“Lost Hound” by Jane Gaston: illustration from the book of the same name by Robert AshcomWhat should we do when we see foxhounds in our yard or loose in the country? Our options are (1) try to capture and secure them in a kennel or horse stall and call the huntsman, (2) put them in our vehicle and drive them to the kennel, (3) call the huntsman or the kennelman, tell them what we saw, and leave it in his/her hands, or (4) do nothing.
It’s a conundrum because each of the above answers can be correct, depending on the circumstances. Has the pack been hunting from a meet in the vicinity? How far away are the kennels? Are there busy highways between hounds and kennels? Between hounds and the meet? Are hounds moving with a purpose or just nosing around? Is a hound injured?
In deciding on a course of action, we have to start with the premise that most huntsmen prefer to have their hounds learn on their own how to take care of themselves, how to climb over or under the fences, how to find their way back to the kennels or the meet. Some huntsmen will leave an article of clothing behind at the meet, hoping the lost hound will find it and stay put until the huntsman returns. In general, the huntsman will return promptly. With horn.
Some huntsmen also believe that if you put hounds up in a nicely bedded stall, in the shade, with food and water, they will like it and learn to look for it!
When to Leave ’em Be
For these reasons, and assuming the hound or hounds are moving through your place with a purpose, and all other factors are favorable, many huntsmen would prefer that we leave the hounds to return on their own and learn from the experience. However, I would certainly call the huntsman and impart the information: how many hounds, the time of day, and what direction they were heading.
Some folks may be reluctant to bother the huntsman with such information. To my way of thinking, no true huntsman should find it a bother to be called concerning the safety of his hounds. I know of one Master who promises to pay for a complete car cleaning for anyone who sees a loose hound on the road, picks it up in his/her vehicle, and drives it to the kennel!
When to Put ’em Up
If hounds are not moving with purpose, if there are busy roads between you and the kennel or the meet, if a hound appears to be injured, certainly try to secure it in a shed, horse stall, or garage, and phone the huntsman.
If you call the hunt club and have to leave a message, be certain to leave your name , number and address. Your huntsman may be new to the area. Give him as much help as you can. He may not know where “Jane Alderman’s old place” is.
As good neighbors we have all become accustomed to watching out for lost dogs. It is a natural inclination to protect them and get them home. It is sometimes difficult to realize that working foxhounds aren’t lost. They belong in the country, they know where they live, and they should know how to get there. Sometimes human interference, as well intentioned as it is, can be problematic for hounds and the huntsman. Clearly though, if a hound is injured or in danger it must be protected, and it is quite right for you to put that animal in a stall. Assuming you can get a lead around its neck, of course!
Click to read how one clever woman captured a loose hound on the road, mimicking the sound of a hunting horn.
In any event, it’s always appropriate to call the huntsman. If any of his or her hounds are unaccounted for, he wants and needs the information.
Posted August 6.2015