Author Hugh Robards is huntsman of the Saxonburg Hounds (PA). / Alex Farnham photoThe foxhounds of the Saxonburg Hunt in Pennsylvania now have a winter kennel in South Carolina of which full advantage is taken from January 1 to the end of March each year. Since Mr. Floyd Wine, MFH invested in property close to the small town of Salley (population about 450 and home of the annual Chitlin Strut!), the harsh Pennsylvanian winters are no longer an obstacle to continued hunting.
As the country hunted is shared with the Edisto River Hounds it was decided this year to have a Hunt Festival Week. Each pack hunted on alternate days with tailgate parties, dinner parties, and a Hunt Ball thrown in for good measure.
A group of Saxonburg members led by one of the honorary whippers-in, Nancy Iscrupe, made the long trek south to participate in the week of festivities and a good time was had by all. They relished the unspoilt country and lack of urbanization, plus the chance to ride up close to hounds. Although South Carolina was going through a period of drought, resulting in poor scenting conditions, both packs acquitted themselves well.
In their home country the Saxonburg Hounds hunt only red fox and the odd grey, but in South Carolina they hunt not only red and grey fox but also coyote and bobcat. The pack has adapted well to hunt them all with equal enthusiasm. With many miles of pine stands and acres of swamps, the terrain is vastly different from that hunted in Saxonburg but once again the hounds have adapted to it well and learnt how to navigate the swamps which when hunted produce a magnificent cry from the pack.
Several packs migrate from their home countries in the north to visit other hunt countries in more clement parts of the world during the winter months which is great fun, but to have a kennel, stables, and housing for the hunt staff in a warmer state with good hunt country is to say the least a huge bonus for hounds, horses and humans. A bonus that is hoped to be enjoyed for many seasons to come.
Posted May 14, 2013
Edisto River Hounds / Alex Farnham photo