Foxhunting, Austrian Style
The traditional “Night of the Foxes” took place in Upper Styria, Austria over the last weekend in January, 2012. The tradition endures there as a way of controlling the fox population, balancing the natural environment, and protecting small game. Although details were sparse in the Austrian Times article, the hunting method seems to involve the […]
Shangri-La?
Huntsman Claire Buchy Anderson takes the Santa Ynez Valley Hounds (CA) to the next draw. This little corner of hunting heaven was captured by photographer Jennifer Calderwood. Posted February 5, 2013
Fox Hunt by Winslow Homer
Fox Hunt is one of the well-known works of the renowned American artist, Winslow Homer (1836–1910).
In this ominous painting, a fox struggles through the snow in search of a meal. The Atlantic roils below, and the sky above is dark with another approaching storm. The fox has captured the attention of a flock of equally hungry crows that circle above, the nearest threatening to blot out the entire scene in blackness. It was not unusual in the long Maine winters to see a flock of crows attack a weakened fox adrift in deep snow. The red berries peeking through the snow drift provide the only relief to this somber moment.
Foxhound in the House
At home with Cathy and friendCathy Eising has a twenty-month-old foxhound out of her mother’s rescue foxhound, and she works at his training diligently. She writes:
“I am seeking advice on how to raise the foxhound as a family dog, especially off-leash training. Will he ever stop chasing wild things and pay attention to me outdoors? I have done a lot of obedience with him, and all areas are coming well except off leash outdoors. He needs to run and I can’t walk fast enough or long enough for him to get properly exercised, so I need to trust that he will come when called under all circumstances (including around deer). I’m very dedicated and work with him every day.”
Naturalist’s Notebook: The Red Fox
Cathy Summers photo
As a followup to our recent piece on the coyote, here’s that same naturalist’s description of the red fox. As before, I’m unable to provide a reference, book title, author, publisher, or date for this excellent bit of wood lore. If any reader recognizes it and can identify the source, we will publish that information in a future issue.
The red fox (Vulpes fulva) is one of the best-known characters in history and legend, widely spread over the temperate and northern regions of the world. For its combination of beauty and grace and intelligence it has had the attention of artists, poets, and naturalists, and merits the attention of those who would read the signs of the out-of-doors.
Naturalist’s Notebook: The Red Fox
Cathy Summers photo
The red fox (Vulpes fulva) is one of the best-known characters in history and legend, widely spread over the temperate and northern regions of the world. For its combination of beauty and grace and intelligence it has had the attention of artists, poets, and naturalists, and merits the attention of those who would read the signs of the out-of-doors.
A Holiday Hunt: Kudos to the Fox
The author, leading the field / Nancy Kleck photoMasters, staff, and field of the Blue Ridge Hunt are thankful for the recent Martin Luther King holiday. We always advance the meet from our usual Tuesday to any Monday holiday to give the juniors a chance to hunt. With the Virginia hunting country enveloped in sub-freezing arctic air on Tuesday, Monday’s “storybook” hunt—fifty-five minutes on one fox—was a special gift.
The meet was at Catherine Berger’s Rolling Hills Farm. Hounds found their fox in the first covert where it was viewed across the open fields by a car follower. Before horses were even warmed up, we found ourselves racing to the first fence—a brand-new, raw, double-wide coop standing high on its timbers.
The Cheshire in Winter
I can get lost in a photo like this. There is so much to see and so much that is felt rather than seen. In the foreground are huntsman Ivan Dowling and whipper-in Stephanie Boyer, obviously communicating. Hounds, though bright and lively, are squinting to keep the snow out of their eyes. The horses and […]
USDA Introduces Animal Traceability Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instituted a new program—Animal Disease Traceability Program (ADTP)—to allow livestock (including horses) to be traced in the event of a disease outbreak. ADTP will apply to all interstate transport. How this traceability program will impact the Equine Interstate Event Permit (EIEP) program devised by states in the Southeast […]
Southeastern States Facilitate Interstate Horse Transport
A new permit—the Equine Interstate Event Permit (EIEP)—will allow the transport of horses between states in the Southeast for six-month periods. These permits will serve in lieu of the usual Certificate of Veterinary Inspection which is good for only thirty days. Dr. Richard Wilkes, State veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services […]