Try putting out trails of ferretone leading to the house from all directions, and put an open cage in the yard with food/water/blankets and check it often. Or borrow a humane Have A Heart cat trap which will not hurt the ferret and put some food/water in to entice him, and check it often. Don't leave it in the sun or rain though or he will get too hot/heatstroke, or wet. Good luck. [Posted in FML issue 3390]