Everything about hunting?? What is it??

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appaloosacaz

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Right, I am going huntin at the end of November.. I want to know some answers to some questions:

1. Round about how far (miles) is a hunt normally?
2.What happens in a hunt? Would we constantly be cantering/jumping, how often do we stop?
3. What do the walkers do??
4. Basically what happens thoughout the hunt, like a typical day what happens?

I really havent got a clue what happens, as far as I know you run after some dogs, and jump over some jumps, and look pretty! I have no idea!

Thanks
 
Last edited:
appaloosacaz said:
Right, I am going huntin at the end of November.. I want to know some answers to some questions:

1. Round about how far (miles) is a hunt normally?
2.What happens in a hunt? Would we constantly be cantering/jumping, how often do we stop?
3. What do the walkers do??
4. Basically what happens thoughout the hunt, like a typical day what happens?

I really havent got a clue what happens, as far as I know you run after some dogs, and jump over some jumps, and look pretty! I have no idea!

Thanks
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Which hunt? someone might be able to advise you what their country is like :)
 
I really havent got a clue what happens said:
They are not dogs - they are hounds ;)

Good idea to follow one on foot first, it does depend on your hunt, but the pack I go with is the bloodhounds who follow a human runners scent, simalar to drag hunting along 'lines' which can get very fast if the hounds lock on to the scent, and we can be going flat out for up to 15/20 mins (sometimes more) and there are optional jumps along the way, then we have a break while the quarry (runner) goes off again.

I'm guessing we can do about 5 or 6 miles but I'm not sure;)
Click to expand...
 
appaloosacaz said:
Right, I am going huntin at the end of November.. I want to know some answers to some questions:

1. Round about how far (miles) is a hunt normally?
2.What happens in a hunt? Would we constantly be cantering/jumping, how often do we stop?
3. What do the walkers do??
4. Basically what happens thoughout the hunt, like a typical day what happens?

I really havent got a clue what happens, as far as I know you run after some dogs, and jump over some jumps, and look pretty! I have no idea!

Thanks
Click to expand...

I'll try my best to answer some of your questions, although the links provided above will also be of help.

1. Distance covered in a hunting day can vary enormously, however you do not have to stay to the end, as soon as you or your horse have had enough, you simply bid the field master good night (even if this is at early afternoon) and hack back to where you left your transport.

2. A hunting day is a mixture of fast work across fields with jumping, mixed in with relatively frequent breaks while the huntsman draws for the trail and roadwork at a walk or trot when moving between coverts. The proportions vary enormously again according to the type of country your local hunt occupies. Some packs are fortunate enough to have acres of grass and large hedges while others will be mainly plough with ditches and low hunt jumps.

3. If by walkers you mean foot followers then they attempt to get in the best place to observe the draw. That usually involves driving to a strategic location and walking or cycling in towards the covert. Experience, prior knowledge from hunt officials and local information of the area all help enormously in getting into good locations. If your friend or OH is going to try and get some pictures, team up with an experienced follower who will help get them to the right places!

4. The meet will usually take place at mid-morning, 11am is fairly typical. In most cases there will be some nibbles and port. The master will call for attention and give any notices for the day - including where and where not to go, forthcoming events and other important info. The huntsman will then blow some short notes and leave the meet with hounds. Stick with the field and behind the field master and you won't go far wrong. The first covert will then be drawn and the hunt is hopefully on. The day then proceeds with more coverts (woodland or other places that a trail might be lurking). Second horses is normally around 2pm, which is when hunt staff take a fresh steed off the lorry. The afternoon will proceed in a similar format to the morning, with the field gradually diminishing in numbers. Eventually just before dusk the huntsman will make the decision to end the day and blow some long haunting notes known as 'going home'. There will then be a gentle hack back to the wagons, where you will untack, rug up and load neds. Sometimes there may be tea provided either back at the meet in the farmhouse or off the back of a landrover in the yard. Horses are then taken home, washed down, rugged up and stabled for the evening. Time then to feed yourself, have a hot radox bath and probably a well deserved alcoholic tipple.

5. Have fun and don't forget to let us know how you get on. I had my first days mounted last season and had an ace time.
 
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