Changing packs.....

[L&M]

I have hunted with the same pack of foxhounds for 8 seasons now. This pack were my first introduction to the hunting field and have learnt so much from them, from the joys of puppy walking (!), to the etiquette and ways of hunting, to making new friends, and the pride in being awarded my hunt buttons.

I have a neighbouring pack that I could hunt with and have enjoyed a few days out with them as a visitor, but being a naturally shy person, the thought of meeting an entire new set of people, (and having to negotiate myself around new country), fills me with dread. Equally if I do not like this new pack am concerned I will have 'burnt my bridges' with the old one.

Has anyone else changed pack and if so any tips and/or advice? Also is it etiquette to tell my old pack that I will no longer be subscribing? We are a small a close knit community and am sure questions will be asked if I do not reappear come Autumn!

Thank you.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Are you a full subscriber?

I've pootled out with 2 local packs - one a fox hound pack & the other a drag pack, both really welcoming.
Not got as far up the food chain as you with regards to hunt buttons.
It works for me as I only go out if the meet is 'local' to me & I know what ground conditions might be like, have made new friends with each pack each season.

That said, there are plenty who go out with the most local FH pack who also go out with neighbouring FH pack at the far southern end of the country we go over where there is the odd over-lap, seems like lots of changing about, again mostly down to location/days etc.

Supporters club is the best place to start

Why not pop along to both for the spring & summer events etc & get to know people on the ground whilst helping out at P2P, puppy shows etc etc
Also autumn hunting - go along to both & this might help ease you in a bit more with the neighbouring pack (ours welcomes folk in from neighbouring packs & likewise, if its a place where there is room for parking etc) before paying full subs for the season.

Hope it goes well for you

 

[L&M]

Thanks for your kind words and suggestions The FF - yes I am a full subscriber to my current pack.

If I had the money I would subscribe to both but as I am fortunate to hunt weekly it is more financially viable to subscribe to one or the other....I am also a 'all or nothing' type of girl and think I would struggle with split loyalties.

My hubbie and I are going to go to the p2p in April of the other pack and see how we feel. Ironically I live in the country of the this pack and they hunt over our land, so really makes sense to go with them. Because of this I also always get an invite to the puppy show and am on their email list, so have no excuse not to go to some events and see how we get on.

It's just finding the 'balls' to let my other pack down (I am only 1 of a very small number of full subscribers), and re-establishing myself with a new one......honestly it feels more like splitting up with a long term partner than making a simple decision over a 'hobby'.

Maybe I should just be gratfeful I have nothing more serious to worry about!

 

[PorkChop]

I have hunted with different packs that border each other, however I am not shy and couldn't give two hoots what people think.

Bottom line is that it is your hobby and your money. Ask yourself how would feel if you changed packs and then changed back again? I do know people who felt they couldn't hunt with different packs out of loyalty - I say life is too short - you don't need to fall out with anyone, and those that take offence are not worth worrying about.

 

[spacefaer]

I'm sorry to hear you aren't looking forward to the incoming huntsman, Sidney -he's a lot better than the outgoing (and I've hunted with both).

We hunt with 3 local packs -I subscribe to one and have 6 day visitor tickets with the other 2, which my OH share with me. I don't feel any disloyalty to any of them, have friends in all camps and get to go to 3 lots of social events

To answer your question, you have no obligation to tell your current pack why you aren't subscribing and should you wish to return, I'm sure they'll be delighted to see you again. You can always have a few day's visiting

 

[Herne]

People change hunts all the time and there's no reason why you should not. If you don't want to go into details, just say that you fancied a change of scenery, or to get a bit of variety. A lot of hunting people will tell you that you need to get experience of several different hunts to truly be able to understand hunting - after all, if you have only experienced one thing, you have nothing to compare it to.

However, posting messages like this on a public forum probably isn't the most subtle way of going forward, as people will be able to guess to which packs you refer and therefore deduce about whom you are talking - and possibly even who you are yourself. (Not me, I don't live anywhere near where you do, but others might...)

 

[JenHunt]

as Herne says, there's no reason you shouldn't! I changed hunts (after 20+ years!) a couple of seasons ago, but still enjoyed a couple of days out with the 'old' pack at the end of this season.

 

[Houndman]

Some people say hunts are a bit like football teams regarding people supporting them. Some people stick with them whatever but others do move about a bit. Sometimes its possible to keep one's foot in more than one camp and remain in contact and be friendly with both. Basically it's up to you, it's your spare time and your money, as long as you try not to fall out with anyone. Being a Hunt official, it's a major thing for us to move about, but for a subscriber it's easier.