TRAIL LAYING

Since the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004, the Blankney Hunt hunts by laying trails.  The object of trail hunting is to simulate, as realistically as possible, traditional hunting.  The day follows a similar pattern to that before the Hunting Act came into force.  Mounted followers still wear traditional dress and are led by a ‘field master’ who keeps them in touch with the hounds and enables them to see the hounds searching for and following their trail.

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The trail is laid across the countryside, taking a route that simulates a fox travelling through woods, along hedgerows, coverts, ditches and open land.  It is laid by dragging a scent-soaked sock, cloth or sack along the ground.  This can be done on foot, a horse, a bicycle, or by a combination.  The trail is not laid continuously but occasionally lifted for some distance, then dropped again to allow the hounds to ‘cast’ (search for the scent if they lose it).

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When the hounds find the scent and start to follow it, they will use their voices to produce a sound which is called ‘speaking’.  This indicates to the huntsman and followers that the hounds have found a trail and are following it.   The Huntsman will encourage and control the hounds using his horn and voice.

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Depending on scenting conditions, hounds may need help and encouragement from the Huntsman and perhaps the Whipper-in if the pack gets strung out and needs to be brought back together. It is highly likely that foxes, deer, hares, rabbits and other wildlife will be seen throughout the day.  If the hounds pick up the scent of a live quarry, the huntsman and other members of the hunt staff will stop the hounds as soon as they are aware. 

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For more information about trail hunting, please see the Countryside Alliance’s guide to trail hunting, which can be found here:

https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/hunting/campaigns/trail-hunting-q-a