The Fort Leavenworth Hunt (KS) is the only MFHA-registered hunt under military auspices. Every August, the hunt holds a free foxhunting camp—Eight Easy Lessons—to review riding and hunting customs for the benefit of current and potential members, according to the Fort Leavenworth Lamp.

Organized in 1926 by the U.S. Tenth Cavalry Regiment, the Fort Leavenworth Hunt kennels are still on the Fort. Members hunt the coyote mostly on Fort Leavenworth lands in the region where the Santa Fe Trail begins. Hunt subscribers are military personnel, their families, as well as civilians.

The first two of the eight lessons are riding lessons in which riding skills of the participants are evaluated. The third lesson involves riding drills. The fourth lesson is an informational session about the hunt and its traditions, and the remaining lessons are mounted lessons in the hunting country. The hunt offers four fields to mounted participants.

Before World War II, nearly every major Army post had its own hunt. Today the Fort Leavenworth Hunt is the last remaining U.S. military-affiliated fox hunt. The Crossbred pack is cared for and trained by Stephanie Wilcox, MFH and huntsman. Because Kansas law limits foxhunting, hounds chase only coyotes now.

Throughout the hunt’s history, numerous military leaders participated in the hunt, including General Jonathan Wainwright, MFH in 1929, and General George Patton. The hounds, first cared for by the 10th Cavalry Regiment or Buffalo Soldiers, chased foxes and coyotes on post.

Click for the complete Fort Leavenworth Lamp article.

Posted September 24, 2015