When is National Trail Hunting Day?

National Trail Hunting Day takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026, marking the start of Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week, which runs until Saturday 24 October.

Where is it taking place?

Four flagship trail hunting meets are being hosted by the Percy, Suffolk, Worcestershire and East Devon Hunts as part of National Trail Hunting Day.

• Percy Hunt - South Charlton Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2LY
• Suffolk Hunt - Suffolk Heath House,Herringswell, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6SS
• Worcestershire Hunt - Bow Wood, Upton, Snodsbury, WR7 4AJ
• East Devon Hunt - Honiton showground

The events will provide an opportunity for the public, supporters and those who have never experienced trail hunting to see hounds working, meet those involved and learn more about this lawful activity.

What time should I arrive?

Those attending are encouraged to arrive from 10am in plenty of time to allow for parking and to enjoy the atmosphere and meet hospitality before the formalities begin with a short welcoming speech.

Hounds will meet at 11am with the mounted followers expected to be ready to commence trail hunting from that time.

Please check the specific arrangements published by each host hunt before travelling and ensure that you book in if you are planning to attend by visiting National Trail Hunting Day — Future For Hunting.

Who are the organisers?

National Trail Hunting Day has been coordinated by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), working alongside the registered packs of hounds hosting the four flagship events, with support from the Countryside Alliance.

What is the purpose of National Trail Hunting Day?

National Trail Hunting Day is an opportunity to showcase lawful trail hunting and demonstrate how hunts operate in practice.

Invitations have been sent out to MPs and rural crime officers, but the events are open to members of the public, politicians, police, media and anybody interested in finding out more about trail hunting.

They provide an opportunity to meet hunt staff, supporters and volunteers, ask questions about how trails are laid and followed, and see first-hand the dedication and care involved in managing a pack of hounds.

Importantly, the day also offers an opportunity to welcome newcomers, challenge misconceptions and demonstrate the important role that trail hunting plays within rural communities.

Will the format replicate a normal day's trail hunting?

Yes. The events are intended to reflect a normal day's trail hunting, with trails laid across the countryside for hounds to search for and follow.

A field master will be responsible for guiding the mounted field, while the venues have been selected to provide opportunities for spectators and those following on foot to see hounds working.

There will also be the customary hospitality associated with a trail hunting meet, providing an opportunity for newcomers and regular supporters alike to meet and socialise before hounds move off.

Why is National Trail Hunting Day particularly important this year?

National Trail Hunting Day comes at a particularly important time for the hunting community.

The Labour government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to ban trail hunting, and its consultation on proposals to prohibit the activity in England and Wales closed in June 2026.

The Future for Hunting campaign, a joint initiative between the Countryside Alliance and the BHSA, generated more than 91,000 responses to the consultation through its campaigning platform, demonstrating the strength of feeling among those who support lawful trail hunting.

With the government considering the responses received, it is more important than ever that the hunting community demonstrates the reality of trail hunting and the benefits it brings to rural communities.

National Trail Hunting Day provides an opportunity to show that trail hunting is a lawful, organised and regulated activity, supported by people from a wide range of backgrounds.

It also highlights the contribution hunts make to the rural economy, their connections with farmers, landowners and local businesses, and the physical and mental wellbeing benefits associated with participation.

Can anybody attend National Trail Hunting Day?

Absolutely. Everybody is welcome, whether they are regular hunt supporters, have never been hunting before or are simply curious to find out more.

The BHSA is encouraging supporters to attend their local flagship event, whether mounted or on foot, and to invite friends, family and anybody who might be interested in experiencing trail hunting for the first time.

Details of the individual meets will be shared by the host hunts through their usual communication channels and social media.

How much does the day cost?

There is no charge for spectators or those following on foot. Anybody wishing to participate on horseback should contact the relevant host hunt in advance to confirm availability, booking arrangements and whether any charges apply.

Can anybody follow hounds on horseback?

There will be a mounted field at each of the flagship events, although numbers may be limited depending on local circumstances, including parking arrangements and farming activities.

Anybody wishing to take part on horseback should contact the host hunt in advance to register their interest and confirm availability.

This will also ensure that participants receive any relevant instructions regarding parking, access and arrangements for the day.

What should I wear if I am planning to take my horse?

The traditional dress code for autumn trail hunting is known as 'ratcatcher', which generally consists of a tweed hacking jacket, shirt and tie or hunting tie.

However, newcomers should not be discouraged if they do not have traditional hunting attire. Smart, practical riding clothes and appropriate safety equipment are perfectly suitable.

Everybody attending is encouraged to be well turned out as a mark of respect to the farmers and landowners who generously allow access to their land.

What if I cannot attend one of the four flagship events?

There are plenty of other opportunities to experience trail hunting and show your support.

National Trail Hunting Day marks the beginning of Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week, running from 17–24 October 2026, during which hunts across the country are being encouraged to organise special meets, open days and other activities to welcome newcomers.

These may include opportunities to visit kennels, meet hunt staff and hounds, attend a trail hunting meet or simply learn more about the activity.

The week also provides an ideal opportunity for those who have previously enjoyed hunt rides or other activities organised by their local hunt to take the next step and experience a day's trail hunting.

Beyond Newcomers Week, opening meets will take place throughout the autumn, followed by the traditional Boxing Day meets held across the country.

Anybody interested in attending should contact their local hunt to find out what events are being organised.

What is trail hunting?

Trail hunting involves laying a scent across the countryside for a pack of hounds to search for and follow using their highly developed sense of smell.

The trail may be laid by somebody on foot, on horseback, on a bicycle or using a combination of methods.

The activity is designed to simulate aspects of traditional quarry hunting, allowing hounds to continue working as a pack while providing an opportunity for mounted and foot followers to enjoy watching them work.

Trail hunting also enables hunts to retain their kennels, hounds, staff and associated infrastructure, while continuing to contribute to rural communities and local economies.

Thousands of days of trail hunting take place across the country each season, yet misconceptions about the activity remain.

Find out more

National Trail Hunting Day and Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week provide valuable opportunities to address those misconceptions, demonstrate how trail hunting operates and introduce more people to the activity.

For those interested in finding out more, our guide How to prepare for a newcomers’ meet provides practical advice on preparing for a meet, whether following on foot or on horseback.