The History Of Fox Hunting

Fox Hunting has always been seen as a Britishof the country, instead settling in towns and cities
activity during which highly trained dogs, as well aswhere they could find work. Even though roads,
human hunters on horseback, pursue the red fox.rails, and canals split up the hunting land, it made it
Animal rights activists find the 'blood sport' to bemore accessible to people who wanted to hunt.
barbaric. However, its participants and proponentsAlso, the improvement of shotguns during the 19
see it to be a traditional equestrian sport, as wellth century allowed for game shooting to gain
as an important aspect of England's aristocraticpopularity.
history. In fact, even though it does take place inEven though it is viewed as a usually typical rural
several countries, its roots can be traced to theBritish sport, hunting using hounds does take place
British.all over. Those hunts in the U.S., Canada, Ireland,
Known as venery, the use of scent hounds toand also India are considered to be, to some
track prey dates way back to Assyrian,extent, a British Empire legacy. However, some
Babylonian, and also ancient Egyptian times. But, itdo claim that the first pack that was used solely
was in England, using the Agassaei breed of dog,for fox hunting was in the United States.
that fox hunting was really popular, taking placeOther countries, influenced by the Greek and
before the Romans even arrived.Romans, also have a tradition of fox hunting using
Later, the Romans brought over the Castorianhounds. For example, both France and Italy still
and Fulpine breed of hounds, as well as the brownhave fox hunts. But, in countries such as
hare and several species of deer to use asSwitzerland and Germany, fox hunting has been
quarry. Wild boar was also known as a huntedoutlawed.
animal.As of 2004, 170 registered packs found in the
Norman hunting traditions began when William theUnited States and Canada were included by the
Conqueror arrived, using Gascon and TalbotMasters of Foxhounds Association of America, as
hounds. In fact, the cry of 'tally ho' is the Normanwell as many more farmer, or non-recognized,
equivalent to the French 'il est haut,' meaning he ispacks.
up.When fox hunting is done in the United States,
1534 marks the first known attempt at foxthe pursued fox is often not caught. In fact, they
hunting, taking place in Norfolk, England. There,are trained so they aren't caught during the fox
farmers used their dogs to chase foxes as a wayhunt.
of pest control.During the late summer, young hounds are taken
It wasn't until the 17 th century that organizedon hunts called "cubbing," during which puppies are
pack began to hunt hare and fox, while it thosetaught to hunts while the young foxes are taught
used specifically for the sport of fox huntingto give chase. The proper season usually begins in
weren't used until the 18 th century.early November.
The Industrial Revolution saw people moving out