Ratting Day 2021
Report and photos from Randal Repetto
Ratting Day 9th April 2021. This event is held once a year, it was first created to try and get rid of the rats, but now it has become more of a competition amongst the islanders which everyone enjoys.
Early Morning, the island men gathered in their groups and set out with their dogs to various parts of the potato patches looking for rats. Later on in the morning the women go out to the patches with refreshments for the men, who have spent the whole day hunting. In the evening everyone made their way back to the settlement to get their rat tails counted and measured, to see which groups were the winners.
The Second Watron ratting team discusses tools and tactics
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| The men and their dogs hunting. | Collecting the tails, |
The dogs dispatch a rat
A Second Watran gang with their haul. L-R: Dean, Clifton, and Riaan Repetto. Not shown: Randal Repetto.
Judging
The day's results were judged at the Veterinary Department. Dr Silvio Morales counted and measured the tails, overseen by Martin Green, Administrator Steve Townsend, and island vet Riaan Repetto.
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| Dr Silvio Morales counts a haul of tails. | Measuring the longest tail. |
Winners
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Total Number of Tails Caught = 482 |
Booby Prize: Redbody Hill |
Steve Townsend announcing the winners, with Martin Green, Dr Silvio Morales and Kate Sherry
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| Above and below: Prize being awarded to the leaders of the winning gangs. | |
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