i've hunted Mink quite abit, i use an air pistol (HW 45 .22) & mink trapi do have an airrifle (Theoben rapid .22), it's the easiest & most humane way, Mink do not follow a hunt path they are opportunist killers, if you want to try stalking it with a rifle then take plenty of snap and be prepared to not see family for a while.
GET LANDOWNERS PERMISSION
Get a humane mink trap (about £20) leave it outside for a day or 2 do NOT touch it with bare hands, bait it with 2 tins sardines 1 tin inside the trap, the other tin rubbed all over the trap to disguise your scent,sprinkle the sunflower oil all around the trap also use your gloves to handle the sardines this will take the smell away too,(i use gardening gloves) dig the trap in a bit bout 3 inches, and cover well as mink love tunnels. check the trap at least once a day preferably twice remembering not to touch it or disturb it, also while hunting mink DO NOT wear scented perfumed soaps, deodorants or aftershaves,
i have attached chains to my traps so i can lock them to tree trunks also i can lift the traps then without the critter snapping my fingers.also they stink.
a good air pistol is more than adequate to do the job, but please do not let sentiments get in the way when you have it trapped they are vicious so don't go poking fingers through the cage, one shot to the head,
i have tasted them too not something i'd recommend.
Also bear in mind if your sentiments do get in the way with a trapped mink it is illegal to release it alive into the wild again.
if my memeory serves me right you can still hunt mink with dogs IF you suspect them to be injured, but please check with DEFRA on that as i'm not 100%.
GET LANDOWNERS PERMISSION
Get a humane mink trap (about £20) leave it outside for a day or 2 do NOT touch it with bare hands, bait it with 2 tins sardines 1 tin inside the trap, the other tin rubbed all over the trap to disguise your scent,sprinkle the sunflower oil all around the trap also use your gloves to handle the sardines this will take the smell away too,(i use gardening gloves) dig the trap in a bit bout 3 inches, and cover well as mink love tunnels. check the trap at least once a day preferably twice remembering not to touch it or disturb it, also while hunting mink DO NOT wear scented perfumed soaps, deodorants or aftershaves,
i have attached chains to my traps so i can lock them to tree trunks also i can lift the traps then without the critter snapping my fingers.also they stink.
a good air pistol is more than adequate to do the job, but please do not let sentiments get in the way when you have it trapped they are vicious so don't go poking fingers through the cage, one shot to the head,
i have tasted them too not something i'd recommend.
Also bear in mind if your sentiments do get in the way with a trapped mink it is illegal to release it alive into the wild again.
if my memeory serves me right you can still hunt mink with dogs IF you suspect them to be injured, but please check with DEFRA on that as i'm not 100%.
