A Stink on the Mink

Dove Valley hunt intercepted and packed up at sewage works.

A four-way sab group deployment packed up the elusive Dove Valley minkhounds on Saturday (May 31st).

Sabs were out early checking known meets of the wildlife abusers. They soon spotted known followers lurking on lookout. The Dove Valley were hunting along the River Derwent near Great Milne (not a million miles from Castle Donington). At the moment of discovery, the hunt were in the river downstream from wastewater treatment plant (Insert your own joke here).

A drone was soon up, and the hunt was pinpointed. As the Sabs entered the footpath, Hunt supporters were seen frantically on their phones. Forewarned, huntsman Will, legged it, leaving hunt support trailing behind carrying digging bars, spades, terriers, and, of course, the famous Dove Valley extendable red mink pole!

Wildlife protectors followed the hound van back to its base and confirmed that the vehicle was there and empty. Job done!

The mink hunting season takes place between April and October, and is a favourite “off-season” bloodsport for fox and hare hunting fanatics. Mink hunting “evolved” out of otter hunting, meaning that as soon as the otter became a protected animal, the river packs claimed to have turned over a new leaf and began hunting mink. Of course, unobserved, who is to say? This form of hunting also causes damage and destruction to fragile riverside habitats.

If you think you might have spotted a mink hunt, then take a look at this handy HSA guide on what to do next.