The History Of Fox Hunting
Fox Hunting has always been seen as a British activity during
which highly trained dogs, as well as human hunters on
horseback, pursue the red fox. Animal rights activists find the
'blood sport' to be barbaric. However, its participants and
proponents see it to be a traditional equestrian sport, as well
as an important aspect of England's aristocratic history. In
fact, even though it does take place in several countries, its
roots can be traced to the British.
Known as venery, the use of scent hounds to track prey dates way
back to Assyrian, Babylonian, and also ancient Egyptian times.
But, it was in England, using the Agassaei breed of dog, that
fox hunting was really popular, taking place before the Romans
even arrived.
Later, the Romans brought over the Castorian and Fulpine breed
of hounds, as well as the brown hare and several species of deer
to use as quarry. Wild boar was also known as a hunted animal.
Norman hunting traditions began when William the Conqueror
arrived, using Gascon and Talbot hounds. In fact, the cry of
'tally ho' is the Norman equivalent to the French 'il est haut,'
meaning he is up.
1534 marks the first known attempt at fox hunting, taking place
in Norfolk, England. There, farmers used their dogs to chase
foxes as a way of pest control.
It wasn't until the 17 th century that organized pack began to
hunt hare and fox, while it those used specifically for the
sport of fox hunting weren't used until the 18 th century.
The Industrial Revolution saw people moving out of the country,
instead settling in towns and cities where they could find work.
Even though roads, rails, and canals split up the hunting land,
it made it more accessible to people who wanted to hunt. Also,
the improvement of shotguns during the 19 th century allowed for
game shooting to gain popularity.
Even though it is viewed as a usually typical rural British
sport, hunting using hounds does take place all over. Those
hunts in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and also India are
considered to be, to some extent, a British Empire legacy.
However, some do claim that the first pack that was used solely
for fox hunting was in the United States.
Other countries, influenced by the Greek and Romans, also have a
tradition of fox hunting using hounds. For example, both France
and Italy still have fox hunts. But, in countries such as
Switzerland and Germany, fox hunting has been outlawed.
As of 2004, 170 registered packs found in the United States and
Canada were included by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of
America, as well as many more farmer, or non-recognized, packs.
When fox hunting is done in the United States, the pursued fox
is often not caught. In fact, they are trained so they aren't
caught during the fox hunt.
During the late summer, young hounds are taken on hunts called
"cubbing," during which puppies are taught to hunts while the
young foxes are taught to give chase. The proper season usually
begins in early November.
About the author:
Fox Hunting Resources and
Information around it
Other Related Articles
"How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy - Playtime for Kitty"
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are often left to their own devices, having to find their own ways of exercising if they are kept indoors. Cats have gone from working animals to creatures of leisure. In the past, a cat spent most of its day hunting, keeping the homestead free of...
More Pet Owners Realizing That "The Holidays Are Going To The Dogs ..."
If health trends
for dogs
mirror those for humans, pet owners are looking to keep their
dogs healthier while spending less.
The humanization of pet health is here to stay because owners
consider their pets to be part of the family. As a result many
people are choosing to adopt...
Some Fishing Safety rules every fisherman should know
By Rebecca Blain of http://www.discount-hunting-supplies-and-tips.com/discount-fishing-supplies.html When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in mind. These rules can help prevent injury to...
"How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy - Playtime for Kitty"
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are often left to their own devices, having to find their own ways of exercising if they are kept indoors. Cats have gone from working animals to creatures of leisure. In the past, a cat spent most of its day hunting, keeping the homestead free of...
More Pet Owners Realizing That "The Holidays Are Going To The Dogs ..."
If health trends for dogs mirror those for humans, pet owners are looking to keep their dogs healthier while spending less. The humanization of pet health is here to stay because owners consider their pets to be part of the family. As a result many people are choosing to adopt...
Some Fishing Safety rules every fisherman should know
By Rebecca Blain of http://www.discount-hunting-supplies-and-tips.com/discount-fishing-supplies.html When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in mind. These rules can help prevent injury to...