Rabbit catcher Douglas’ 25 years in the Yorkshire Dales

Former rabbit catcher Douglas Cox has shared his stories and memories of working in the Yorkshire Dales for more than 25 years.
Newspaper: Pontefract & Castleford Express.
Story: Former rabbit poacher turned author Douglas Cox has written an autobiography about his time working in the Yorkshire Dales. Pictured with his loyal dog, Rosie.
Photo date: 16/10/15
Picture Ref: AB321a1015Newspaper: Pontefract & Castleford Express.
Story: Former rabbit poacher turned author Douglas Cox has written an autobiography about his time working in the Yorkshire Dales. Pictured with his loyal dog, Rosie.
Photo date: 16/10/15
Picture Ref: AB321a1015
Newspaper: Pontefract & Castleford Express. Story: Former rabbit poacher turned author Douglas Cox has written an autobiography about his time working in the Yorkshire Dales. Pictured with his loyal dog, Rosie. Photo date: 16/10/15 Picture Ref: AB321a1015

Mr Cox, 66, of Methley, has had his fifth book, My Life in Secret Coverdale, released by Fastprint Publishing.

The book describes his work out in the Dales and introduces some of the people he met during the 1980s, 90s and 2000s.

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Mr Cox, of Savile Road, said: “I practically lived in the Dales for 25 years and the book talks about my experiences and some of the lovely people I met while working there.

“When I used to tell people about my time poaching a lot of people used to tell me that I should write a book and here I am publishing my fifth one.”

The book also features 200 photographs Mr Cox has taken himself of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Mr Cox said: “I used to catch around 200 rabbits per week and I used to sell them to butchers, restaurants and shops across the district.

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“I loved my time working and hope to pass on that passion in my books.

“The idea for the book came when I was reading a newspaper one day.

“The headline said ‘Secret Coverdale’ and that got me thinking. I thought I would write a short story for the paper to let their readers know of my time in the Yorkshire Dales.

“I kept writing and writing and by the time I had done I had written more than 200 pages.

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“I sent it to my publisher and they decided to make it into the book.”

Mr Cox also used to catch game in the Highlands of Scotland before working in Yorkshire.

He said: “I’m not sure why I got into rabbit catching to be honest.

“I think it’s just a gene in my body. My grandad used to have to go out and catch them for himself and I think I must have got it from him.”

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Mr Cox’s five books are all autobiographies focusing on his work.

His third book, Rabbiting in the Highlands of Scotland, describes his adventures as a young man in the 1970s when he travelled to Scotland every week, camping out among the trees and capturing thousands of rabbits.

To buy My Secret Life in Coverdale, priced at £20, call Mr Cox on 01977 515872.