Every hunt, whether it’s packs of foxhounds, beagles, basset hounds, harriers, staghounds or any other working pack of hounds, relies on more than just the hunt staff and others who take on a role in an official capacity. Behind the scenes - often unthanked, always indispensable - are the stalwarts. The ones who don’t necessarily participate but who show up regardless of the weather to park cars for a hunt event, who stand cooking burgers for those returning from early morning hound exercise to enjoy, and those who give up their time to help ensure that hounds and hunt horses are safely tucked up in their kennels or stables after a day’s hunting, they all quietly just “get things done”.

We want to shine a light on hunt stalwarts from around the country and encourage you to nominate some of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, many of which don’t seek recognition. In fact, most would rather blend into the background and it’s precisely that quiet dedication that keeps the wheels turning in every pack across the country.

"These are the people who are the heartbeat of every pack," says Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance.

"Without their tireless support and generosity - often given with no expectation of thanks - so many of the things taken for granted simply wouldn’t happen. We want to recognise the vital role they play in keeping our hunt’s alive and encourage you to nominate those from your hunt whose hard work has not gone unnoticed.”

Nominate your hunt stalwarts today

Do you know someone who always puts their hand up when help is needed - whether it’s baking cakes, collecting car caps, coordinating a coach trip to the races, puppy walking or staying behind to tidy up long after others have gone home from a hunt event?

Whether they’ve been doing it for decades or just stepped up recently, we want to hear about the people who embody the spirit of service and support in the hunting world so nominate your hunting stalwart today.

Please complete this form by telling us who they are, what they do, and why they deserve recognition. Big or small, every contribution matters - and now’s the time to say thank you.

Let’s celebrate the backbone of hunting - the quiet grafters, the doers, the helpers - hunting’s unsung heroes.

Photo Credit: David Bunn