James Barclay, while Master of the Fitzwilliam Foxhounds (UK) from 1987 to 1999.Where now? This is undoubtedly one of the most frequently asked questions that we huntsmen have to consider during a hunting day. Where had our quarry gone, where to draw next, etc, etc? In this piece, however, I am going to use it in a different context, perhaps the most important one of all, and that is, Where is hunting going now?
Despite our opponents’ belief that they had won the most tremendous victory over us nearly eleven years ago, hunting is still here, and in whatever form it takes, it’s popularity has never waned. What a pleasure it is to see people from every angle of society still coming together at a meeting of their local pack of hounds. And why shouldn’t they?
We occasionally hear the comments, “It’s not like it used to be,” or, “ Look at that lot, they haven’t a clue what they are doing!” However, our record says more than that, and there is much to be proud of; but there is one thing for certain and that is we cannot afford to relax for one moment. Pushing our activities under the carpet is not going to help us in the long term. Let us go out and stand up for our beliefs, be keen to share them with those who are interested enough to listen. And there are plenty out there—if we play it correctly—who want to do exactly that.
We need to encourage the politicians and the public alike to learn what hunting is all about and to then, and only then, make up their own minds about hunting. To believe hunting is just an activity for the upper classes is madness. It is an argument that has been thrown at us for generations, and we all know that it is one that has suited our opposition’s case. Now it is time to counter that falsehood. We all know that hunting is an activity which is undertaken by rich and poor, urban or rural, and to say otherwise is just total fabrication.
Although still banned in its original form, every opportunity to ensure hunting has a good name should be taken extremely seriously. This should not be relegated to just high days and holidays, but it should be in our thinking throughout each and every year that passes. This is not a job for one person; it is a collective responsibility for all of us who hunt and enjoy our sport to play our part. New ideas bringing innovation, inspiration, and inclusiveness to our activities will, we would hope, help considerably in overturning once and for all this ridiculous piece of legislation. If we don’t manage to achieve something in the next three years, the time clock will be ticking against us as to whether we will ever be able to pull this off.
With all this in mind, a group of hunting enthusiasts from all over the UK met a few months ago in Central England to form a committee which they proudly call, “This is Hunting UK.” Not competing in any way whatsoever with the Countryside Alliance or the Hunting Associations, this committee’s objectives are clear: it fully supports the good work which is already going on. Of equal importance, however, it has been organised to help implement new and positive thinking in the way we promote our activities, whilst ridiculing in a sensible and professional manner the tactics of our opponents.
Hunting still has a large number of pluses in its favour, even in 2016! We should never forget that, and it is this belief which is the driving force behind, the “This is Hunting UK” Committee. So, when asked “Where now?” we can either use the old theory of the ostrich and bury our heads in the sand, or we can stand tall and let the British public decide where the truth really lies. We are already in a far better place than we ever thought we would ever be ten years ago, but time will not sit and wait for us. We must go out and play our part in safeguarding the future for the next generation who will follow in our footsteps. It is they who deserve the opportunity to go out hunting and experience what we once did. We also owe it to our quarry species—whether fox, deer, hare, or mink—for it is the true hunting man who really does have the greatest respect and understanding of these animals, far more than he is ever given credit for.
Anybody who has any ideas how they can support the work of “This is Hunting UK” please feel free to contact either Fran Allman at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase kennels, Stratton Audley , Bicester Oxon OX27 9BT. (e-mail [email protected], telephone 01869 277 209 / 07796 333321, or me, James Barclay at Abbey Farm, Stixwould, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN105HR (e-mail [email protected], telephone 01526 354177 / 07802 327463.We would be delighted to hear from you.
Posted January 5, 2016