Too many who hunt are unfriendly and get hunting a poor social reputation

MollyA you will be more than likely fine I had a lovely time and met some lovely people the few times I went out last year for the first time, thankfully there were plenty of people who were more than happy to help a newb out and explain things if necessary so hopefully you will find some of them....... I actually would perceive it as rude to choose not talk to someone because they might not be sure what they were doing! :rolleyes:

And nope, a lot of the time couldn't say whose land I was on particularly as its not my local hunt... not sure why I would know that tbh unless someone told me/I had gleaned it from the instructions of the plan for the day given at the meet and then you sort of pick it up as you go along. *makes mental note to check the land registry for the entire area for future reference* :D
 
rosiefronfelen said:
Mollya, take no notice of all the differing threads on here, there are so many and enough to put any novice off- we have a pack up here in wales, this is obviously irrelevant in your case butwhat i am trying to say is, go along on foot/horse, chat to folk and enjoy it, it is a very friendly pastime in general- good luck!!
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Ditto

Mollya go along and talk to as many as you can and have lots of fun. learn as much as you can and ask as many questions as you want.

RunToEarth for many its not rudeness but ignorance. There are many out there who would love to learn but are put off asking and trying to learn so they can be "hunting polite".

To be frank if I met you on my first hunt and you treated me with such indifference and rudeness I would not be back and I would tell my friends how rude you were. What sort of light would that put your field in to others? I would not go back. So the hunt would a. have lost my money b. lost a supporter who would possibly go on to fundraise and assist even when not partaking c. would be going round telling folk how damned rude and nasty you were adding to the mountain of bad press for hunts.

Please tell me exactly how your hunt would benefit from any of those 3 things? I am very lucky that the hunting folk I have met have been welcoming informative, kind and generous with their time, knowledge, views and ideas. Mollya go and have fun and enjoy learning all that you can.
 
RunToEarth said:
Yeah I'm a Patey brigade, so I must be up myself. I talk to everyone who actually knows what they are doing in the field. Like someone has already said on this thread, there are always a percentage of the field that do not have a clue whose land they have come across and whose field margin they are on- THAT is rude.
I am now hunting with a VERY friendly bunch of people, I came fresh out of the woodwork last season as (then relatively new) OH whipped in and his father is master, I have never met such a bunch of lovely, well rounded people in all my life- you have to put in to get back- You can't expect to be the newbie at the back of the field who has no idea where they are, what the job in hand is and then whinge everyone is too far up their own arse.
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God, I must be sooo rude - except when I've been hunting in my own area I have not had a clue who's ground I've been on (apart from the host, obviously), the Bloodhounds rarely met in my area and I would usually have to travel for an hour to a meet. Mind you, I have always managed to make myself very popular despite this as my horses have all been excellent gate horses! ;)

As for your new hunt welcoming you with open arms - I'm not at all surprised what with your BF's father being a master and you no doubt being mounted on one of his horses. But as for only speaking to those who 'actually know what they are doing', how arrogant are you? That's just the sort of attitude that is doing hunting no favours at all.
 
People who are new to hunting and actually WANT to learn things I find generally ask, I'm not a hunting veteran, when have I ever stated that? When I want to know something I ask someone, that is what you do, it is how you make friends and how you get involved with the unmounted side of hunting. I'm referring to people who whinge that they came out on their first day and no one spoke to them, when they don't make an effort to get to know who people are.
MOLLYA- I would go out on foot before hand- you learn a lot more that way and then it won't be quite so daunting when you go out mounted.
I'm sorry, but OP comes on here slating everyone that doesn't make an effort with new people, what about new people making an effort to get to know regular hunters?
A lot of the time people do perfer certain company out hunting, it doesn't mean they're unapproachable, it is just how things fall- some people prefer to stand and watch hounds, some people prefer to pass saddle flasks.
 
The Countryside Alliance is once again holding Hunting Newcomers’ week in association with the CHA. Newcomers’ meets are the very best way for novices to try hunting – and also for hunts to prove their welcoming attitude to “newbies” by encouraging them to participate.

The format has changed somewhat from last year, and the Alliance is now providing free posters, fliers and regional publicity to hunts to assist in marketing these meets. An email went out to Masters and Secretaries at the end of July, and many hunts around the country have agreed to join this initiative once again.

The Alliance recognises how hard it is both for novices to ‘try hunting’ as well for hunts to entice new members ‘out of the fold’ because of preconceptions and worries about what hunting actually involves. These meets give the opportunity for hunts to educate newcomers in etiquette and attire etc and many hunts who took part last year were delighted to gain subscribers throughout the season.

The biggest threat to hunting iis not the ban, but that it will ‘die out’ through lack of participants and it is therefore vital that all hunts and members welcome newcomers and encourage them throughout the season.

We hope newcomers reading this board will be encouraged to attend a newcomers meet this season – as well as seasoned hunters encouraging their own hunts to hold a meet aimed at bringing newcomers to the field.

For further information please contact chloe-finch@countryside-alliance.org.

Best,
Chloe

Chloe Finch
Countryside Alliance
 
RunToEarth said:
I'm sorry, but OP comes on here slating everyone that doesn't make an effort with new people, what about new people making an effort to get to know regular hunters?

A lot of the time people do perfer certain company out hunting, it doesn't mean they're unapproachable, it is just how things fall- some people prefer to stand and watch hounds, some people prefer to pass saddle flasks.
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And some of the new people will be so daunted by all the new faces, horses, hounds, trying not to get lost or fall off and make a fool of themselves or over take anyone that they will be far to embarrassed or busy to ask!

Wouldn't it be lovely if someone like yourself who knows the ropes, smiled and said hey let me introduce you to some people before buggaring off to do what you do?

What real harm can it do just to spend 5 minutes asking if someone has any questions or saying hello, my name is X, I haven't seen your face here before are you new would you like a hand? Offer to answer questions and say that you will be at the front/ back/ down the pub if they would like some help.

Its fine for you to go and do your own thing I am not suggesting that it is not and I think you will find that JM wasn't either however, if hunting is to survive this changing world it needs to change with it to acomodate the new people.

When I started Salsa dancing I met lots of new people. All the "old timers" aproached me and welcomed me, God did I feel a prat with them wiggling and flying all over the place and my two left feet stomping sort of around about but it was so much easier because there were smiles on faces I could ask anyone, which is the beginer lesson? Where is the loo? Did anyone see where I put my feet?! What is beat? What is tempo?

Do not mistake rudeness with intimidated and shy.
 
Paddydou said:
Wouldn't it be lovely if someone like yourself who knows the ropes, smiled and said hey let me introduce you to some people before buggaring off to do what you do?

What real harm can it do just to spend 5 minutes asking if someone has any questions or saying hello, my name is X, I haven't seen your face here before are you new would you like a hand? Offer to answer questions and say that you will be at the front/ back/ down the pub if they would like some help.
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Perfectly put.
 
I would just like to say this post has had more visits (I sound Like Just Mentle) than the both of the sticky's Advice for hunting newbies and Hunting terms for beginners. I suggest we get a club together where we offer a hunt swap!
 
Simsar said:
I would just like to say this post has had more visits (I sound Like Just Mentle) than the both of the sticky's Advice for hunting newbies and Hunting terms for beginners. I suggest we get a club together where we offer a hunt swap!
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23:05 just in case you thought all our levity had sent me completely off my 'rocker', I am still viewing.

Feel part of an earlier post of mine is appropriate to rehearse:

"Perhaps hunt's need to run Pre-Season Customer Care seminars - any excuse for some 'refreshment' and jolly banter.In other words the old hands and existing membership get in there, press the flesh, chat people up, finesse them, flatter them, butter up the WAGAMs. Make a fuss of everybody, make them feel part of the team - bond with your supporters and they bond with all the others".

But by way of example in some ways that is what we have all been doing on this forum and that in my opinion is what everybody wants apart from a fantastic ride across well-fenced country and the joy of hearing the cry of hounds, the crow of the cockerel and the lowing of the cows etc. Is it not those elements amongst others we are looking for?

Enjoy the beauty and romance of the countryside.
 
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JM, I am mearly your humble fan however, pressing flesh and the romance of the countryside could get many a hunt into serious trouble! ;)

Isn't this what the introduction days are supposed to be about?

I would also reccomend offering "educational visits" to schools both urban and rural. See if you can club together so some the local farmers and do a "One day does all" day where they learn about hunting, farming, shooting, fishing, forestry etc and how it all neatly slots together.
 
MOLLYA said:
: Was thinking I'd follow on foot first to see how it all works and maybe ask some questions, or would that be similarly annoying? :rolleyes:
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The footies will look after you until you feel happy about bringing ned along. We are always willing to impart our knowledge, and in many cases you will struggle to shut us up once we hit our stride on our favourite topic of hunting.

I was a recent convert to the hunting field and yes I admit I did ask some daft questions, but someone always patiently explained why something was happening. I'm still learning now as I visit other packs in new terrain. I made my mounted debut last season and everyone was friendly and looked after me.

Remember the proverb - stupid girl who not ask questions stays stupid...!
 
Apologies for not having read all 20 pages but just a warning to choose wisely which pack you go with, I have encountered rudeness and arrogance with a certain pack North of the M4 (you know who you are).
 
Noland and Billyslad, I am singularly unimpressed by your above comments.

When I started this thread it was intended as a constructive means of highlighting some of the issues in a responsible manner. How they could be remedied.

It was not under any circumstances intended to intimate or provide veiled inuendo as to who or what may be 'falling down at fences'

I am sure everyobdy who has contributed will agree that everything has been said in a light hearted measured manner.

Your comments, in my opinion are sailing close to the wind of The Fat Controller having to intervene.

If you want to say something make suggestions as to how any perceived issues can be addressed?

Incidently Mr Fat Controller, I hope you recognise some 'self regulation' a subject featured earlier in the thread.
 
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Paddydou said:
JM, I am mearly your humble fan however, pressing flesh and the romance of the countryside could get many a hunt into serious trouble! ;)

Isn't this what the introduction days are supposed to be about?

I would also reccomend offering "educational visits" to schools both urban and rural. See if you can club together so some the local farmers and do a "One day does all" day where they learn about hunting, farming, shooting, fishing, forestry etc and how it all neatly slots together.
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Paddyd ditto ^^^^^^^^^^^again perfect, now we shall start a PD fanclub. x
 
combat_claire said:
The footies will look after you until you feel happy about bringing ned along. We are always willing to impart our knowledge, and in many cases you will struggle to shut us up once we hit our stride on our favourite topic of hunting.

I was a recent convert to the hunting field and yes I admit I did ask some daft questions, but someone always patiently explained why something was happening. I'm still learning now as I visit other packs in new terrain. I made my mounted debut last season and everyone was friendly and looked after me.

Remember the proverb - stupid girl who not ask questions stays stupid...!
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See this is it, how do we get the ball rolling on these ideas???? Fab!
 
So this thread has topped 5000 views and 200 replies. There must be an issue that has been touched upon, to say the least?

Antediluvian, just love that word! Rosie my view of those who are antediluvian are those who cannot seem to grasp the fact there is a coalition government in power and as such you never quite know who your friends are in politics.

It is The Coalition that will probably eventually decide the framework of hunting for the foreseeable future.

One minute one thinks the Cons are your friends and the next they need to do a deal with the LibDems, to get some legislation through the House of Commons. Then like a rabbit out of a hat, they the Cons don't want to know you. Bear in mind certain Lab lads have been taken into the coalition because of their expertise in certain matters - everyone of them voted for the Hunting Act 2004!

Yes, I like being an enigma and you will note that I have appeared in this forum almost contemporaneously (another of my favourite words) with the Coalition government - why, because I believe I understand these things and I care for hunting, the countryside and the people. Many of whom, as yet, cannot get their heads around the new arrangements.
 
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Jm not reading all the bunf again but you can't trust anyone in politics. Hunting will never be back as we knew it, don't care what big words everyone uses, its not coming back.
 
well, hunting hasnt changed here, i dont give a rats arse about the rest of the country and their hunting problems as i can do nothing about them-its usually at management level that problems arise anyway.judgemental, antediluvian as i said before, is not a word to use on die-hard hunters who have tradition in their bones and find it hard to modernize- you should be a politician, David Cameron has hunted before, Clegg is a nonentity, and we also CARE FOR HUNTING!!!
 
rosiefronfelen said:
well, hunting hasnt changed here, i dont give a rats arse about the rest of the country and their hunting problems as i can do nothing about them-its usually at management level that problems arise anyway.judgemental, antediluvian as i said before, is not a word to use on die-hard hunters who have tradition in their bones and find it hard to modernize- you should be a politician, David Cameron has hunted before, Clegg is a nonentity, and we also CARE FOR HUNTING!!!
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Now Rosie, hold hard a moment. There you have hit the nail on the head.

1. If there is self-regulation the MFHA will, even in the Welsh Hills, be fairly strict when it comes to operational performance. Step out of line and your peers and co-hunters will jump on one with force.

2. But secondly and more importantly Mr Clegg and Mr Cameron. The latter is understood and understands what it is all about. But he Mr Cameron cannot do anything without the co-operation of Mr Clegg, so don't write him off as a nonentity.

That is fundamental to the point I have been making concerning the views of a coalition government.

I use the word antediluvian, when folk cannot or will not, understand the new concept of government and the changes that it will bring.

What happens in the rest of the country will have a knock-on effect even in the Welsh Hills, trust me it will.
 
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they can try, but you will never finish what is basically pest control. so tell me.mister politician, what are Cleggs points of view on hunting, hes not givenan opinion on anything yet!! i realise(as i am neither naive or twp) that there will be licences and rediculous regulations. do you really think that wehave not thought all this through, even if we are just mere mortals scraping a living atop of mountains- we do go down to civilisation once in a while!!
 
rosiefronfelen said:
they can try, but you will never finish what is basically pest control. so tell me.mister politician, what are Cleggs points of view on hunting, hes not givenan opinion on anything yet!! i realise(as i am neither naive or twp) that there will be licences and rediculous regulations. do you really think that wehave not thought all this through, even if we are just mere mortals scraping a living atop of mountains- we do go down to civilisation once in a while!!
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LOL. You give the impression that what happens in Wales where hunting is concerned does not necessarily conform to that practiced in the rest of England and Wales or the protocols of the hunting world do not apply.

Mr Clegg's views are extremely important - he is an integral part of the Coalition Government.

The last opinion I saw from him reported in the media on the subject of hunting, that the whole subject should left as it is - therefore it appears he is not persuaded a repeal is reasonable.

As for your micro world in the Welsh Hills as I have said before, it is better to look at the big picture nationwide.

By the way as I see it, everybody in this forum is most courteous to everybody else. I am not 'Mister Politician'
 
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Judgemental said:
LOL. You give the impression that what happens in Wales where hunting is concerned does not necessarily conform to that practiced in the rest of England and Wales.

Mr Clegg's views are extremely important - he is an integral part of the Coalition Government.

The last opinion I saw from him reported in the media on the subject of hunting that the whole subject should left as it is - therefore it appears he is not persuaded a repeal is reasonable.

As for your micro world in the Welsh Hills as I have said before, it is better to look at the big picture nationwide.
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showing your true colours now judgemental,you have proved what i always thought!! i do not take kindly to your references to hunting in Wales, try READING my posts more thoroughly,do you honestly think we are welsh hicks up in the hillside and not understanding what goes on in England and parliament? do not preach to me about the government and do not preach to me about how wales should tackle the hunting debate.
 
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