We had the South Carolina version of a blizzard on Boxing Day, but we and some of our hardiest of members decided to brave the elements and go hunting anyway. It had rained all night then turned to sleet and snow, which carried on all day and into the evening. Cancelling was an option but not one we wanted to use. We have always hunted on Boxing Day since the hunt was started, so we hated the thought of missing it this year, especially since the scenting would hopefully be better and we were meeting at our favorite fixture.
We decorated our hounds and horses with red bows (another of our traditions), bundled up, and a very happy and excited bunch of crazies went hunting! Although our strike hound Juliet was in the heat pen, her brother Jupiter stepped up as usual, and we struck pretty quickly. The parking lot coyote was waiting for us! Hounds reveled in the improved scenting conditions. We ran nearly the whole three hours we were out, with lots of hound music filling the woods at Three Runs. The footing was glorious, and several good gallops were had by the field. We whippers-in had a busy day as the hounds split several times, and multiple races could be heard at the same time all morning.
The first split was on a brace of coyotes with Jupiter and his son Arric leading the way on one coyote, while Grantham and his son Braveheart (2010 Grand Champion at the Carolinas Hound Show) led on the other. It was either good luck or the hunting Gods were smiling on us, as the split then converged on one coyote for a very nice gallop on the great trails at Three Runs.
We came in finally around 1:00 p.m. with all hounds less two couple that could not be persuaded to stop their fun. We adjourned to the Clubhouse to a roaring fire, wonderful food, and of course spirits of all sorts. Toast were made to our hounds, horses, and ourselves for having braved the weather. George collected one couple of hounds after he had his lunch, and I headed home with hounds and horses. The last couple stayed out, but are now home and sleeping on my feet as I write this. They will have to go to the kennel this afternoon, but for now they are enjoying their time at the house.
The hunting yesterday was the best so far this season. We didn’t get all the hunting that we wanted but, because of the weather, we had all we could stand.
December 29, 2010
Loisa Davidson photos. Click any photo to start a slideshow.
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