A Brief Introduction to Fox Hunting

By Kelly Hissom

Fox Hunting originated in England as a means to control the vermin population in the rural communities. Fox Hunting today has evolved mostly as a sport. The fun is in “The Thrill of the Chase”.

There are basically two types of Hunts. A Private Pack and A Subscription Pack. A private pack is owned and maintained by an individual and Hunting with a private pack is by invitation only. A Board of Directors or a committee who is responsible for hiring or appointing all staff usually operates a Subscription Pack. The members pay expenses.

First and foremost, there are the Hounds (not to be confused with Dogs). There are three basic types of Fox Hounds. English, American and Crossbred, which is a cross of the English and American Hounds. Fox Hounds are bred for scenting ability, stamina and voice.

Fox Hunting requires a staff. The Master of Fox Hounds (MFH) is the leader or boss and has the final say in all matters concerning the Hunt, Hounds, and Staff etc. The MFH frequently, but not always “hunts the hounds”. There may also be a Huntsman. The Huntsman may be a paid professional or honorary. The Huntsman’s responsibilities include care and feeding, training, exercising and breeding the Hounds. The Huntsman works closely with the MFH to decide which hounds should be hunted and where. The “Whippers-In” are basically the “outriders”. It is the job of the “Whips” to help the Huntsman contain the pack within the Hunt territory. One or several landowners who have given permission to hunt on their property may own the Hunt territory. The “Whips” must not allow the Hounds to go onto land where hunting is not permitted. There is also the Hunt Secretary who works with the MFH. The Hunt Secretary schedules events; fields inquiries about the hunt for interested parties, solicits new members and acts as a liaison for the MFH with other Hunts. The person to contact if you want to go Fox Hunting is the Hunt Secretary. Non-Members may hunt, but will be expected to pay a “capping fee” – usually $25.00; which generally goes into a kennel fund.

If you plan to go hunting you will need a horse. You must be able to maintain control of said horse around other horses and the hounds. A good “Field Hunter” should be fit, honest, have good bone structure and good hooves for galloping over all types of terrain.

Most hunts have two fields; both led by a “Field Master”. If you had a problem or concern while hunting, you should defer to the Field Master. The First Field generally stays close to the Huntsman and the Pack. They jump over fences. If you do not wish to jump over fences, you may ride with the second field or the “Hilltoppers”. This second field goes through gates. The first field is required to dress in the traditional “Formal” hunting attire. Black hunt coat, white shirt, white stock tie, tan pants, black high boots and a black velvet Hunt Cap. The second field may wear traditional “Ratcatcher”, or if that is unavailable, it is acceptable to go western in some hunts. Misty River Hounds welcomes western riders to the second field. A riding helmet and a negative coggins is mandatory, regardless of which field you choose to ride in.

Going Hunting…Finally! Fox Hunting really is all about the Hounds. It is no doubt a fun day on your horse, but the rules and the reasons for being there are mostly the hounds and watching them work. First of all, The Huntsman will “cast” the hounds in a covert. They will begin to “work” the area by smelling and wagging their tails. This is called “flagging”. They are trying to pick up the scent of the “Game”. The “Game” could be Coyote, Fox and some Hunts even chase Bobcat. When a hound “hits” a line, he/she will begin to whine and bark. This is called “Opening”. The other hounds will come to the first hound, “Strike Hound”, and will also “open” on this line. They are “honoring” the Strike Hound and the Chase is On! It all happens in a split second and it is an incredible rush to hear the hounds and go with them.

There is some protocol in the field and knowing before you go will make your day more enjoyable. First and Foremost, The Hounds always have the first priority. If a hound has separated from the pack and comes back into the field, you need to speak out, “Ware Hound”, check your horse and let the hound through. DO NOT allow your horse to step on or kick out at a hound! The Huntsman and the staff are there to do a job and always have the right-of-way. Most staff will be wearing Red Coats. If you see a member of the staff, or hear someone calling “Staff Please”, you will need to point the head of your horse toward them and move off to the side as quickly as possible.

You need to stay behind your respective Field Master and keep an eye on him/her. If your Field Master raises a hand, it means stop. If he/she points to the ground, it means there might be a hole. Sometimes they might say “Ware Hole”, but when the hounds are working, it is best to keep chatter to a minimum. Your Field Master is not ever supposed to dismount. It is polite to volunteer to get a gate if need be. It is considered bad form to school ones’ horse in the field, so please refrain from doing so if it is possible. If there is any doubt that your horse may kick at another horse in the field, it is a good idea to tie a small red ribbon on the top of his tail and stay to the back of the field. It is very important to be courteous and respectful to the landowners and their property. In the event that you are fortunate enough to see a coyote or a fox, “viewing”. You need to shout out “Tally Ho” and wave your hat or arm in the direction of your sighting.