Hunt Etiquette


MFH and Staff History Our Hounds Members Visitors Fixture Card News WWH Gear Classifieds Contact Us Links Return to Kennels	Hunt Etiquette Showing good sport is the prime objective of the Masters, Huntsman, Whippers-In and Field Master. To achieve this, certain conduct is required. While promoting good sport, it is also their desire to encourage caution as it is necessary to ensure the safety of riders and mounts. At the sound of the horn, when Staff brings hounds up to the meet, please face the pack and be quiet. Give the pack and the Staff the respect they are due. We recommend that you read Riding to Hounds in America, An Introduction to Foxhunters by William P. Wadsworth. This inexpensive book does not take long to read and is full of information that will be of great value to anyone new to the sport of foxhunting. You can purchase a copy online from the Masters of Foxhounds Association. Respect for Masters and Staff The Field Master represents the authority of the MFH. Follow his or her instructions. Listen carefully to his or her announcements. Arrive at the meet correctly attired and tacked in sufficient time to be mounted at the appointed hour. Upon arriving at the meet, present your guests to the Masters and take care of payment of fees and coggins check. Position yourself in the field as to your rank (see below). When you must speak, speak quietly. No smoking at any time. Be observant when hounds are around your horse. Always turn your horse's head toward the pack. Ride wide of hounds. Do not speak to hounds unless specifically requestd to by the Staff. Keep up close to the Field. Do not straggle or wander off. This is particulary critical when going through gates. Always excuse yourself from the Field Master before leaving the Field. He or she can show you the way to the trailers and possibly prevent you from heading the quarry. Do not take shortcuts - follow the track of the Field. This will prevent overrunning the hounds or the encounter of unexpected hazzards. Always thank the Field Master, the Masters and the Huntsman at the end of the day. Respect of the Field Maintain a safe interval between your horse and other riders at all times. Do not crowd jumps, jump unnecessarily, or cross in front of riders. Ride straight and collected at all jumps. if your horse has a refusal, go immediately to the rear of the line. Never try again and again while others are waiting their turn. It is assumed that each rider is a capable horseman and has a mount that is manageable. Do not bring problem horses into the Field. If your horse is a kicker, tie a red ribbon on his tail and ride him at the extreme end of the Field to avoid accidents. A red ribbon is not a license to bring a kicker into close company with others. If your horse is an inexpereinced hunt horse, tie a green ribbon in his tail. Please road inexpereinced horses with hounds and cub them as much as possible before bringing them into the Field. Try to warn riders following you of dangerous obstacles in the Field such as holes, wire, etc. As you come alongside it, pass the word back, pointing to location and saying "ware hole", "ware wire", etc. When you hear "Hold Hard", stop where you are. Do not move and do not talk. This is not time to catch up or a period for discussion.> >An upraised hand is the signal for slowing or stopping. As soon as the signal is given, every rider should give the sign to prevent the rear riders from piling up. If it appears that you are on the line, stay exactly where you are. Hounds will work through the Field and even through the horses' legs. Hounds are vital to sport. Learn to take an interest in their work. Radios and cell phones do distract hounds, Staff, and riders who are trying to listen to the day's sport. Normally members of the Field do not carry radios except with special permission. Respect for Landowners We are greateful to landowners for the large areas of undeveloped land we hunt. Hunting country can be lost because of acts of carelessness or ignorance on the part of a few. Therefore, it is very imporant to treat landowner's property and the landowner themselves with great respect. Do not ride over plowed or planted ground, or soft marshy areas unless the Field Master instructs. Please leave all gates and fences as they are found. If in doubt, it is better to closes a gate rather than risk letting livestock out. If you accidently damage a fence or other structure or see damage, repair it as best you can and report it to the Field Master before leaving the meet. Ride slowly and around cattle so that they will not be disturbed. Leave no trash behind. No smoking. Junior Repsonsibilities A junior is a rider or participant in Hunt activities who is 18 years of age or younger. Proper respect for adult members of the Field, Staff, and Masters will be as follows: a. Juniors are required to address adults with Yes Sir, No Sir, Yes Ma'am, No Ma'am responses b. In serving lines, Juniors are expected to follow adults c. Juniors should not pass any adults in the Field wearing colors, either visitor or WWH colors Position in the Field Staff Members invited to wear colors Visitors invited to wear colors Members without colors Visitors without colors Junior riders Hilltoppers Passing in the Field During a run any rider, including a Junior rider, may pass any other rider except the Field Master so as not to lose the field. Etiquette dictates passing rider inform forward rider of his or her intention to pass in a safe manner, checking to see if forward rider needs assistance. At a check, riders should return to their original position in the field. Correct Hunting Attire Because South Carolina weather and meltons do not go together most of the season, Why Worry Hounds allows members to wear summer ratcatcher for many of our hunts. Safety of our Field is very important to us, and we require all members to wear ASTM/SEI certified helmets with chin straps whenever they are mounted. Please check the Fixture Card for days when formal attire is requested by the Masters. Visitors are welcome to wear colors awarded to them by their hunt, we do request that they observe our rule that all riders must wear ASTM/SEI certified helmets with chinstraps. A word about hair: HAIRNETS. Ladies and gentlemen with flowing locks, please keep them contained in your helmet with a hairnet. Just putting it in a ponytail and coiling it in your cap is not going to keep sprigs and locks from coming loose and sprouting from your helmet. This not only looks unbecoming, but can be dangerous when these loose locks snag on branches during a gallop. OUCH! Summer Ratcatcher ASTM/SEI certified helmet (vented schooling styles are acceptable) Polo shirts of any color except red (red is reserved for staff) Any color breeches Black or brown boots Ratcatcher ASTM/SEI certified helmet (vented schooling syles are acceptable) Hacking jacket Any color breeches Tie for gentlemen Chocker, tie, turtleneck for ladies Black or brown boots Gentlemen invited by the Masters to wear WWH colors Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet (no top hats when mounted) Black or Scarlet coat with WWH buttons and colors on the collar Canary or Tattersalls Vest White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin Black boots with tan tops Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn) White string gloves or tan/brown leather Gentlemen not yet invited to wear WWH colors Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet Black melton coat Canary or Tattersalls vest White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin Black dress boots (no tan tops) Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn) Gloves (preferably string or brown/tan) Ladies invited by the Master to wear WWH colors Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet (no top hats or bowlers) Hair neatly captured in hairnet is required Black melton with WWH buttons and colors on the collar Canary or Tattersalls Vest White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin Black boots with black patent tops (or plain) Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn) White string gloves or tan/brown leather Ladies not yet invited to wear WWH colors Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet Hair neatly captured in hairnet is required Black melton Canary or Tattersalls Vest White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin Black dress boots Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn) Gloves (preferably string or brown/tan leather) Juniors Same as ladies not yet invited to wear WWH colors Juniors may wear Ratcatcher attire throughout the season if they do not own formal attire. Water carriers/flasks made for saddles are acceptable as long as the horse is used to carrying them, they are securely attached to the saddle and they do not make noise. Horses All horses that attend a Why Worry Hounds meet must have either hunted or at least roaded hounds. This is for your safety and the safety of the Field. Any horse that you bring to a Why Worry Hounds meet must have a negative coggins. A copy of this coggins must be in your truck or trailer so that you can show proof of it if asked. Please make sure your horse is at least moderatly fit and clean when riding to hounds. Braiding is only required on Opening Day (unless the Masters request it for a Joint Meet). Horse Turnout When hunting, it is important that your tack is clean and fits correctly. The plainer the tack the better. Please keep an eye on your tack to make sure that it is safe (no cracks or weak spots). Places that typically show wear first are stirrup leathers, girth billets, and reins (where they connect to the bit). Well fitted protective horse boots are acceptable. Polo wraps are not. Flashy tack (crystal browbands, multicolored bridles and breastcollars, animal print saddlepads) are not acceptable for a meet. Why Worry Hounds is relaxed about the type of tack (as long as it is safe and correctly fitted), but does request proper turnout for Opening Day and when we have visitors. Not only does it show respect for your hunt, but also for the landowners and guests. Safety No one wants an accident to happen, but because hunting can be dangerous we request that everyone fill out a card with his or her medical information on it and keep it on his or her person while hunting. Keeping a copy of your health insurance card with this medical information is a good idea as well. Always let another member know where you keep your truck and trailer keys in case someone else needs to trailer your horse home for you. A Helpful Dictionary of Hunting Terms Away - A fox has "gone away" when he has left cover. Hounds are "away" when they have left covert on the line of a fox Babble - A hound that babbles is one that speaks when not on the line of its quarry; usually caused by excitement. This is a bad fault if a hound continues to babble after it has been entered. It is also a bad fault in Field members and one of the main reasons for hounds lifting their heads. Brush - The fox's tail is always referred to as a brush. The grooming utensil that can make your horse presentable (and can also be turned on humans to make them somewhat presentable). Cap - Money paid to the hunt by a visitor joining it for one day. Cast - Hounds can cast themselves or be cast by their huntsman in order to uncover the fox or coyote's line. Check - Hounds check when they lose the scent of their quarry. A check can result in an animal being lost, but is usually just a pause in the hunt. A piece of paper from a financial institution that once signed by a Member and filled out with a hearty sum can make Masters smile broadly and the feed merchant smile even broader. Country - A hunt's country is an area of land which is registered as belonging to a specific hunt by the Masters of Foxhounds Association. All hunts must have properly recognized country. Couple - Hounds are always counted in couples. Thus 15 1/2 couple is 31 hounds. Cover - An area of rough ground, brush, woodland, bog or crop in which hounds might find their quarry. Covert - (pronounced "cover") a wood or brush that is specifically planted to provide accomodation for foxes. Cry - hounds do not bark, they give tongue or speak. When hounds are speaking, the pack is said to be in full cry. A hound that hunts but fails to speak is said to be mute, which is a very bad fault (especially in our country where it is hard to view hounds). Cub - a young fox in the first seven months of its life. Cubhunting - Hunting before Opening Meet. A period when young hounds, young foxes, young horses and newcomers to foxhunting are taught what to do and expect when hunting. Curs - any canine seen when hunting that is not a hound. (even your Westminster Champion will be called a cur on such occassions) Dog Fox - a male fox Dog Hound - a male hound Draft Hounds - hounds sent from one pack to another Drag Hunt - a hunt that does not hunt live quarry, but hunts a line of animal scent that has been laid by a human. Hounds that hunt drag are called Draghounds. Draw - A huntsman draws his pack (selects which hounds he intends to take hunting). He also draws with the pack (tries to find an animal to hunt). Earth - a hole in the ground developed by foxes for their accommodation. Foxes are crafty creatures and can also use drains and other animal holes as earths to "go to ground" in. Entered - a hound is said to be entered when it has learned to hunt its legitimate quarry (no attendance at the Debutantes Ball is necessary). Field - the followers of a hunt other than car followers Field Master - the person in charge of the Field Foil - any scent that obliterates that of the quarry Gone to Ground - a fox goes to ground if it enters an earth during a hunt and thus brings it to a permanent conclusion. Head - To cause a fox or coyote to turn from its natural course. Hike (Hoick) - Huntsmen and staff use a number of words and phrases (some unprintable) when working with their hounds. Some of these words are hike (hark), forrard (forward), lieu in, get to 'em, and com'along. Holloa - to alert the huntsman that a fox or coyote has left cover. There are several "holloas" such as "Tally Ho", "Tally Ho Back" (fox leaves cover, stops and returns to cover), and something akin to a Rebel Yell - a high pitched screech with a cortle of info to follow. Hound Puppy - hounds remain puppies from when they cease to be whelps and until they start their first season hunting (after Opening Meet) Huntsman - the man who controls the hounds when they are out hunting Joint Master - when two or more people share the duties of Master they are known as Joint Masters Kennelman - the man who collects and prepares the food for the hounds and who looks after their lodges (in our case Jeanie and Sharon) Lift - a huntsman lifts his hounds when he collects them to take them forward onto fresh ground where he believes the quarry has gone in order to save time. Hounds may be lifted to make a cast, but they are usually lifted to where the quarry has been seen to go. Mark - when hounds bay at an earth where a fox has gone to ground they are said to be marking. Mask - the head of a fox Master - the manager of the hunt Masters of Foxhounds Association - The Association of Masters and ex-Masters of Foxhounds. They are the controlling body of the sport, and its book of rules apply to all hunts which it recognizes. Nose - the scenting power of a hound Opening Meet - the first hunting day after cubhunting has finished. Traditionally, it always took place the first weekend of November, but now it often happens during the end of October. It is a day when everyone turns out looking thier best. Pack - all the hounds belonging to one hunt form its pack Pads - the feet of hounds, foxes and coyotes Point - the length of a hunt if measured from A to B in a straight line Puppy Show - a summer show at which the hunts may display their young hounds prior to the start fo cubhunting Quarry - the hunted fox or coyote. Ratcatcher - the mode of hunting dress worn when cubhunting. Informal dress. Scent - the scent of an animal is the smell that it leaves when passing over the ground which a hound can follow. Good scent and bad scent are expressions referring not to the quality of scent, but to the length of time it remains on the ground. Three things affect this: (1) type of surface upon which the scent is laid (2) weather conditions and atmospheric pressure at the time which the scent is laid (3) the animal itself as certain animals produce stronger scent than others. That is a short definition on scent as there have been long books and even longer conversations by the fire about the mysteries of scent since hunting began. Settle - once hounds are together, are sure of themselves and increase the pace they are said to have settled on the quarry. Stern - a hound's tail Stock Tie - a garment worn around the neck when hunting and what many hunters think is a piece of arcane clothing sent to bedevil them on hunting mornings when fingers are stiff and time short. The stock, a shaped long white tie, is always fastened with a pin (a plain gold one worn horizontally is proper). Stocks are still useful in the Field when a bandage for a hurt horse or rider is needed. Thong - the flexible part of a hunting whip about 4 to 6 feet long depending on the preference of the user. Venery - hunting Vixen - a female fox Whelps - hound puppies from birth to about eight weeks old when they are weaned. Whipper-In - the assistant, or assistants, to the huntsman
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MFH and Staff

Showing good sport is the prime objective of the Masters, Huntsman, Whippers-In and Field Master. To achieve this, certain conduct is required. While promoting good sport, it is also their desire to encourage caution as it is necessary to ensure the safety of riders and mounts. At the sound of the horn, when Staff brings hounds up to the meet, please face the pack and be quiet. Give the pack and the Staff the respect they are due.

We recommend that you read Riding to Hounds in America, An Introduction to Foxhunters by William P. Wadsworth. This inexpensive book does not take long to read and is full of information that will be of great value to anyone new to the sport of foxhunting. You can purchase a copy online from the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

Respect for Masters and Staff

The Field Master represents the authority of the MFH. Follow his or her instructions. Listen carefully to his or her announcements.
Arrive at the meet correctly attired and tacked in sufficient time to be mounted at the appointed hour.
Upon arriving at the meet, present your guests to the Masters and take care of payment of fees and coggins check.
Position yourself in the field as to your rank (see below). When you must speak, speak quietly. No smoking at any time.
Be observant when hounds are around your horse. Always turn your horse's head toward the pack. Ride wide of hounds. Do not speak to hounds unless specifically requestd to by the Staff.
Keep up close to the Field. Do not straggle or wander off. This is particulary critical when going through gates. Always excuse yourself from the Field Master before leaving the Field. He or she can show you the way to the trailers and possibly prevent you from heading the quarry.
Do not take shortcuts - follow the track of the Field. This will prevent overrunning the hounds or the encounter of unexpected hazzards.
Always thank the Field Master, the Masters and the Huntsman at the end of the day.

Respect of the Field

Maintain a safe interval between your horse and other riders at all times. Do not crowd jumps, jump unnecessarily, or cross in front of riders. Ride straight and collected at all jumps. if your horse has a refusal, go immediately to the rear of the line. Never try again and again while others are waiting their turn.
It is assumed that each rider is a capable horseman and has a mount that is manageable. Do not bring problem horses into the Field.
If your horse is a kicker, tie a red ribbon on his tail and ride him at the extreme end of the Field to avoid accidents. A red ribbon is not a license to bring a kicker into close company with others.
If your horse is an inexpereinced hunt horse, tie a green ribbon in his tail. Please road inexpereinced horses with hounds and cub them as much as possible before bringing them into the Field.
Try to warn riders following you of dangerous obstacles in the Field such as holes, wire, etc. As you come alongside it, pass the word back, pointing to location and saying "ware hole", "ware wire", etc.
When you hear "Hold Hard", stop where you are. Do not move and do not talk. This is not time to catch up or a period for discussion.>
>An upraised hand is the signal for slowing or stopping. As soon as the signal is given, every rider should give the sign to prevent the rear riders from piling up.
If it appears that you are on the line, stay exactly where you are. Hounds will work through the Field and even through the horses' legs.
Hounds are vital to sport. Learn to take an interest in their work.
Radios and cell phones do distract hounds, Staff, and riders who are trying to listen to the day's sport. Normally members of the Field do not carry radios except with special permission.

Respect for Landowners

We are greateful to landowners for the large areas of undeveloped land we hunt. Hunting country can be lost because of acts of carelessness or ignorance on the part of a few. Therefore, it is very imporant to treat landowner's property and the landowner themselves with great respect.

Do not ride over plowed or planted ground, or soft marshy areas unless the Field Master instructs.
Please leave all gates and fences as they are found. If in doubt, it is better to closes a gate rather than risk letting livestock out.
If you accidently damage a fence or other structure or see damage, repair it as best you can and report it to the Field Master before leaving the meet.
Ride slowly and around cattle so that they will not be disturbed.
Leave no trash behind. No smoking.

Junior Repsonsibilities

A junior is a rider or participant in Hunt activities who is 18 years of age or younger.
Proper respect for adult members of the Field, Staff, and Masters will be as follows:
a. Juniors are required to address adults with Yes Sir, No Sir, Yes Ma'am, No Ma'am responses
b. In serving lines, Juniors are expected to follow adults
c. Juniors should not pass any adults in the Field wearing colors, either visitor or WWH colors

Position in the Field
Staff
Members invited to wear colors
Visitors invited to wear colors
Members without colors
Visitors without colors
Junior riders
Hilltoppers

Passing in the Field
During a run any rider, including a Junior rider, may pass any other rider except the Field Master so as not to lose the field.

Etiquette dictates passing rider inform forward rider of his or her intention to pass in a safe manner, checking to see if forward rider needs assistance.

At a check, riders should return to their original position in the field.

Correct Hunting Attire
Because South Carolina weather and meltons do not go together most of the season, Why Worry Hounds allows members to wear summer ratcatcher for many of our hunts. Safety of our Field is very important to us, and we require all members to wear ASTM/SEI certified helmets with chin straps whenever they are mounted.

Please check the Fixture Card for days when formal attire is requested by the Masters.

Visitors are welcome to wear colors awarded to them by their hunt, we do request that they observe our rule that all riders must wear ASTM/SEI certified helmets with chinstraps.

A word about hair: HAIRNETS. Ladies and gentlemen with flowing locks, please keep them contained in your helmet with a hairnet. Just putting it in a ponytail and coiling it in your cap is not going to keep sprigs and locks from coming loose and sprouting from your helmet. This not only looks unbecoming, but can be dangerous when these loose locks snag on branches during a gallop. OUCH!

Summer Ratcatcher
ASTM/SEI certified helmet (vented schooling styles are acceptable)
Polo shirts of any color except red (red is reserved for staff)
Any color breeches
Black or brown boots

Ratcatcher
ASTM/SEI certified helmet (vented schooling syles are acceptable)
Hacking jacket
Any color breeches
Tie for gentlemen
Chocker, tie, turtleneck for ladies
Black or brown boots

Gentlemen invited by the Masters to wear WWH colors
Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet (no top hats when mounted)
Black or Scarlet coat with WWH buttons and colors on the collar
Canary or Tattersalls Vest
White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin
Black boots with tan tops
Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn)
White string gloves or tan/brown leather

Gentlemen not yet invited to wear WWH colors
Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet
Black melton coat
Canary or Tattersalls vest
White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin
Black dress boots (no tan tops)
Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn)
Gloves (preferably string or brown/tan)

Ladies invited by the Master to wear WWH colors
Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet (no top hats or bowlers)
Hair neatly captured in hairnet is required
Black melton with WWH buttons and colors on the collar
Canary or Tattersalls Vest
White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin
Black boots with black patent tops (or plain)
Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn)
White string gloves or tan/brown leather

Ladies not yet invited to wear WWH colors
Black velvet ASTM/SEI certified helmet
Hair neatly captured in hairnet is required
Black melton
Canary or Tattersalls Vest
White hunting stock with plan horizontal pin
Black dress boots
Blunt spurs (if spurs must be worn)
Gloves (preferably string or brown/tan leather)

Juniors
Same as ladies not yet invited to wear WWH colors
Juniors may wear Ratcatcher attire throughout the season if they do not own formal attire.

Water carriers/flasks made for saddles are acceptable as long as the horse is used to carrying them, they are securely attached to the saddle and they do not make noise.

Horses
All horses that attend a Why Worry Hounds meet must have either hunted or at least roaded hounds. This is for your safety and the safety of the Field.

Any horse that you bring to a Why Worry Hounds meet must have a negative coggins. A copy of this coggins must be in your truck or trailer so that you can show proof of it if asked.

Please make sure your horse is at least moderatly fit and clean when riding to hounds. Braiding is only required on Opening Day (unless the Masters request it for a Joint Meet).

Horse Turnout
When hunting, it is important that your tack is clean and fits correctly. The plainer the tack the better. Please keep an eye on your tack to make sure that it is safe (no cracks or weak spots). Places that typically show wear first are stirrup leathers, girth billets, and reins (where they connect to the bit).

Well fitted protective horse boots are acceptable. Polo wraps are not.

Flashy tack (crystal browbands, multicolored bridles and breastcollars, animal print saddlepads) are not acceptable for a meet. Why Worry Hounds is relaxed about the type of tack (as long as it is safe and correctly fitted), but does request proper turnout for Opening Day and when we have visitors. Not only does it show respect for your hunt, but also for the landowners and guests.

Safety
No one wants an accident to happen, but because hunting can be dangerous we request that everyone fill out a card with his or her medical information on it and keep it on his or her person while hunting. Keeping a copy of your health insurance card with this medical information is a good idea as well.

Always let another member know where you keep your truck and trailer keys in case someone else needs to trailer your horse home for you.

A Helpful Dictionary of Hunting Terms

Away - A fox has "gone away" when he has left cover. Hounds are "away" when they have left covert on the line of a fox

Babble - A hound that babbles is one that speaks when not on the line of its quarry; usually caused by excitement. This is a bad fault if a hound continues to babble after it has been entered. It is also a bad fault in Field members and one of the main reasons for hounds lifting their heads.

Brush - The fox's tail is always referred to as a brush. The grooming utensil that can make your horse presentable (and can also be turned on humans to make them somewhat presentable).

Cap - Money paid to the hunt by a visitor joining it for one day.

Cast - Hounds can cast themselves or be cast by their huntsman in order to uncover the fox or coyote's line.

Check - Hounds check when they lose the scent of their quarry. A check can result in an animal being lost, but is usually just a pause in the hunt. A piece of paper from a financial institution that once signed by a Member and filled out with a hearty sum can make Masters smile broadly and the feed merchant smile even broader.

Country - A hunt's country is an area of land which is registered as belonging to a specific hunt by the Masters of Foxhounds Association. All hunts must have properly recognized country.

Couple - Hounds are always counted in couples. Thus 15 1/2 couple is 31 hounds.

Cover - An area of rough ground, brush, woodland, bog or crop in which hounds might find their quarry.

Covert - (pronounced "cover") a wood or brush that is specifically planted to provide accomodation for foxes.

Cry - hounds do not bark, they give tongue or speak. When hounds are speaking, the pack is said to be in full cry. A hound that hunts but fails to speak is said to be mute, which is a very bad fault (especially in our country where it is hard to view hounds).

Cub - a young fox in the first seven months of its life.

Cubhunting - Hunting before Opening Meet. A period when young hounds, young foxes, young horses and newcomers to foxhunting are taught what to do and expect when hunting.

Curs - any canine seen when hunting that is not a hound. (even your Westminster Champion will be called a cur on such occassions)

Dog Fox - a male fox

Dog Hound - a male hound

Draft Hounds - hounds sent from one pack to another

Drag Hunt - a hunt that does not hunt live quarry, but hunts a line of animal scent that has been laid by a human. Hounds that hunt drag are called Draghounds.

Draw - A huntsman draws his pack (selects which hounds he intends to take hunting). He also draws with the pack (tries to find an animal to hunt).

Earth - a hole in the ground developed by foxes for their accommodation. Foxes are crafty creatures and can also use drains and other animal holes as earths to "go to ground" in.

Entered - a hound is said to be entered when it has learned to hunt its legitimate quarry (no attendance at the Debutantes Ball is necessary).

Field - the followers of a hunt other than car followers

Field Master - the person in charge of the Field

Foil - any scent that obliterates that of the quarry

Gone to Ground - a fox goes to ground if it enters an earth during a hunt and thus brings it to a permanent conclusion.

Head - To cause a fox or coyote to turn from its natural course.

Hike (Hoick) - Huntsmen and staff use a number of words and phrases (some unprintable) when working with their hounds. Some of these words are hike (hark), forrard (forward), lieu in, get to 'em, and com'along.

Holloa - to alert the huntsman that a fox or coyote has left cover. There are several "holloas" such as "Tally Ho", "Tally Ho Back" (fox leaves cover, stops and returns to cover), and something akin to a Rebel Yell - a high pitched screech with a cortle of info to follow.

Hound Puppy - hounds remain puppies from when they cease to be whelps and until they start their first season hunting (after Opening Meet)

Huntsman - the man who controls the hounds when they are out hunting

Joint Master - when two or more people share the duties of Master they are known as Joint Masters

Kennelman - the man who collects and prepares the food for the hounds and who looks after their lodges (in our case Jeanie and Sharon)

Lift - a huntsman lifts his hounds when he collects them to take them forward onto fresh ground where he believes the quarry has gone in order to save time. Hounds may be lifted to make a cast, but they are usually lifted to where the quarry has been seen to go.

Mark - when hounds bay at an earth where a fox has gone to ground they are said to be marking.

Mask - the head of a fox

Master - the manager of the hunt

Masters of Foxhounds Association - The Association of Masters and ex-Masters of Foxhounds. They are the controlling body of the sport, and its book of rules apply to all hunts which it recognizes.

Nose - the scenting power of a hound

Opening Meet - the first hunting day after cubhunting has finished. Traditionally, it always took place the first weekend of November, but now it often happens during the end of October. It is a day when everyone turns out looking thier best.

Pack - all the hounds belonging to one hunt form its pack

Pads - the feet of hounds, foxes and coyotes

Point - the length of a hunt if measured from A to B in a straight line

Puppy Show - a summer show at which the hunts may display their young hounds prior to the start fo cubhunting

Quarry - the hunted fox or coyote.

Ratcatcher - the mode of hunting dress worn when cubhunting. Informal dress.

Scent - the scent of an animal is the smell that it leaves when passing over the ground which a hound can follow. Good scent and bad scent are expressions referring not to the quality of scent, but to the length of time it remains on the ground. Three things affect this: (1) type of surface upon which the scent is laid (2) weather conditions and atmospheric pressure at the time which the scent is laid (3) the animal itself as certain animals produce stronger scent than others. That is a short definition on scent as there have been long books and even longer conversations by the fire about the mysteries of scent since hunting began.

Settle - once hounds are together, are sure of themselves and increase the pace they are said to have settled on the quarry.

Stern - a hound's tail

Stock Tie - a garment worn around the neck when hunting and what many hunters think is a piece of arcane clothing sent to bedevil them on hunting mornings when fingers are stiff and time short. The stock, a shaped long white tie, is always fastened with a pin (a plain gold one worn horizontally is proper). Stocks are still useful in the Field when a bandage for a hurt horse or rider is needed.

Thong - the flexible part of a hunting whip about 4 to 6 feet long depending on the preference of the user.

Venery - hunting

Vixen - a female fox

Whelps - hound puppies from birth to about eight weeks old when they are weaned.

Whipper-In - the assistant, or assistants, to the huntsman