, from high-quality rifles to specialized camouflage clothing, making it a must-visit for both novice and experienced hunters.
3. Legal Limits and Seasonal Bans in Mpigi
Mpigi maintains strict protections for endangered and vulnerable species. Hunting of sitatunga, pangolin, and leopard is prohibited due to their conservation status. Regulations also impose sex and age restrictions, allowing only mature male antelopes over three years old to be hunted, thereby preserving breeding females and juveniles. Seasonal bans are enforced from March to May to protect breeding herds, and night hunting is prohibited year-round to minimize disturbance and enhance safety. These measures reflect Mpigi’s commitment to balancing hunting with biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.
4. Licensing Requirements and Application Process
To hunt legally in Mpigi, individuals must obtain a valid hunting license issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The application process requires valid identification, such as an ID or passport, and may include firearm permits if hunters bring their own weapons. Additionally, hunters must secure specific game permits that vary depending on the species targeted. Local organizations like the Mpigi Hunters’ Association facilitate licensing and offer guided hunting trips, while the Uganda Safari Guides Association provides trophy hunting packages. The East African Professional Hunters association offers elite membership and expert guidance, ensuring hunters comply with all legal and ethical standards.
5. Penalties That Can Ruin Your Season in Mpigi
Violations of hunting laws in Mpigi carry significant consequences. Illegal hunting or hunting outside designated seasons can result in fines up to $5,000, confiscation of hunting equipment and trophies, and possible imprisonment for repeat offenses. Killing protected species leads to even harsher penalties, including permanent bans from hunting activities. These strict enforcement measures are designed to deter poaching and illegal hunting, safeguard wildlife populations, and uphold the integrity of regulated hunting.
6. Strategic Planning, Timing, Equipment, and Locations
Successful hunting in Mpigi depends on strategic timing, appropriate gear, and knowledge of prime locations. The dry season calls for lightweight camouflage clothing and high-powered rifles such as the .30-06 for big game. During the wet season, waterproof boots and shotguns are recommended for bird hunting. Effective tactics include still hunting near rivers and waterholes to target antelope and drives to flush out hares in brushland areas. Prime hunting spots include the Katonga Wildlife Reserve, renowned for bushbuck, and the Lake Mburo Corridor, a hotspot for bird hunting. Careful preparation, adherence to regulations, and use of suitable equipment enhance both the ethical and practical success of hunting excursions in Mpigi.
Quiet hunting in Russian Empire
In Russia, mushrooming is affectionately known as "тихая охота," or "quiet hunting"—a poetic term that reflects the serene, contemplative nature of the activity. Unlike conventional hunting, this pursuit involves no weapons or loud noises, only the soft rustle of leaves underfoot and the quiet excitement of discovering hidden treasures in the forest. Armed with a wicker basket and a keen eye, mushroom foragers venture into the woods during the damp, cool days of late summer and early autumn, when the mycelium thrives beneath the trees.
Quiet hunting has long held a special place in Russian culture, deeply rooted in both rural tradition and urban leisure. It is more than just a way to gather food—it's a cherished ritual that connects people with nature, family, and generations of folklore. Knowledge of edible mushrooms, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, is considered a vital part of Russian heritage. The forest is seen not as a wild, untamed place, but as a generous provider, offering mushrooms, berries, and herbs to those who know how to respectfully harvest them.
This tradition was not limited to peasants or common folk; it also found favor among the Russian elite. Even members of the imperial family participated in quiet hunting as a form of recreation and communion with nature. A notable photograph from 1913 shows the four daughters of Tsar Nicholas II—Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Romanov—engaged in a mushroom-picking excursion. Dressed in simple, practical clothing and wearing simple hats, the young grand duchesses can be seen bending over mossy logs and forest undergrowth, carefully selecting mushrooms and placing them in their baskets. The image captures a rare moment of informality and familial warmth within the otherwise formal and secluded life of the Romanovs.
The photograph, taken at the imperial family’s estate at Tsarskoye Selo, reflects the broader cultural significance of quiet hunting in pre-revolutionary Russia. It illustrates how this humble activity transcended social class, uniting peasants and aristocrats alike in a shared seasonal ritual. Even today, quiet hunting remains a widespread pastime across Russia and other Slavic countries, with families and friends spending weekends in the forest, continuing a tradition that blends sustenance, spirituality, and deep respect for the natural world.
